Why did Steinbeck see “the American way of life” as just a dream? Are we approaching it today?
Steinbeck saw "the American way of life" as simply an illusion that cannot be achieved. This was due to his perspective of Americans as paradoxical people who "shout that we are a nation of laws, not men—and then proceeds to break every law we can if we can get away with it" (Steinbeck 2). According to him, Americans are constantly contradicting themselves in both their words and actions. Similar to how Americans are proud to have many laws, yet are jumping at the opportunity to break them, we also face the same issue when it comes to the "American way of life" and achieving the American dream. A large aspect of the American dream is involved with our aspiration to own a home. Americans are always constructing new suburban houses where "a man and his wife grow graciously old, warmed by the radiance of well-washed children and grandchildren" (Steinbeck 2). At first glance, it sounds wonderful, however, their is a significant downfall to this. Americans struggle to afford their newly purchased houses, and "the earning power of the father is almost always over extended, so that after a few years he is not able to keep up the payments in his loans" (Steinbeck 2). The impossible mortgage payments eventually lead to the loss of their home due to financial struggles. This false hope has been created through people viewing the most extravagant, wealthy families and believing that they too will acquire this immense amount of wealth. In The Great Gatsby, both Nick Carraway and Gatsby appear to live this lavish lifestyle that most long for. Nick was well-aware of his wealth, which is exemplified in the beginning of the novel when he explains the advice from his father when he urged Nick to "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that [he's] had" (Fitzgerald 1). He emphasizes how privileged he was to grow up so wealthy. Gatsby also lives in the most extravagant house in West Egg and shows off the wealth he appears to have by hosting parties frequently in order to impress Daisy. He is very flamboyant and ensures that the whole neighborhood knows how wealthy he is. Today, their has been some improvements, but despite this, it is still very minimal. Few people believe in the possibility of the "American way of life" as a reality due to demanding day-to-day responsibilities such as work, taking care of your children, and paying bills. With so much pressure put on the ideal American, their is very little time to fantasize and dream over a long-term goal when they are struggling to put food on the table and pay the next mortgage payment.
Works Cited:
Fitzgerald, Scott F. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 30 September 2004.
Steinbeck, John. "America and Americans: Is the American Dream even possible?" hope it helps !
