The American Dream In The 1950s: A Father's Quest Anonymous College

The American Dream means different things to different people, but the basic principle remains the same: putting in enough hard work will guarantee you a happy and successful life. It is a belief that adheres so tightly to the nation built on the ideals of individualism and independence. Aside from the natives' tribes of course, everyone in America is here because they or their parents immigrated here. This is a fact worth consideration, since all those immigrants come to the country with almost nothing, making "hard work" their only shot at socioeconomic mobility. But that assumes a perfect America where everyone is of the same standing, with equal rights and opportunities, and ignores the subjectivity and differences in interpretation of this so-called dream, especially in terms of different generations. Through his play Fences, August Wilson not only is able to portray the struggle for the American Dream, but also the complex issues of race that arise as his characters strive for a better life.

Commonly, parents that were not able to achieve their goals instead turn to the hope that their children will at least be granted an easier time and in turn succeed in their place. Troy Maxson, the main character of Fences and father...