What is the

American Dream?

How do the experts define the

American Dream?Realizing the American DreamThe term was first used by James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic

of America which was written in 1931. He states: "The American

Dream is "that dream of a land in which life should be better and

richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to

ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper

classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have

grown weary and mistrustful of it. It is not a dream of motor cars and

high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man

and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which

they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they

are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."

From American Memory at the Library of Congress

So, what does this mean?

A major part of our cultural identity as Americans

has to do with what is known as “The American

Dream.” Despite the fact that we may have

varying definitions of what this dream might varying definitions of what this dream might

entail, it is an undoubtedly important part of life

in America.

Find a Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

What are the promises of the American Dream?Dream?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

Whose dream is it?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

Was/Is the dream available to all?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

Has the dream changed over time?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

Do other countries have a similar dream? Or is it different?dream? Or is it different?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

Can certain interpretations of the American dream be harmful or helpful?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

What was Jay Gatsby’s idea of the American Dream? Did he achieve it?

Find a New Partner

Discuss the following

question with your partner:

Who attains the American Dream in the novel? the novel?

Go Back to Your Seat!

What are the promises of the American Dream?

Whose dream is it?

Was/Is the dream available to all?

Has the dream changed over time?

Do other countries have a similar dream? Or is it different?

Can certain interpretations of the American dream be harmful or

helpful?

What was Jay Gatsby’s idea of the American Dream? Did he achieve it?

Who attains the American Dream in the novel?Who attains the American Dream in the novel?

Your Homework!• You will need to create a poster (8.5x11) that

visually shows (you can use some words and/or phrases) what the American dream means to you.

• You need to include 2 quotes to helps support your ideas. Make sure you cite them in MLA format!

Some Tips!• You can do this assignment electronically or

by hand.

• Make sure you are creative and original.

• Use color!• Use color!

• Have fun!