American Dream Essay

Question 1

What is the American Dream

Answer 1

The American Dream is the idea that if one works hard, they should be able to achieve success regardless of class, race or gender.

Question 2

Intro.

Answer 2

Sam Mendes’ film American Beauty (1999), Robert Frost’s The Lone Striker (1933) and Provide, Provide all demonstrate that repeat essay question. In all of these texts materialism and meritocracy are challenged through the use of literary and film techniques.

Question 3

The Lone Striker - Meritocracy

Answer 3

The mill, though many-many eyed, had eyes inscrutably opaque, so that he couldn’t look inside to see if some forlorn machine was standing idle for his sake.

Question 4

The Lone Striker - Materialism

Answer 4

He knew a path that wanting walking; He knew a spring that wanted drinking; A thought that wanted further re-renewing.

Question 5

What is meritocracy?

Answer 5

Meritocracy is the idea that one’s progress is based on ability and talent rather that on class privilege or wealth

Question 6

Dialogue in American Beauty (Materialism)

Answer 6

The car I’ve always wanted and now I have it, I rule!

Question 7

What is materialism?

Answer 7

Materialism is an interest in and desire for money and possessions rather than spiritual or ethical values.

Question 8

Provide Provide - Materialism

Answer 8

Better to go down dignified, with boughten friendship at your side, than none at all. Provide, provide!

Question 9

Provide Provide - Meritocracy

Answer 9

The witch that came (the withered hag), to wash the steps with pail and rag, was once the beauty Abishag.

Question 10

Irony in Provide, Provide

Answer 10

Demonstrates that wealth with wealth comes a false sense of fulfilment.

Question 11

Repetition in Provide, Provide

Answer 11

Emphasises the need to deliver material wealth in order to avoid alienation.

Question 12

Personification in The Lone Striker

Answer 12

Allows the reader to develop the sense that the machine is similar to a person who has stepped in and taken this mans job.

Question 13

Repetition in The Lone Striker

Answer 13

Repetition of verbs emphasises the idea that there are many things a man can spend his time doing other than working.

Question 14

American Beauty - Materialism scene

Answer 14

Carolyn comes home to see that Lester has bought himself a new car and doesn’t understand why Lester has done so. Lester replies stating that he’s always wanted one so he’s finally got one.

Question 15

American Beauty - Meritocracy scene

Answer 15

Brad calls Lester into his office to discuss what is happening with job cuts. He asks Lester to write a letter on why they should keep him employed.