The American Dream In The Winter Of Our Discontent
The phrase, the “American Dream” means that the person that would like to achieve that goal of success in some form. Generally, people want success dealing with wealth and well-being. In The Winter of our Discontent the want for the “American Dream” does exist in some way.
Ethan’s dream included wealth and power. When Ethan is offered his first bribe his need for the “American Dream” increases. Ethan, a man with morals, suddenly becomes someone who will do anything to achieve success. He reported his boss, Marullo, to immigration because his desires to own the store outweighed his loyalties to Marullo. This idea pushes him to hurt those around him; in this case it was Marullo. In the end, Ethan feels guilt over all his actions, which eliminates his desire for the American Dream. He realizes that his goal shouldn’t have been obtained immorally, which is the reason he attempts to kill himself.
When the novel starts, it appears that Marullo has already achieved his American Dream. Marullo owned his own store and appeared to be well off. As a businessman, he wanted to continue achieving success. His dream was hindered when he is reported to immigration services. Marullo had no desire to return to Italy because he wanted to keep achieving the American Dream. Marullo achieved the dream but was unable to continue …show more content…
when he was sent back to Italy.
Margie Young-Hunt’s dream was to obtain money and collect the affections of men.
Margie’s need for money can be seen in chapter twelve. In chapter twelve, Margie’s thoughts and desires are shown. She thinks to herself about her first husband dying, which would leave her without money. That is probably one reason she is drawn to Ethan. She began to see his success and wanted a part of it for herself. She tried to seduce him, and at first it was successful. Ethan, who was without morals at the time, denies her because his dreams differ from hers. Since Margie was rejected by Ethan, her dreams are delayed until she finds someone that will give her what she
wants.
All the characters are unable to complete their idea of the American Dream. The factors that play into this are themselves and others. In Ethan’s case, he was achieving his dream in the wrong way. Marullo, on the other hand, was affected by Ethan’s actions of reporting him. Margie was unable to accomplish her dreams because of Ethan, but also because she was obtaining things in an immoral way.
Ethan’s dream included wealth and power. When Ethan is offered his first bribe his need for the “American Dream” increases. Ethan, a man with morals, suddenly becomes someone who will do anything to achieve success. He reported his boss, Marullo, to immigration because his desires to own the store outweighed his loyalties to Marullo. This idea pushes him to hurt those around him; in this case it was Marullo. In the end, Ethan feels guilt over all his actions, which eliminates his desire for the American Dream. He realizes that his goal shouldn’t have been obtained immorally, which is the reason he attempts to kill himself.
When the novel starts, it appears that Marullo has already achieved his American Dream. Marullo owned his own store and appeared to be well off. As a businessman, he wanted to continue achieving success. His dream was hindered when he is reported to immigration services. Marullo had no desire to return to Italy because he wanted to keep achieving the American Dream. Marullo achieved the dream but was unable to continue …show more content…
when he was sent back to Italy.
Margie Young-Hunt’s dream was to obtain money and collect the affections of men.
Margie’s need for money can be seen in chapter twelve. In chapter twelve, Margie’s thoughts and desires are shown. She thinks to herself about her first husband dying, which would leave her without money. That is probably one reason she is drawn to Ethan. She began to see his success and wanted a part of it for herself. She tried to seduce him, and at first it was successful. Ethan, who was without morals at the time, denies her because his dreams differ from hers. Since Margie was rejected by Ethan, her dreams are delayed until she finds someone that will give her what she
wants.
All the characters are unable to complete their idea of the American Dream. The factors that play into this are themselves and others. In Ethan’s case, he was achieving his dream in the wrong way. Marullo, on the other hand, was affected by Ethan’s actions of reporting him. Margie was unable to accomplish her dreams because of Ethan, but also because she was obtaining things in an immoral way.