The American Dream is an established theme in much American literature from the beginning to the present. In dealing with this major theme, three critics, Leo Marx, Henry Nash Smith, and R. W, B. Lewis have evolved a cohesive definition of this complex and ambiguous vision. Three major components define the Dream: a pastoral dream of a new, fertile Eden, a success dream of financial prosperity, and a dream of world brotherhood to be realized in the new continent. These three components are examined individually in three novels by Bernard Malamud, A New Life, The Natural, and The Assistant. In these novels, Malamud asserts the failure of the American Dream, but envisions the rise of a new humanity and morality that could lead to the salvation of the American people and to a time where dreams could be reborn.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc131476 |
Date | 12 1900 |
Creators | McAndrew, Sara |
Contributors | Hughes, Robert L., Healey, Gordon Daniel, 1909-, Nichols, Martha, 1934- |
Publisher | North Texas State University |
Source Sets | University of North Texas |
Language | English |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
Format | 3, [iii], 64 leaves, Text |
Rights | Public, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved., McAndrew, Sara |
Page generated in 0.0015 seconds