Is the American Dream over?

What is the American Dream? Many hope for the same things, such as money, an education, good health, safety, a home, jobs, money, and opportunity. Ultimately everyone is searching for happiness and success, no matter what that entitles. Immigrants from all over the world come to the United States hoping to achieve the the so called, “American Dream.” The same goes for the protagonist, Sundara in Children of the River by Linda Crew. Sundara’s biggest desire was to get an education and become a doctor. She achieved the American Dream by persevering through suffering, assimilating to life in America, and by overcoming family issues.

One reason why Sundara achieved the “American Dream” is because she went through suffering and overcame it. In Children of the River, people are blaming Sundara for actions she did not take. “She leveled a look at him. “Don’t you talk to me that way. Not my fault you mad at your father, not my fault you quit the team.” She flashed her eyes at him.” (Crew, 167) This proves that even after she was suffering by getting blamed for something she didn't do, Sundara went through this challenge and stood up for herself. Another example of Sundara suffering in the book was when she could not date Jonathan due to cultural beliefs. It broke his heart and hers too, but she also went through that obstacle. “I learn that if you love somebody, you just better let them know while you still can.” This shows that Sundara was able to get over her pain of not being able to go out with Jonathan. She did what she thought was right in the end by telling Jonathan that she loved him. Being able to persevere through various stages of suffering was a challenge for Sundara.

Another reason why Sundara achieved her “American Dream” is because she started to understand how important family is. Sundara also resolved her problems with her family members. For example Sundara states, “ Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”(Crew, 50) This proves that Sundara said that