Analyze how a certain theme from America’s literary history is shown through two different works and authors
Choose a theme from the following list:
-religion and faith
-community and responsibility
-the American Dream
-Disillusionment of man
-the meaning of freedom
-the journey to identity.
I really just need an example of two books to compare
Which books are you comparing?
Certainly! Let's choose the theme of "the American Dream" for our analysis of two works and authors from America's literary history.
Book 1: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Book 2: "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller
Author: Arthur Miller
In "The Great Gatsby," F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the theme of the American Dream through the perspective of Jay Gatsby, a self-made man who exemplifies the pursuit of wealth and social standing. Gatsby's relentless drive to achieve his version of the American Dream, which involves winning the love of his long-lost sweetheart Daisy Buchanan, is portrayed as both admirable and tragic. Despite his material success, Gatsby's ultimate inability to fully realize his dream, coupled with the corruption and shallow nature of the society he aspires to be a part of, ultimately leads to his demise. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream serves as a critique of the emptiness and illusory nature of the concept itself.
Similarly, Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" delves into the theme of the American Dream, but from a different perspective. The protagonist, Willy Loman, is a traveling salesman who believes wholeheartedly in the American Dream and the success it promises. However, as the play progresses, it becomes apparent that Loman's belief in the Dream is a delusion built on unrealistic expectations. As he faces setbacks and struggles to achieve the financial success he yearns for, Loman becomes increasingly disillusioned and desperate. Miller's depiction of Loman's decline highlights the tragic consequences of blindly pursuing the American Dream without acknowledging the harsh realities and limitations of the system.
By comparing these two works in the context of the theme of the American Dream, you can analyze how the authors present differing perspectives on the concept. "The Great Gatsby" critiques the idea of the American Dream through its depiction of Gatsby's tragic pursuit, while "Death of a Salesman" explores the damaging effects of an unwavering belief in the Dream on the individual and their relationships. By studying these works and their authors' approaches, you can gain a deeper understanding of how the theme of the American Dream has been portrayed in American literature.