Dreams are the only universal liars who never lose their reputation for veracity because "hope is the poor man's bread" said Gary Herbert to his people. This is how the American Dream emerged and survived to be a legend that knew its way to people's hearts all over the globe. It is the dream of freedom, equality, opportunity and making fortunes; the golden chance to those who can obtain the green passport. It is what drove millions everywhere to immigrate both legally and illegally to the US in search for a better future for them and their children.
Unfortunately, one cannot make dreams come true unless he/she wakes up because in fact they are always too good to be true. Americans have realized that their dream is slipping away due to their financial crisis, deteriorating economy and growing population. However, they had to keep promoting their merchandize, entertaining their audience to maintain their superiority, leadership and grandeur. For years, American playwrights praised America's alleged welfare offered to the oppressed and the persecuted. Later, dramatists started disillusioning their audience; revealing the ugly face of reality behind the perfect dream.
In an attempt that is unique of its kind, this research traces how the American Dream (the notion that shaped a nation) was depicted in different works of art by various playwrights with special reference to two towering figures of American literature; Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. Throughout my project, I was exposed to different points of view of both American and Un-American writers. Some stated their resentment directly in newspaper and television interviews while others made it clear through their characters who depict the suffering average everyday American facing reality by illusion. Modern American theatre is rich with these examples. One can only read between the lines to realize the fallacy of the dream and this has been my favorite part.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER ONE: “THE AMERICAN DREAM” AS PROPAGATED BY EARLY WRITERS
- CHAPTER TWO: THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE AS PORTRAYED IN THE MODERN AMERICAN THEATRE
- A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
- The American Dream by Edward Albee
- The Buried Child by Sam Shepard
- CHAPTER THREE: THE DECLINE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM IN TENNESSEE WILLIAMS' THEATRE
- The Glass Menagerie
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- CHAPTER FOUR: ARTHUR MILLER'S THEATRE OF "MISFITS"
- Death of a Salesman
- A View from the Bridge
- All My Sons
Objectives and Key Themes
This research investigates the portrayal of the American Dream in American theatre, focusing on how its depiction evolved over time. The study particularly examines the works of Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller to illustrate the disillusionment with this ideal. It analyzes how the initial promise of the American Dream is contrasted with the harsh realities faced by ordinary Americans.
- The evolution of the American Dream's portrayal in American theatre.
- The disillusionment with the American Dream as depicted by playwrights.
- The contrast between the idealized American Dream and the realities of American life.
- The perspectives of both American and non-American writers on the American Dream.
- The use of theatrical techniques to expose the flaws in the American Dream.
Chapter Summaries
CHAPTER ONE: “THE AMERICAN DREAM” AS PROPAGATED BY EARLY WRITERS: This chapter would explore early depictions of the American Dream in literature, examining how it was presented as a powerful and alluring ideal, emphasizing freedom, opportunity, and prosperity. It would analyze the ways in which these early portrayals shaped the national identity and the expectations of immigrants and Americans alike. The chapter would likely contrast these early, idealized representations with later, more critical portrayals.
CHAPTER TWO: THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE AS PORTRAYED IN THE MODERN AMERICAN THEATRE: This chapter analyzes how modern American playwrights, such as Lorraine Hansberry, Edward Albee, and Sam Shepard, deconstruct the American Dream myth. It would delve into specific plays, exploring how the characters confront economic hardship, social injustice, and personal disillusionment. The chapter would likely examine the dramatic techniques used to highlight the discrepancy between the promise and the reality of the American Dream, demonstrating the societal and personal struggles of ordinary Americans. The analysis would likely connect the themes presented in each play to broader societal critiques of American society.
CHAPTER THREE: THE DECLINE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM IN TENNESSEE WILLIAMS' THEATRE: This chapter focuses on Tennessee Williams' plays, specifically "The Glass Menagerie" and "A Streetcar Named Desire," analyzing how he portrays the disintegration of the American Dream for his characters. It would examine the themes of memory, illusion, and the clash between reality and desire. The chapter would discuss how Williams uses symbolism and character development to expose the fragility of hope and the devastating consequences of pursuing unattainable ideals. The analysis would explore the psychological impact of failing to achieve the American Dream and connect these themes to other aspects of Williams' work and wider societal contexts.
CHAPTER FOUR: ARTHUR MILLER'S THEATRE OF "MISFITS": This chapter explores Arthur Miller's portrayal of individuals struggling against the pressures and limitations of American society. It will delve into plays like "Death of a Salesman," "A View from the Bridge," and "All My Sons," examining how his characters grapple with moral dilemmas, societal expectations, and the consequences of their choices. The analysis will connect the themes of guilt, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a seemingly materialistic world. It will explore how Miller uses his characters to critique the American Dream’s inherent contradictions and its impact on the human psyche.
Keywords
American Dream, American Theatre, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, disillusionment, social critique, modern drama, societal expectations, economic hardship, psychological impact.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Critical Analysis of the American Dream in American Theatre
What is the main focus of this research?
This research investigates how the American Dream is portrayed in American theatre, specifically focusing on its evolution over time and the disillusionment with this ideal, particularly as depicted by playwrights like Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. It contrasts the initial promise of the American Dream with the harsh realities faced by ordinary Americans.
Which playwrights are central to this analysis?
The study primarily analyzes the works of Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, examining how they depict the disintegration and critique of the American Dream in their plays.
What key themes are explored in this research?
Key themes include the evolution of the American Dream's portrayal in American theatre, the disillusionment with this ideal, the contrast between the idealized dream and the realities of American life, the perspectives of both American and non-American writers, and the use of theatrical techniques to expose flaws in the American Dream.
Which plays are discussed in detail?
The analysis includes detailed discussions of plays such as A Raisin in the Sun (Lorraine Hansberry), The American Dream (Edward Albee), The Buried Child (Sam Shepard), The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire (Tennessee Williams), Death of a Salesman, A View from the Bridge, and All My Sons (Arthur Miller).
How does the research approach the topic chronologically?
The research follows a chronological approach, starting with early depictions of the American Dream and then progressing to modern interpretations that reveal disillusionment and critique. This is reflected in the chapter structure.
What is the purpose of analyzing early portrayals of the American Dream?
Analyzing early depictions helps to establish a baseline understanding of how the American Dream was initially presented and how this initial presentation shaped national identity and expectations. This forms a contrast for later, more critical views.
How are modern portrayals of the American Dream analyzed?
Modern portrayals are analyzed by examining how playwrights like Hansberry, Albee, and Shepard deconstruct the myth of the American Dream, focusing on characters who confront economic hardship, social injustice, and personal disillusionment. The research explores the dramatic techniques used to highlight the disparity between the promise and reality of the dream.
What is the significance of Tennessee Williams' portrayal of the American Dream?
The analysis of Tennessee Williams' work focuses on how he portrays the disintegration of the American Dream through themes of memory, illusion, and the clash between reality and desire. His use of symbolism and character development is examined to understand the fragility of hope and the consequences of pursuing unattainable ideals.
How does Arthur Miller's work contribute to the understanding of the American Dream?
Arthur Miller's plays are analyzed to understand his portrayal of individuals struggling against societal pressures. The research explores how his characters grapple with moral dilemmas, societal expectations, and the consequences of their choices, examining critiques of the American Dream's inherent contradictions and its impact on the human psyche.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include American Dream, American Theatre, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, disillusionment, social critique, modern drama, societal expectations, economic hardship, and psychological impact.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Silvia Elias (Author), 2011, "The American Dream" disillusionment in the American theatre with special reference to Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283182
