the american dream essay title

118 American Dream Topics for Essays & Research Papers

If you’re in need of American dream topics for an essay, research paper, or discussion, this article is for you. Our experts have prepared some ideas and writing tips that you will find below.

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• Pros and Cons of the American Dream
• Michelle Obama American Dream Speech Analysis –
• American Dream in “The Pursuit of Happiness” Film
• American Dream: “Fences” by August Wilson
• The American Dream by Edward Albee Play Analysis
• The Tortilla Curtain: American Dream – Characters, Summary & Analysis
• American Dream After World War I
• The Simply Maria or the American Dream Play by López
• The Corrupted American Dream and Its Significance in “The Great Gatsby”
• The American Dream in Boyle’s The Tortilla Curtain

The American dream is one of the United States’s cornerstone philosophies. It is also a central idea of many essay topics students can use in their written assignments.

• Does Mario Puzo’s Godfather Paint a Realistic Picture of the American Dream?
• How Has the Definition of the American Dream Changed over the Years?
• Is the American Dream Just a Myth in Modern American Society?
• Does the American Dream Promote Extreme Forms of Selfishness?
• Can Current Societal Inequality Be Blamed on the American Dream?
• Does the American Dream Make People Chase Unattainable Goals?
• What Are the Effects of Globalization on the American Dream?
• How Does Robocop Depict the Dark Side of the American Dream?
• Influence of the American Dream on the Work-Life Balance.
• How Does the Modern Media Portray the American Dream?
• American Dream Is Not a Myth The paper is based on the argument, a simplified definition of the American dream: the American dream can be defined as “the achievement of economic and social advancement through hard work and determination”.
• The American Dream in The Great Gatsby After spending some time in this neighborhood, Nick finally attends Gatsby’s exuberant parties only to realize that Gatsby organizes these parties to impress Daisy, Nick’s cousin, and wife to Tom.
• The American Dream: Franklin’s and Douglass’s Perception The objective of this paper, therefore, is to discuss the topic of the American dream and how both Franklin and Douglass, each exemplify this dream.
• The Concept of American Dream: Examples of Columbus and Bradstreet Bradstreet’s other dream was to be able to secure a position in the ‘New world’ and still be seen as a woman who cares for her family.
• American Dream and Socialism in the Book “The Jungle” by Sinclair The main idea of the book lies in upholding the Marxist belief of the inevitable collapse of capitalism and the accession of the proletariat, or industrial working class.
• In Pursuit of the American Dream: An Analysis of Willa Cather’s O Pioneers The experiences of the characters in the novel portray the endeavors of the early immigrants’ pursuit of the American dream. The instinct to forgo the comforts, which a home country offers by default and then […]
• Is the American Dream Still Alive? The American Dream can be defined as a summation of national values entrenched in the culture of the United States. In this regard, the minority groups in the United States are often on the receiving […]
• The American Dream in Arthur Miller’s Plays Willy has a distorted vision of the American Dream, and he has such blind faith in this inaccurate vision that it leads to his mental disturbance when he is not able to accept how the […]
• Portrayal of the American Dream in the 20th Century Theatre However, different analysts criticized the use of the amelting pot’ in the play to show the pursuit of the American dream terming it as unrealistic in the sense that the term amelting’ creates a picture […]
• Whitman, Hughes, and the American Dream Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes, two prominent figures of American poetry of the past, are of them.”I Hear America Singing,” “I, Too,” “Harlem,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” are the emotional responses to the […]
• Fitzgerald’s American Dream in The Great Gatsby & Winter Dreams To my mind, Winter Dream is a perfect example of the American Dream, since the main hero, Dexter, implemented each point of it, he was persistent and very hard-working, he was a very sensible and […]
• The American Dream Roles in The Great Gatsby: Pursuers, Pursued, and the Disillusioned Nick’s narration of events throughout these two chapters dismantles the belief of the American Dream where ‘anyone can pull themselves up from their bootstraps’, because in reality it only yields four groups of people: “.the […]
• The American Dream, Social Status and Hierarchies The persistence of social status and hierarchies in modern-day America undermines the possibility of realizing Winthrop’s ideal community as a goal for the current American Dream, considering his argument of wouldivinely ordained’ holds no traction […]
• The American Dream and Its Roots The tension between the ideals of the American Dream as espoused by the Puritans and the realities of American life has been a recurrent theme in American history.
• Tensions in the American Dream The imbalance can lead to debates and discussions about the meaning and purpose of the American Dream, as well as a conflict between the ideals of freedom and agency and the desire for a more […]
• Support of the American Dream Act of 2001 In contrast to many supporters of the American Dream Act, some individuals claim that the policy promotes the entrance of illegal immigrants.
• The Possibility of Realizing the American Dream Thus, according to the author, the American dream is only a fantasy. Returning to the ideas of Krugman, Cox and Alm, and Dalmia, it seems necessary to highlight some aspects.
• Reflection on the American Dream Concept The vision of the American Dream can be different for individuals, and people create their interpretations according to their specific experiences.
• Reaching the American Dream From Scratch For example, the experience of a person coming to the United States from Haiti is one of poverty, under-resourced communities, and a complete disillusion with the promise of a good life.
• The American Dream Based on “Re Jane” by Patricia Park The main difference is that Jane had a chance to live her dreams in New York than in Seoul. Nina is an example of Jane’s friends who want her to succeed and understand the flaws […]
• Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’, Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ and the American Dream “The America Dream’ is a longstanding common belief of the American population that in the United States, people are free to realize the full potential of their labor and their talents and every person in […]
• Color Adjustment: False Image of American Dream The documentary tells the story of white, well-dressed people advertising the American dream, completely ignoring that the U.S.is not only a country of the white race.
• Femininity and the American Dream in Works of Chopin, Gilman, and Williams Even though the general understanding of the American dream was advertised to everyone, the idea was more applicable to the male members of the American society, which is reflected in Chopin’s “The Story of an […]
• The American Dream and Success One of the most pertinent topics associated with the American Dream is taking the courage to act and seize the opportunity.
• Racial Wealth Gap and the American Dream The speaker evaluates the accumulative wealth of Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites in America and arrives to the conclusion that race plays a role in financial burdens that many people of color experience.
• American Dreams: The United States Since 1945 Although the major idea of the book is a critical one, the author’s intention does not concern analyzing approaches to the American social evolution in order to define the most adequate one.
• History of Achieving the American Dream James Truslow Adams who wrote the book “The Epic of America” defined the American dream as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity […]
• The American Dream in the 21st Century It is the labor of these people that allowed the country to afford to build its industry and set up a base for fulfilling the American Dream.
• American Dream of Early Settlers He did not tell the settlers of the difficulties they were going to face in moving from Europe to the land of honey that is America.
• Willy Loman and the American Dream As a result of his boasting, a great deal of what his family knows about Willy is based upon the image he feels he must portray of himself in order to bring himself in line […]
• Meritocracy and the American Dream In the perception of such people, the American Dream is directly connected to meritocracy, i.e.a judgment on people on their individual abilities rather than the connections of the families, and in that regard such perception […]
• American Dream and Reality for Minorities The topic of our concern is the reality that is faced by women, blacks, and war veterans who are associated with the American army.
• Richard Rodriguez’s Opinion on Migration and the American Dream American seems to refer only to the citizen of the United States and does not include the rest of the people in the continent!
• The Immigrant Experience and the Failure of the American Dream The fates of the heroes of the book amaze with their tragedy, and this is the story of slaves of wage labor.

The American dream is critical to many great literary works in the 20th century. These essay topics can help students discover how different authors dealt with this idea.

Great Gatsby & American Dream Essay

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel portrays the American dream as no longer being the pursuit of happiness but an endless chase after riches. The book’s titular character becomes transfixed by the idea of getting wealthy to win back the love of a woman called Daisy. This obsession makes Gatsby blind to other riches of life, such as friends and family.

Death of a Salesman & American Dream Essay

Arthur Miller’s stage play Death of a Salesman describes the transformation of the American dream in post-WW2 America. It displays the impossible standards of the dream, which many of the play’s characters fail to achieve. Death of a Salesman paints a picture of a community where a person’s value is established solely by their financial status.

In Cold Blood & American Dream Essay

In the novel In Cold Blood , Truman Capote shows a clash between two types of people trying to attain the American dream. It pictures the relatively wealthy and happy Clutter family, who built their capital from the ground up. Their slow and mundane life contrasts the life of crime that Perry Smith and Dick Hickock chose to build their fortune.

Of Mice and Men & American Dream Essay

In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men , George and Lennie’s desire to own their plot of land symbolizes the essence of the American dream. They believe that hard work and resolution are the way to prosperity, only to have their hopes crushed by accident. Ultimately, this shows that people can’t control everything and fail despite their best intentions.

A Raisin In the Sun & American Dream Essay

Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun demonstrates the different angles and meanings of the American dream. The characters of Mama, Walter, and Beneatha have varied opinions of this idea. Mama wishes to buy a house and make life comfortable for her family. Walter dreams of economic success, and Beneatha aspires to become a doctor.

• Tycoons and Their American Dream The American Dream as Rockefeller, Carnegie, Morgan, and others saw it and forged it to be seen by others contributed meaningfully to the values of the American people and the priorities of a nation.
• American Dream in Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” The play Death of a salesman is indeed an anatomy of the American dream especially because the plot of the story revolves around some of the basic material gains that individuals in the American society […]
• “American Dream” of English and Chinese Immigrants My family decided to move to the US from England because of the low wages in our town. My intentions were to explore the new opportunities of the West and to earn more money than […]
• American Dream and Equity of Outcome and Opportunity The American dream is one of the most famous declarations of the world and the American subsequent governments have kept the dream alive for the last hundred years.
• Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream This is one of the drawbacks that should be taken into account by the viewers who want to get a better idea about the causes of the problems described in the movie.
• American Dream in Hansberry’s and Miller’s Tragedies Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” and Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” tell the stories about how people can perceive and be affected by the idea of the American Dream, how they choose wrong dreams […]
• Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream – Movie Analysis It can be taken as the national ethos of the citizens of the USA. The basis of the American society is broken and it is not united anymore.
• Music Talent Shows and the American Dream Talent search shows, like American Idol and The Voice, have suffered a lot of criticism for different reasons. Stanley says the main reason for this cynicism is the failure of such shows to focus on […]
• Michelle Obama’s Remarks on American Dream She added that the main goal was to secure the blessings of liberty and to bring about the fulfillment of the promise of equality.
• The American Dream’s Concept The American economy is also likely to improve as a result of realizing the American dream 2013 since most of the residents are likely to indulge in productive activities as stipulated in the American dream […]
• The Dilemmas of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby is a story of a young man in the early twentieth century who seems to know what he wants in the way of that dream and what to do to achieve it.
• The Concept of Progress or the Pursuit of the American Dream The concept of progress or the pursuit of the American Dream since 1930s has been a matter of concern for many immigrants who believe that they can achieve much in the US than in their […]
• The Book American Dream by Jason DeParle From the name of the book, it is clear that the cardinal theme of the book is the American dream. This is contrary to the fact that she was pregnant and in a crack house.
• The Definition of the Great American Dream: Hearing Opportunity Knock Although the concept of the American Dream is very recognizable, its essence is very hard to nail down, since it incorporates a number of social, economical and financial principles; largely, the American Dream is the […]
• The American Dream Negative Sides and Benefits The United States is thought of as the land of opportunity and there are many people who want to live “The American Dream”.
• Role of Money in the American Dream’s Concept Many people lack the meaning of the American dream because they are always looking forward to find opportunity and fail to realize that the opportunity to succeed is always around them in the work they […]
• Social Status Anxiety and the American Dream The pain of a loss and the status anxiety that came with being inferior to other students at Harvard instigated the urge to revenge and brought a desire to achieve success.
• Francis Scott Fitzgerald & His American Dream In the novel “Tender is the Night,” Fitzgerald describes the society in Riviera where he and his family had moved to live after his misfortune of late inheritance.
• American Dream: Is It Still There? It is a dream for immigrants from the Middle East to be in America; a country where discrimination is history and where no one will prevent them from achieving their dreams in life.
• The American Dream: Walt Disney’s Cinderella and Ron Howard’s Cinderella Man This is attributed to the fact that the original ideas and the fundamental principals that founded the dream are quickly fading away given the changing fortunes of the average American.
• The Death of the American Dream It is the moral decay that leads to the loss of freedom, the very essence of the founding of the American dream.
• American Dream and Unfulfilling Reality Living the American dream is the ultimate dream for most of the American citizens and those aspiring to acquire American citizenship.
• Inequality and the American Dream It is only after the poor workers are assured of their jobs that the American model can be said to be successful.
• A Response to the Article “Inequality and the American Dream” It has drawn my attention that other world countries embrace the “American model” since the super power has enormous wealth and its economic development is marked by up-to-date juggernauts of globalization and technology.

The American dream has a different meaning for modern US citizens and people from other countries who aspire to achieve it.

• How the Burden of Student Debt Keeps People from Achieving the American Dream.
• The Effect of Immigration Laws on Getting the American Dream.
• Do Healthcare Costs Affect Access to a Happy and Stable Life?
• The Income Gap and the Pursuit of the American Dream.
• Is It Possible to Achieve the American Dream in 2024?
• How the Freelance Economy Influences Economic Mobility.
• The Housing Market and the American Dream: An Unachievable Goal?
• Did the Modern American Dream Destroy the Work-Life Balance?
• Do Urban and Rural Citizens Have the Same Chance of Achieving the American Dream?
• Why Do Modern Americans Equate Achieving the Dream with Economic Success?
• How Did Ben Franklin Exemplify the American Dream?
• Does Fitzgerald Condemn the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”?
• How Do Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass Represent the American Dream?
• Has America Lost Its Potential to Achieve the American Dream?
• How Has Disney’s Social Power Influenced the Vision of the American Dream?
• Does the American Dream Really Exist?
• How Does the Great Gatsby Portray the Death of the American Dream?
• What Does “The Great Gatsby” Have to Say About the Condition of the American Dream in the 1920s?
• How Does One Achieve the American Dream?
• What Are the Greatest Obstacles of Full Access to the American Dream?
• How Has the American Dream Been Translated Into Popular Film?
• What Does the American Dream Mean to an Immigrant?
• How Does Arthur Miller Through “Death of a Salesman” Deal with the Theme of the American Dream?
• What Must Everyone Know About the American Dream?
• How Has the American Dream Changed Over Time?
• What Is Infamous About the American Dream?
• How Does Millar Portray His Views of the American Dream Using Willy Loman?
• When Did the American Dream Start?
• How Has the Media Changed the American Dream?
• Who Would Think the American Dream Isn’t Possible?
• How Does Steinbeck Present the American Dream in “Of Mice and Men”?
• Why Will Equal Pay Help Women Achieve the American Dream?
• How Might the Disadvantage of Immigration Affect the Chances of Having That American Dream?
• Why Is the American Dream Equally Given and Registered To All Citizens?
• How Does Extreme Inequality Make the American Dream Inaccessible?
• Why Is the American Dream Still Alive in the United States?
• How Are Millennials Redefining the American Dream?

Why Is the American Dream Unattainable?

• How Does Society Influence the Idea of the American Dream?
• Why Must the United States Renew Opportunities to Achieve the American Dream to Reform Immigration Policy?

Here are some essay ideas for college and high school students to use when writing their American dream papers.

“What Is Your American Dream?” Essay

Write about a vision of the American dream that resonates with you. Describe the goals and aspirations you think people must pursue in their lives. Think about the general ideas associated with this notion and give your opinion. Determine if success should be considered based on one’s personal relationships, life achievements, or financial success.

Redefining the American Dream Essay

Analyze how the notion of the American dream has changed over the years and how its current definition reflects modern societal norms and aspirations. Consider factors like social, economic, and technological advancements. Explore how this notion can become more attainable and inclusive for America’s growing diverse population.

What Is the American Dream for Immigrants?

Talk about the validity and attainability of the American Dream from the perspective of immigrants. Discuss their challenges, hopes, and contributions to US society. Share personal stories of immigrants and how their choices and value added to the concept. Talk about the unique aspirations and obstacles they faced to achieve their goals.

Investigate the laws and economic factors that prevent many from achieving their aspirations. Explore other obstacles, such as access to healthcare education and racial discrimination. Explain how these things create an unfair playing field for people trying to achieve the American dream, making it unattainable for many.

People Who Achieved the American Dream

Talk about individuals in your life or history who have achieved a particular version of the American dream. Describe their journeys, struggles, and accomplishments. Cover the character traits that helped them overcome these obstacles. Use their story as an example of how this idea can be achieved while showing the many paths to success.

The American dream is an interesting topic that one can discuss from various perspectives. If you need to write an essay on the American dream, you should understand this concept clearly.

You can choose to present the American dream as a miracle that one cannot reach or depict a free and wealthy nation. In any case, the American dream essay is a good opportunity to reflect on the concept and learn more about it.

There are many topics you can choose from while writing your essay. Here are some examples of the American dream essay topics we can suggest:

• The true meaning of the American dream
• The image of the American dream in the Great Gatsby
• Is the American dream still relevant in today’s society?
• The role of the American dream: Discussion
• Americans’ beliefs and values: The American dream
• Can we achieve the American dream?
• The American dream in today’s world and society

Remember that you do not have to select one of the American dream essay titles and can come up with your own one. Once you have selected the topic, start working on your essay. Here are ten useful tips that will help you to write an outstanding paper:

• Start working on your essay ahead of time. You will need some time to study the issue, write the paper, and correct possible errors.
• Do preliminary research on the issue you want to discuss. The more information you know about the question, the better. We advise you to rely on credible sources exclusively and avoid using Wikipedia or similar websites.
• Check out the American dream essay examples online if you are not sure that the selected problem is relevant. Avoid copying the information you will find and only use it as guidance.
• Write an outline for your essay. Think of how you can organize your paper and choose titles for each of the sections. Remember that you should include an introductory paragraph and a concluding section along with body paragraphs.
• Remember that you should present the American dream essay thesis clearly. You can put it in the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
• Your essay should be engaging for the audience. Help your reader to know something new about the issue and include some interesting facts that may not know about. Avoid overly complex sentences and structures.
• Make your essay personal, if it is possible. Do not focus on your opinion solely but provide your perspectives on the issue or discuss your concern about it. You can talk about your experiences with the American dream, too.
• Provide statistical data if you can. For example, you can find the results of surveys about people’s perspectives on the American dream.
• The concluding paragraph is an important section of the paper. Present the thesis and all of your arguments once again and provide recommendations, if necessary. Remember that this paragraph should not include new information or in-text citations.
• Do not send your paper to your professor right away. Check it several times to make sure that there are no grammatical mistakes in it. If you have time, you can put the paper away for several days and revise it later with “fresh” eyes.

Feel free to find an essay sample in our collection and get some ideas for your outstanding paper!

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124 American Dream Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The American Dream is a concept deeply rooted in the American ethos, representing the belief that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. This idea has been a source of inspiration for countless individuals and has shaped the nation's history and identity. If you are tasked with writing an essay on the American Dream, here are 124 topic ideas and examples to help you get started:

• The evolution of the American Dream throughout history.
• The impact of the American Dream on immigration patterns.
• The portrayal of the American Dream in literature and film.
• The role of education in achieving the American Dream.
• The American Dream and socioeconomic mobility.
• The American Dream in the context of racial and gender equality.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of happiness.
• The influence of the American Dream on consumer culture.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of homeownership.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of higher education.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of entrepreneurship.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of fame and fortune.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a better life for future generations.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of freedom and democracy.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of equal opportunities.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of social justice.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of financial security.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong work ethic.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of individualism.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of technological advancement.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a better environment.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of cultural diversity.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of religious freedom.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of political power.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of social mobility.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of community engagement.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of personal happiness.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of creativity and innovation.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of equal rights and opportunities for all.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong family unit.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of volunteerism and philanthropy.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a fair and just society.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong healthcare system.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a secure retirement.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a sustainable future.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of personal freedom and liberty.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong national identity.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of technological innovation.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of social equality.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong economy.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a diverse and inclusive society.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong education system.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong justice system.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong military.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong infrastructure.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong environmental policy.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong social safety net.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong democracy.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong international presence.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong cultural identity.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong work-life balance.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of community.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong national pride.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of belonging.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of purpose.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of justice.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of equality.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of opportunity.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of achievement.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of ambition.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of success.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of fulfillment.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of contentment.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of peace.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of optimism.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of resilience.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of determination.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of perseverance.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of endurance.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of hope.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of courage.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of empathy.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of compassion.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of integrity.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of honesty.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of trust.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of responsibility.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of accountability.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of transparency.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of fairness.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of freedom.
• The American Dream and the pursuit of a strong sense of democracy.

These topic ideas and examples should give you a starting point for your essay on the American Dream. Remember to use critical thinking, research, and personal insights to develop a compelling and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities and nuances of this enduring concept.

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114 American Dream Essay Topics

🏆 best american dream essay titles, ✍️ american dream essay topics for college, 🎓 interesting american dream topics for research papers, 💡 simple american dream titles for essays, ❓ research questions about the american dream, ✨ good american dream argumentative essay topics.

• Gran Torino Essay – Clint Eastwood’s Film Analysis
• The American Dream Theme in Ginsberg’s “America”
• “Paper Moon” as a Symbol of the American Dream
• American Dream in Babylon Revisited Story by Fitzgerald
• The Downside of the American Dream
• “Watchmen” Film in Relation to the American Dream
• Stratification and Social Mobility and its Impact on the American Dream
• Comparing American Dream Collapsing and the Fading American Dreams The first article is American dream collapsing done by Jim Tankersley in 2016. The author is writing about the decline in several children earning more than their parents.
• American Dream as a Symbol of Hopelessness in Gothic Fiction This paper aims to provide evidence that the characters of Lutie Johnson and Robin both failed to fulfill the American Dream.
• Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ and the Illusion of the American Dream F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is one of the greatest novels written on the subject. At first look, Jay Gatsby’s narrative appears to be the American dream realization.
• The Concept of the American Dream The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of the American Dream and discuss how Americans of European descent utilized the land and labor of others to realize it.
• The American Dream and Related Constructs It is essential to examine the concept of the American dream and analyze its economic, social, and narrative constructs to grasp its accessibility for modern Americans.
• American Dream vs. Reality Throughout History The American dream became a powerful driving force in the United States from the 1930s. Within the next few decades, the concept encouraged many citizens to work hard.
• The American Dream and Sikhism: Intersections of Religion and Cultural Aspirations The USA represent a unique cultural phenomenon. On the one hand, it is a country of many cultures, nationalities, and religions co-existing in the same area.
• Is the American Dream Attainable? Coined by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “The American Dream” has been a flourishing mantra in America until recently.
• The American Dream as a Way of Crossing the Frame of Consciousness The American Dream is a concept that describes the ideal life to which the population of the United States aspired in the 30s and 40s.
• Failure of American Dream: “The Great Gatsby” by Fitzgerald Review Despite the seeming glamor and wealth, the character of Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald is deeply and inherently tragic.
• The Problems of American Dream and Race For a long time, many people have been coming to the United States to realize their goals. The cultural and social phenomenon of the American dream was formed.
• Changing the American Dream of Immigrants and African Americans The position of African Americans and other immigrants was not the same throughout US history, denoting that they had different dreams during various periods.
• Cruel Optimism: Karl Marx’s Ideas and the American Dream The work provides a summary and an analysis of the work of Berlant L. “Cruel optimism: On Marx, loss and the senses” in regard to Karl Marx’s ideas and the American Dream.
• American Dream and Poverty in the United States The concept of the American dream and its component has changed over the years and remains different for different people.
• Homeownership as the American Dream The paper identifies the current and previous asking prices, the seller’s investment yield, down payment, and other necessary costs.
• Ideals of the American Dream Even though working may not be fun all the time, there is still a reasonable number of opportunities provided: financial independence and a clearer perspective on one’s future.
• The American Dream: Values and Hopes The American Dream is a set of national values that can be traced back to 1620 when the Plymouth Colony was established.
• Crumbling American Dream: The Thrive of Capitalism The notion of the American dream has now become a universal matter. The thrive of capitalism has made the American dream a desirable state of things unachievable in the near future.
• The Challenge of the American Dream in Cinematography “Midnight Cowboy” and “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” are similar in challenging the idea of success presented in the conventional context of the American Dream.
• The American Dream and Social Disorganization American Dream is the belief that everyone in the state can attain success due to the uniqueness of the U.S society and environment.
• Fleeing to U.S., the American Dream for Cubans From time immemorial Cubans have been moving to America in search for greener pastures. This eventually worked for the formation of American-Cuban connections around the United States.
• The Concept of American Dream in Plays The American Dream is often presented in art as an impossible or corrupted ideal that causes more suffering to the people striving to reach it than it does benefit.
• American Dream in the XXI Century The understanding of the concept of the American dream today and several decades or even centuries ago is quite different.
• Conception of “The American Dream” in US “The American Dream” means living a better life. Americans have different opinions on describing this better life. Though some may express this issue as an illusion, it can become real.
• The American Dream: Civil Rights and Opportunities Civil rights have much to do with citizens having an opportunity to achieve the American dream. Discrimination is a massive obstacle that prevents the country from economic growth.
• The American Dream: Improving Lives Through Hard Work and Opportunity The American dream focuses on making life better for its citizens and immigrants. It entails the aggressiveness instilled in the residents of America.
• Concepts of American Dreams Historically Americans have been seeking to achieve the American dream of fame, success and immense wealth through changes and much effort.
• Wealth and the American Dream in the Great Gatsby
• Choosing the Right Path Toward the American Dream
• American Liberalism and the Democratic Dream: Transcending the American Dream
• How Does Gatsby Represent the American Dream?
• Adam Smith’s American Dream
• Democracy and the American Dream
• Work Ethic and Ethical Work: Distortions in the American Dream
• Women and the American Dream
• Black Identity and the American Dream
• Depression and the American Dream
• Ben Franklin and the Definition of the American Dream
• How Are Millennials Redefining the American Dream?
• Disillusionment and the American Dream
• Debunking the American Dream
• Factors Influencing the American Dream
• American Tragedy and the Futility of the American Dream
• Westward Expansion and the American Dream
• Capitalism, Drug Abuse, and the American Dream
• British Colonization and the American Dream
• Exploring the American Dream in Great Gatsby and Grapes of Wrath
• Asian Americans and the American Dream
• Does Income Inequality Affect the American Dream Of Upward?
• American Dream and Ben Franklin
• Corporate Scandals: How Greed Consumed The American Dream
• Inequality and the American Dream
• How Has the American Dream Changed Over Time?
• African Americans Must Work to Achieve the American Dream
• American Dream America Immigrants British
• Albee and Twain: Demystifying an American Dream
• Deconstructing the American Dream
• American Dream: Accessibility vs. Achievability
• Crime and the American Dream With Regards to Sociology
• African Americans and the American Dream
• Dramatizing the American Dream
• Commercialism Deteriorates the American Dream
• American Exceptionalism and the American Dream
• How Long Has the American Dream Been Around?
• Understanding the Real Meaning of the American Dream
• American Dream Delayed: Shifting Determinants of Homeownership
• All Men and Women Have the Right to the American Dream
• How Social Stratification Dictates the American Dream, It Is?
• Abraham Lincoln and the American Dream
• Willy Loman’s Idealistic American Dream
• Can Everyone Achieve the American Dream?
• How Can Money Affect the American Dream?
• What Is the True Cost of the American Dream?
• How Does Poverty Affect the American Dream?
• Is the American Dream More About Money or Happiness?
• What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the American Dream?
• How Does the American Dream Reinforce Socioeconomic Barriers?
• Do You Need Money for the American Dream?
• Was Walt Disney the Prisoner of the American Dream?
• How Does Social Class Affect the American Dream?
• What Is at the Heart of the American Dream?
• Is the American Dream Still Alive Today?
• What Is Success in the American Dream?
• Does the Growing Economic Threat to Individuals and the American Dream?
• How Expensive Is the American Dream?
• What Was the First American Dream and What Was the Result?
• Is the American Dream a Fallacy?
• Who Does the American Dream Exclude?
• How Does the Rising Cost of Education Affect the American Dream?
• Why Is the American Dream Harder Today?
• How Realistic Is the American Dream?
• What Is the Biggest Obstacle to Reaching the American Dream?
• Is the American Dream Real or Purely Imaginary?
• How Does Great Gatsby Represent the American Dream?
• Has Gatsby Achieved the American Dream?
• Keeping the Dream Alive: Perpetuating the American Dream in Changing Times
• Reimagining the American Dream: Cultural Pluralism and Identity
• The American Dream and Economic Inequality: Bridge or Divide?
• The Dream Project: Assessing the Impact of Public Policies on Achieving the American Dream
• Healthcare Accessibility and the American Dream: Health vs. Wealth
• The Illusion of Meritocracy: Challenging the Attainability of the Dream
• Is the American Dream Still Achievable?
• Consumerism and the American Dream
• The Shifting Landscape of the American Dream in the 21st Century
• Environmental Sustainability and the Future of the American Dream
• Addressing the Counterclaim: Crafting a Roadmap to Ensure Equality in Dream Attainment
• Perspectives on the American Dream Across Age Groups and Generation Gap

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These essay examples and topics on American Dream were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on October 28, 2024 .

American Dream Essay: Guidelines for an A+ Paper

• Icon Calendar 9 July 2024
• Icon Page 4108 words
• Icon Clock 19 min read

The American Dream is a recurring controversial topic in modern society. Individuals have developed different arguments to deconstruct what an American Dream essay is in a particular context of day-to-day life. In an academic setting, learners who engage in this discourse hold a particular weight of a proper expression of their arguments. Further on, a structured essay and its format are analyzed with a focus on an introduction, main body, and conclusion of a five-paragraph template. Moreover, a unique process of topic selection, outline development, and structured writing is exemplified using an essay titled “The Promise of the American Dream.” Other recommendations on narrow-scoped topics in order to explore a concept are provided as a starting point that students can use when writing their papers.

General Aspects

In contemporary discourse, there is much controversy over a simple meaning of the American Dream. Basically, people hold different positions on multiple aspects of such a concept in their essays and research papers. During schooling years, it is important to acquire writing skills and benefit significantly from reflecting on a particular influence of students’ recently acquired knowledge on their position regarding controversial topics. Upon completing a reflection essay process, a particular expression of one’s newly defined position is a next step in order to obtain writing skills. As such, a common format of an American Dream essay is presented to introduce readers to basic principles behind a concept. Moreover, a typical structure of a five-paragraph essay is explored with a valid support of an outline and a template. Finally, students may include different ideas in their compositions and need to avoid common mistakes.

What Is an American Dream Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, an American Dream essay explores unique ideals and aspirations that define a particular concept of the American Dream, which is rooted in a belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success and recognition through hard work, determination, and initiative. The main purpose of writing an American Dream Essay is to critically examine a unique concept of the American Dream from various perspectives, considering its meaning, historical origins, evolution, and current relevance (Rogers, 2024). Such a composition involves analyzing social, economic, and political factors, and they shape people’s ability to achieve their goals and possible opportunities and barriers that some of them may face. In writing, an American Dream essay aims to offer a deeper understanding of what the American Dream means to different individuals and communities and encourages readers to learn about its impact on their lives and society in general (Cogni, 2019). In terms of pages and words, the length of an American Dream essay depends on academic levels and specific writing requirements, while general guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 2-4 pages
• Word Count: 500-1,000 words

College (Undergraduate)

• Length: 4-6 pages
• Word Count: 1,000-1,500 words

University (Advanced Undergraduate)

• Length: 6-10 pages
• Word Count: 1,500-2,500 words

Master’s

• Length: 14-24 pages
• Word Count: 3,500-6,000 words
• Length: 24-52 pages (as part of a dissertation or another research paper)
• Word Count: 6,000-13,000 words

Note: Some sections of an American Dream essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, while a particular number of body paragraphs depends on writing instructions. In turn, to start an American Dream essay, authors begin with a compelling introduction that defines a particular concept of the American Dream, presents its significance, and introduces their thesis statements, setting up a stage for a thoughtful exploration of a given topic.

Steps on How to Write an American Dream Essay

To write an American Dream essay, people thoroughly research a particular topic, develop a clear thesis, support their arguments with historical context, valid examples, and credible evidence, address various perspectives, and conclude by summarizing key points and reflecting on an actual relevance of success today.

• Choose a Particular Focus: Decide on a specific aspect of a quest for success to write about, such as its definition, historical evolution, or relevance today.
• Conduct Research: Gather information from credible sources, like books, academic articles, and reputable websites to support your essay and its writing.
• Develop a Thesis Statement: Provide a clear, well-structured, and concise thesis statement and cover your main argument or perspective on a pursuit of opportunity.
• Create a Brief Outline: Organize your main points and supporting evidence into a structured outline to guide your writing.
• Write an Introduction: Introduce a particular concept of the American Dream, provide some background information, and present your thesis statement.
• Compose Body Paragraphs: Write detailed paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of a vision of success, supported by evidence and analysis.
• Include Personal Examples: If applicable, incorporate personal examples or experiences to illustrate your points and make your essay more personal.
• Address Counterarguments: Consider and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen your argument and provide a balanced perspective.
• Write a Conclusion: Summarize key points discussed, restate a thesis in light of the evidence presented, and offer final reflections.
• Edit and Revise: Review your American Dream essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy, making necessary writing revisions to improve an overall quality.

Characteristics

The American Dream is a widely known concept, but there are some characteristics that can be identified as correct, comprehensive, and precise. For example, the American Dream is a complex national ethos that represents a unique belief that anyone, regardless of their roots or circumstances, can achieve success and recognition through hard work, determination, and initiative, reflecting ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity (Strain, 2020). Basically, freedom and opportunity are the most critical aspects of an essay on the American Dream to write about. In this case, freedom is essential to achieving goals because it provides an individual with a unique space to live freely without any oppression from their peers or the government (Wolak & Peterson, 2020). Moreover, equal access to opportunity allows each individual to pursue happiness and prosperity regardless of social class, gender, race, and other social or cultural factors that stratify society. Therefore, this concept may be defined as a set of beliefs, and they explain specific experiences of lives many people are expected to have in an ideal situation where their freedoms are protected, while no opportunity barriers exist (Mortimer et al., 2019). In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a good American Dream essay include:

• The American Dream, often considered a symbol of hope and opportunity, represents a specific belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work.
• From its historical roots in the early days of a nation to its modern interpretations, a quest for success supports positive aspirations and ideals of a diverse and dynamic population.
• In a country built on essential principles of freedom and equality, a unique pursuit of opportunity has served as a powerful motivator for countless individuals seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
• For many immigrants, a pursuit of happiness is a light that draws them to the United States (US), promising a chance to build a prosperous future through dedication and initiative.
• At its essence, a success quest embodies a unique idea that, with hard work and ambition, anyone can find a successful path above their circumstances and achieve their fullest potential.
• While a unique vision of opportunity has been a guiding force for many individuals, its interpretation varies widely, reflecting diverse experiences and aspirations of people across a nation.
• A whole evolution of a dream of prosperity over time mirrors social, economic, and political changes that have shaped the United States, revealing both progress and persistent challenges.
• In today’s world, a real relevance of a national aspiration and an ability to achieve such a goal are subjects of intense debate, prompting a reevaluation of its meaning and implications.
• Exploring historical origins of the American Dream provides more insight into how this powerful concept has influenced a nation’s identity and inspired many generations of US citizens.
• Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, an ongoing attraction to a pursuit of happiness continues to inspire individuals to strive for success and contribute to a broader narrative of people’s experiences.

Unique Experiences

People are born into families that provide them with a unique starting point for their pursuit of desired goals. For example, a particular financial capability, level of education, and cultural beliefs of an individual’s parents define a foundation on which a person begins to achieve desired goals (Hoyt et al., 2021). As a result, all people may be pursuing the same ideas when writing essays. In turn, it is not a level playing field because some individuals may find themselves in better circumstances than others. Furthermore, it is differentiated at a personal level because individuals with relatively similar starting points may have distinct outcomes (Mortimer et al., 2019). Based on this perspective, it is highly unlikely that any two individuals can attest to going through identical experiences when writing an essay. In turn, an example of a good hook for an American Dream essay might be: “Imagine a place where limitless opportunities await anyone willing to dream big and work hard — this is a real essence of the American Dream.”

Belief Systems

Besides particular circumstances of starting points, an individual’s belief system plays a significant role in their strategy of achieving desired goals. For instance, happiness and prosperity are broad terms that have contrasting meanings for individuals because there is no standardized scale for measuring happiness or prosperity (Strain, 2020). Moreover, one person may consider owning a car and house to be a sign of prosperity to write about. In contrast, another person may believe that providing his or her children with a college education is prosperity. Hence, these beliefs are imposed on desires and goals, which results in variations in a concept’s meaning for each individual to be covered in an essay. In turn, desires and goals are affected to a large extent by an individual’s beliefs regarding the things that make them happy or prosperous (Wolak & Peterson, 2020). Finally, an example of a good thesis statement for an American Dream essay might be: “The American Dream, while historically rooted in ideals of freedom and opportunity, reflects contemporary aspirations and challenges, making it a complex concept that continues to shape a nation’s identity.”

Topic Selection

Challenges of Topic Selection

The American Dream is a concept that people can examine from a variety of perspectives, which makes a particular selection of an essay topic for an American Dream paper quite challenging. During a possible selection of an essay topic, it is essential to remember that no point of view is superior or more correct than another (Cogni, 2019). In this case, a particular weight of a single claim proposed in an American Dream argumentative essay is dependent on a writer’s ability to explain a position logically and convincingly. Moreover, in a presentation of a specific argument in any essay, it is important to adequately consider competing counterarguments that may arise in audience’s minds when writing essays (Rogers, 2024). In turn, a common failure to evaluate counterarguments critically may undercut an authority of an author, especially when writing for an academic audience.

Equally important, writers should select a topic that has a link with their personal experiences. For instance, an argument concerning an essay about the American Dream gains a sense of authenticity when writers discuss an issue that resonates with their beliefs (Cogni, 2019). It is essential because some passion is embedded in an essay. Furthermore, as a starting point for identifying an essay’s topic, writers may identify a “main concept” under review, such as equal opportunity. They can also think through their life experiences and single out events they consider invaluable in a particular position taken concerning a main concept (see an example of a simple brainstorming template). Finally, people should settle on writing a unique topic that is specific and can be argued out entirely within potential constraints of essay’s requirements.

Simple Brainstorming Template

• State a main concept.
• How has it affected you?
• How has it affected other people in your life?
• Do you think the events mentioned above are in line with the American Dream?
• Specify an issue.
• Describe an ideal situation while writing.
• Can this situation be improved?

3-Part Outline

Part 1: Introduction (Approximately 10% of the Word Count)

• It is a first statement in an introductory paragraph.
• A statement should capture an attention of a reader, like, a unique fact about an assigned topic.

Overview of a Topic

• It comprises of two or more sentences.
• Some statements should contain adequate detail for a reader to understand a thesis statement.

Thesis Statement

• It is a single statement that appears at the end of an introductory paragraph.
• This statement provides an answer to an essay prompt in a form of writing a single argument, which summarises a provided evidence or rationale presented in a main body.

Part 2: Main Body (Approximately 80% of the Word Count)

A typical creation of paragraphs in this section is based on a separation of ideas to ensure each paragraph presents one original idea. In turn, writing each paragraph in this section must follow a sandwich rule, which dictates a specific organization of paragraph elements:

• Topic sentence – States a main idea in a single paragraph.
• Evidence – Provides specific information that is crucial to a paragraph’s idea.
• Evaluation of evidence – Explains an actual relevance of the evidence and offers an interpretation of a cited information.
• Transition statement – Summarises a single paragraph and links it to a thesis statement or a next paragraph.

Part 3: Conclusion (Approximately 10% of the Word Count)

Restating a Main Argument

• A first statement in a concluding paragraph should repeat a main argument presented in a thesis statement.
• It should not contain the same words as a thesis statement, but keywords can be reused.
• Provide a detailed overview of essay’s main points logically.
• Demonstrate an actual value of main points in answering an essay’s prompt.

5-Paragraph Template

Introduction

Paragraph 1

• Hook: Besides common differences in American populations, they are similar because they pursue the same dream.
• Overview of a topic: Outline some of the differences in American populations.
• Thesis statement: Creating equal opportunities allows individuals to achieve upward mobility.

Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: Breaking down social mobility and its quantification.
• Evidence: Definition and measures of social mobility.
• Evaluation of evidence: Write about how upward social mobility is achieved while referring to potentail measures.
• Transition statement: Introduces a real need for self-improvement and social mobility to occur.

Paragraph 3

• Topic sentence: Opportunity is a requirement for social mobility.
• Evidence: The role of education in equipping an individual to utilize opportunities.
• Evaluation of evidence: Write about a direct link between education, access to jobs, and an ability to improve an individual’s quality of life.
• Transition statement: Recognize that there are socially constructed limitations on an accessibility of opportunities.

Paragraph 4

• Topic sentence: Discriminative practices affect an individual’s access to opportunities for social mobility.
• Evidence: Identify some forms of discrimination and explain a particular occurrence of discriminative practices.
• Evaluation of evidence: Write about an actual value of government and organization’s role in managing discriminative practices using policies that uphold equality.
• Transition statement: Stress a centrality of equality in an argument for opportunity access and upward mobility.

Paragraph 5

• Restating a main argument: Emphasize a real importance of equality in securing opportunities for upward mobility and an attainment of a quest for success.
• Summary: Allude to possible measures of social mobility, an interaction between discriminative practices and opportunities, and a particular relief provided by policies on equality.

American Dream Essay Example

Topic: The Promise of the American Dream

Although we are different, we share a single dream. In this case, the American population is composed of people of different genders, races, education levels, religions, and disability statuses. Nonetheless, each American is entitled to a unique opportunity to make themselves better regardless of their underlying differences. Thus, an American Dream thesis statement is that it is founded on a particular promise of equal opportunity for upward social mobility.

Social Mobility

Social mobility is a multidimensional concept. It can be assessed using a variety of measures that attempt to quantify a particular change occurring in an individual’s life. For example, an ability of an individual to move along a specific social hierarchy may be described as social mobility. In turn, there are different measures of social mobility. However, each one is focused on a specific aspect of an average American’s livelihood:

• Health Status – A susceptibility of an individual to diseases.
• Education – An individual’s highest level of education.
• Homeownership – A capability of an individual to acquire permanent housing.

Upward social mobility implies people can improve their position in a social hierarchy by improving their performance on any of the measures of social mobility. Therefore, upward social mobility is a desired outcome of a successful pursuit of desired goals because it suggests some form of self-improvement.

Opportunity

A real opportunity for upward mobility is vital in pursuing desired goals. Basically, access to opportunity is facilitated by some factors, such as access to quality education. In this case, an individual who has attended school and acquired necessary skills has a higher likelihood of securing a well-paid job. If people acquire jobs, it becomes easier to secure health insurance, buy homes, and improve an overall quality of life for their families. Moreover, they can only attain what they want if they are provided access to basic education, which prepares them to maximize any opportunities. However, it is difficult for an average individual to pursue opportunities without the government’s efforts to increase an ease of access to basic needs.

Equality Policies

Many barriers affect an average American’s ability to access positive opportunities, and they manifest in a particular form of discriminative practices in society. In this case, discrimination in society may occur based on a variety of issues, like gender, disability, religion, and race. Basically, personal biases create ideological differences regarding superiority in a social hierarchy. It pushes individuals to deny others access to opportunities and necessary skills to exploit those opportunities. Moreover, state and organizational policies against discrimination are created and enforced to maintain equality among Americans. These laws serve to eliminate potential barriers that exist between hard-working people and the American Dream. Consequently, equality among individuals ensures all individuals can take advantage of opportunities regardless of their gender, disability status, religion, race, and other social differences that tend to create boundaries between social groups.

Equality is crucial in a typical pursuit of the American Dream because it provides each individual with a unique opportunity to move up a social hierarchy. In this case, people can access upward social mobility by using various measures, which quantify an individual’s quality of life. Moreover, opportunities may exist, but individuals need to be assisted in developing themselves to a level where they can utilize the available opportunities. Hence, equality policies are useful in curtailing an actual power of discriminative practices in reinforcing social mobility barriers.

• Essay Example on Is the American Dream Still Alive
• Great Gatsby Essay: The American Dream, Pursuit, and Corruption
• A Particular Origin of a Pursuit of Happiness.
• Intergenerational Differences in a Definition of the American Dream.
• A Vision of Success in Contemporary Music.
• Does Society Still Believe in a Path to Prosperity?
• Defining the American Dream Through the Racial Lens.
• Individualism and Opportunity for All.
• The Influence of Unrestricted Surveillance on the American Dream.
• Health Care Policies and National Aspiration.
• The Impacts of Globalization on a Promise of Prosperity.
• The Rise of Right-Wing Populism and the Ideal Future of Freedom.

What to Include

Common mistakes.

• Lack of Clear Thesis: Failing to present a clear and concise thesis statement, which must guide an essay’s argument.
• Insufficient Evidence: Not providing enough supporting evidence or examples to back up main points.
• Ignoring Historical Context: Overlooking historical origins and evolution of a path to prosperity, which are crucial in case of understanding its current meaning.
• One-Sided Perspective: Presenting a biased view by not considering multiple interpretations or counterarguments when writing about a quest for success.
• Vague Definitions: Offering an unclear or overly broad definition of the American Dream, leading to a lack of focus in an essay.
• Neglecting Structure: Failing to organize an essay into clear sections, such as introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, which can confuse readers.
• Overgeneralization: Making sweeping statements about a promise of prosperity without acknowledging different experiences and perspectives to write about.
• Ignoring Current Relevance: Not discussing how a national aspiration applies to contemporary society or its relevance to today’s issues.
• Poor Use of Sources: Relying on unreliable sources or not properly citing references, which undermines an essay’s credibility.
• Grammar and Spelling Errors: Allowing grammatical mistakes and spelling errors to distract from an essay’s content and weaken its overall writing quality.

A typical capacity of a person to participate in a discourse on a controversial essay topic is nurtured through a continuous practice of structured essay writing. Basically, a particular concept of the American Dream may be approached from a different perspective, depending on the individual’s beliefs and personal experiences. Nonetheless, a written presentation of these points of view is achieved through a correct use of structured essays. In turn, a five-paragraph American Dream essay example examined in this article is a useful tool for a valid expression of any argument on such a topic.

Cogni, M. (2019). From sentences to essays: A guide to reflective writing through reflective thinking . Vernon Press.

Hoyt, C. L., Burnette, J. L., Forsyth, R. B., Parry, M., & DeShields, B. H. (2021). Believing in the American Dream sustains negative attitudes toward those in poverty. Social Psychology Quarterly , 84 (3), 203–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/01902725211022319

Mortimer, J. T., Mont’Alvao, A., & Aronson, P. (2019). Decline of “The American Dream”? Outlook toward the future across three generations of Midwest families. Social Forces , 98 (4), 1403–1435. https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soz130

Rogers, D. (2024). Writing better essays: A rhetorical guide to writing and revision . Equinox Publishing Ltd.

Strain, M. R. (2020). The American Dream is not dead: (But populism could kill it) . Templeton Press.

Wolak, J., & Peterson, D. A. (2020). The dynamic American dream. American Journal of Political Science , 64 (4), 968–981. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajps.12522

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The play “Death of a Salesman” greatly portrays a specific ideology in regards to values, dreams, goals, and success in our society. It helps showcase the American dream that society tends to strive for even in the early 1900’s. That dream of being a successful business person. As well as the theory that image and physical attributes are most important to gaining fruition. Willy Loman plays a man in his sixties who has strived for this American dream for over […]

The American Dream in “Death of a Salesman”

“Death of a Salesman,” a play by Arthur Miller, was written in 1948 and produced in 1949. In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” one theme revealed in the drama play is the concept of the American dream of opportunity. America is the dream land of golden opportunities, even the poorest man can build his way upward in life. Miller uses this concept of opportunity by illustrating that new opportunity does not occur multiple times. Born in Harlem, New York, […]

Pursuit of the American Dream

Can peace be defined both internal and externally? Peace is defined as a method to articulate group conflicts, especially collective violence and creates a common sense of tranquility. In The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carraway claims that everything with Gatsby will turn up all right in the end. At the beginning of the book, Nick Carraway claims, "No-Gatsby turned out alright in the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what dust floated in the wake of his […]

Willy Character Analysis in “Death of a Salesman”

Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's 'Demise of death of a Salesman' is a complex and clashed character. He winds up inconsistent with his environment, his qualities, and even his family, now and again. Furthermore, these contentions overflow into how he brings up his children. Willy attempts to impart what he supposes are his increasingly outstanding attributes into his young men; affability and activity. In any case, one can see by his activities and even his words that he has a […]

An American Lie the American Dream

“In recent years, thousands of Americans have died at the hands of law enforcement, a reality made even more shameful when we consider how many of these victims were young, poor, mentally ill, Black or unarmed” (Hill 1).  Minorities have struggled for years to be accepted into a society that excludes them. In “Nobody” by Marc Lamont Hill, he compares the injustices occurring today to those that happened years ago. African Americans are constantly suffering from racial discrimination and denial […]

The American Dream in USA

The strive to be successful in America is seen throughout time, this idea of success has been characterizing Americans for centuries. For as long as this country has been created every citizen and immigrant that has arrived strives to work as hard as possible to fulfill their American Dream. This idea of the American Dream has been criticized by these famous books: The Great Gatsby and in Of Mice and Men. The story of The Great Gatsby takes place after […]

Literary Analysis – Death of a Salesman

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Introduction It’s a difficult thing to “know your place” and fulfill your familial duty when around you, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, all lived these carefree lives without constraints. They seldom just did “as they’re told” and they spoke their opinions. Opinions which were met with respect and encouragement. Still, I was happy and thought I had it all back then. Life eventually taught me that I actually had nothing without free choice and free speech. Chapter 1: The American […]

Students’ American Dream

American Dream Imagine a five bedroom and three-bathroom home bricked dark brown with an attached three car garage with a red door with see through glass windows. This home is equipped with televisions in every room, Wi-Fi, computers, printers, two loving parents, three children, and enough food to feed the entire neighborhood that is situated with houses that have white picket fences aligning each perfectly cut yard with aesthetically pleasing square patterns. We have all seen this house in our […]

The Idea of the American Dream

The idea of the American Dream was presented around the same time America was facing the Great Depression. The ideal stated that every citizen of the United States had equal opportunity to attain life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through hard work and determination. But is that really the case? John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men supports the premise that the American Dream is dead by showcasing the obstacles that many faced, the lack of support and loneliness […]

Death of a Salesman Summary

"The tragic play Death of a Salesman written by Arthur Miller is a story about a salesman named Willy Loman, who spends his whole life with a deluded dream of achieving lofty goals in an unforgiving society. Willy often neglects his family’s needs, because he is so blinded by the thought of vast riches that are unattainable for him. Being a modern day tragedy, Death of a Salesman examines the effects of what can happen when a person chasing the […]

The Option of Urbanism Investing in a New American Dream

After World War II ended, men and women all over America chased after The American Dream. A three-bedroom home. A backyard for the kids and the dog. A white-picket fence. Maybe a detached garage for grandma and grandpa when they get too old to take care of themselves. Far out in the suburbs, they'd be safe from the noise, danger, and filth of the city. However, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare as highways were built, the cities emptied, […]

The Death of the American Dreams

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "you become what you think about all day long", and with James Gatz from Francis Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, that is completely true. James Gatz spent his days obsessing over following the American Dream and becoming a wealthy and prosperous man, and from James' imagination manifested a man named Jay Gatsby. Just as Jay Gatsby spent his life vying for Daisy Buchanan's love, and obsessing over her as mimicked through several love poems, he […]

Role of the American Dream

The American dream made it so people were raised to believe that anyone could fulfill their wishes.  It began in the 1900s and now is torn between whether it is still possible to achieve.  There are many definitions to this so called American Dream, everyone has their own belief on what it meant and even what it means now.  Many have looked at it as becoming wealthy with lots of money, so they could spend buying high quality materials to […]

American Dream and the Great Gatsby

The American Dream has changed since Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. Now, most people think the American Dream means happiness through money and what it can buy. Whereas Fitzgerald thought it meant happiness in any way possible. If you asked me what I believed the American Dream was before reading this book I would have said that I did not know what the American Dream was but after looking it up I would have thought it meant happiness through money. […]

Poor Education is a Social Issue

Poor education is feasibly at the top of many great American social issues. Because I believe it is the main root that leads the American citizens astray from the path of achieving the American Dream I am addressing it in this paper. James Adams said “the American Dream is the social order in which both, man and woman, are able to attain the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, […]

The Crisis and Contradictions of the American Dream

What are the crisis and contradictions of the American Dream?. In the first article Unequal Opportunity: Race and Education, the author explains how students are segregated in the U.S educational system. At the beginning of the article Darling-Hammond talks about the educatioanl gap between white and minority students.In the middle of the article Darling-Hammond futher explains how minority students are at a disadvantage because of the  schools unfair system .Darling-Hammong concludes that well education resources  make the difference.In the second […]

What is American Dream for me

Kenny Guinn once said, "There is something permanent, and something extremely profound, in owning a home," and I could not agree more. Owning a home brings a sense of fulfillment, permanence, privacy, and security, something that is less available when renting. It also imparts a sense of pride as it is an indication of success and achievement. There are also the economic advantages of owning a home. Equity, collateral, and appreciation of your home's value are just a few. Both […]

‘The American Dream’

Harlem was written in 1951 amid when numerous blacks felt constrained in their capacity to accomplish 'The American Dream.' Even though the Civil War was long finished and blacks actually reserved the option to cast a ballot, schools were still isolated and numerous blacks could just secure essential positions that did not furnish them with a future. In this way, a significant number of them had little expectation that their prospects could be extraordinary; many believed that their fantasies would […]

The Quest to Achieve the American Dream

Education is the constant distinguisher between white and black Americans in the quest to achieve the "American Dream". Educational disparity is defined as the pervasive difference in the academic achievement of the races.  African Americans have achieved at lower rates than their white counterparts for decades. According to The Journal of Blacks in Education,  white Americans graduate at a rate that is 24.7 % higher than that of African Americans.  In order to narrow this gap, we must first understand […]

How Coming to America Changed my Life

Moving from Nigeria to the United States permanently feels great, but at the same time, it is sad leaving some loved ones and family behind. Most people have several events or things that have changed their life or their way of thinking. One of the major changes that occurred in my life was when I moved from Africa to America. This change has entirely affected my personality positively. Why? Many foreigners want to come to America mostly in search of […]

No Access in the American Dream of Hope

The American Dream of Hope has been failing since history and people have been fighting it for it all the time to reach their goals. The 3 sources that give examples of unequal access in the American dream of hope is the bool Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua, and The Problem We All Live with by Nikole Hannah-Jones. The American Dream of Hope has unequal access because of […]

Feeding the Destruction of the American Dream

The bad habits we create directly extended into the food industry as do our uncontrollable economic circumstances. Our purchase and consumption of certain types of foods demand the production of them, creating an endless cycle. When you don’t know how to cook, you don’t what’s in your food, you don’t know what’s healthy versus unhealthy, and/or you don’t have money you turn to cheap food. The sad thing is that today cheap food directly correlates to unhealthy food; they are […]

An Idea of American Dream

Have you ever looked at the weather through the eyes of someone else? Depending on who that person is, the perspective maybe very different from the house. Best, their ideas and opinions may differ as well. And exact representation found when comparing what Whitman's I hear America singing langston Hughes I too. The two pumps being considered reveals others attitudes of pride women rights I hear America singing singing with open mouth stay strong melodious songs lines 128 through 29. […]

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How To Write an Essay About American Dream

Understanding the concept of the american dream.

Before diving into an essay about the American Dream, it's important to understand its concept and evolution. The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, a set of ideals that includes democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. It promises the chance for prosperity and success achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers. Begin your essay by discussing the historical origins of the American Dream, including how it has been represented in literature, politics, and culture. Address how the perception of this dream has changed over time, considering factors such as economic conditions, social movements, and immigration.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on the American Dream should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about the American Dream. For instance, you might discuss how the American Dream is relevant in today's society, analyze its portrayal in a specific piece of literature, or argue that the American Dream is only accessible to certain groups of people. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your analysis.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

Support your thesis with relevant evidence and examples. This might include historical documents, literary texts, sociological research, or current events. For example, if you're examining the accessibility of the American Dream, you might include statistics on income inequality or social mobility. Use this evidence to build your argument and provide depth to your analysis.

Analyzing Different Perspectives

Your essay should also consider different perspectives on the American Dream. This could involve looking at how the dream is experienced by various social, ethnic, and economic groups. Discussing the critiques and affirmations of the American Dream from these different viewpoints can provide a more nuanced understanding of the topic. Acknowledge the complexities and contradictions that surround the American Dream, and how it can be both a source of inspiration and disillusionment.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of the American Dream in American culture and identity. You might also want to reflect on the future of the American Dream, considering current trends and societal changes.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to further improve your essay. A well-written essay on the American Dream will not only demonstrate your understanding of this iconic concept but also your ability to critically engage with cultural and societal issues.

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Home — Essay Samples — Economics — American Dream — The American Dream Argumentative

The American Dream Argumentative

• Categories: American Dream Social Mobility

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

Words: 565 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

The growing gap between the rich and the poor, the decline of social mobility, the persistence of systemic barriers to success, in conclusion.

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