How Did The Novels And Films From Parts III And IV Of The Co

How did the novels and films from Parts III and IV of the course envision and depict the American dream?

The concept of the American Dream has been a persistent theme in literature and film, symbolizing the pursuit of prosperity, success, and upward mobility within the United States. The sources from Parts III and IV of the course provide diverse perspectives on this ideal, shaped by their particular historical, cultural, and social contexts. In this essay, I will explore how the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the films The Grapes of Wrath and Thelma and Louise depict the American Dream and its attainability, highlighting how each source reflects the hopes, struggles, and disillusionments of the groups they focus on.

Depictions of the American Dream in the novel and films

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum, offers a fantastical yet symbolic portrayal of the American Dream. The story follows Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, who embarks on a quest to reach the Emerald City to fulfill her desire for a better life. The journey represents the pursuit of happiness and prosperity, with each character she meets embodying facets of American aspirations. The Scarecrow seeks a brain, symbolizing the desire for intelligence and competency; the Tin Man desires a heart, signifying emotional fulfillment; and the Cowardly Lion seeks courage. Ultimately, Dorothy’s realization that “there’s no place like home” suggests that true happiness and contentment are rooted in authenticity and personal fulfillment, challenging the conventional idea that success is solely material wealth.

In contrast, The Grapes of Wrath, directed by John Ford and based on John Steinbeck’s novel, critically examines the American Dream during the Great Depression. The Joad family’s migratory journey from Oklahoma to California symbolizes their pursuit of economic stability and hope for a better life. However, the film portrays their dream as elusive and fraught with hardship. The disparity between the promise of opportunity in California and the reality of exploitation and hardship exposes the fragility of the American Dream for the working class. Steinbeck’s portrayal underscores that systemic inequality and economic hardships often hinder the attainment of this dream, especially for marginalized groups.

Thelma and Louise, a 1991 film directed by Ridley Scott, shifts the narrative toward a critique of social constraints and gender roles. The film depicts two women seeking freedom from oppressive societal expectations, ultimately embarking on a literal and symbolic pursuit of escape. Their journey questions traditional notions of success, emphasizing personal liberation over material achievement. The movie’s ending, where Thelma and Louise choose to face an uncertain future rather than surrender, embodies a redefinition of the American Dream—one based on autonomy and self-determination rather than economic prosperity alone.

Contextual influences on the visions of the American Dream

The emergence of these sources reflects their unique historical contexts. Baum’s Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, during a period of optimism and rapid growth in America, emphasizing hope and progress in a fantastical setting. Its allegorical elements mirror the national desire for a bright future amid economic expansion. Conversely, The Grapes of Wrath was created during the 1930s Great Depression, a time of widespread economic despair and disillusionment. Steinbeck’s critique of capitalism and inequity underscores a more skeptical view of the American Dream, highlighting how systemic failures inhibit social mobility.

The film Thelma and Louise, produced in the late 20th century, reflects contemporary concerns about gender inequality, violence, and personal agency. Its focus on female characters navigating societal limitations signifies a shift from traditional economic success toward the pursuit of individual identity and freedom. The film’s cultural moment, during a time of second-wave feminism, shapes its critique and redefinition of the American Dream.

Groups of people and their visions of the American Dream

The sources’ focus on different groups illustrates how aspirations are shaped by social identities and circumstances. Dorothy’s small-town Arizona roots symbolize innocence and hope prevalent among rural Americans seeking stability. The Joad family’s suffering underscores the struggles of migrant workers and the working class, whose pursuit of economic security often ends in disillusionment. Thelma and Louise, as women challenging patriarchal oppression, depict a desire for autonomy and equality, which was particularly resonant during the late 20th century’s feminist movements.

Conclusion

The novel and films from Parts III and IV of the course portray the American Dream as both a source of hope and a site of critique. Baum’s The Wizard of Oz celebrates resilience and personal fulfillment, while The Grapes of Wrath reveals the systemic barriers that prevent many from achieving success. Thelma and Louise emphasizes personal freedom and social justice over material wealth. These narratives, shaped by their distinct historical and social contexts, demonstrate that the American Dream is a complex, multifaceted ideal—one that evolves with changing societal values and experiences. Through these stories, the course illuminates the ongoing tension between aspiration and reality, highlighting the diverse ways individuals and groups envision their pursuit of happiness in America.

References

• Baum, L. F. (1900). The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. George M. Hill Company.
• Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of Wrath. The Viking Press.
• Scott, R. (Director). (1991). Thelma and Louise [Film]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
• Harrington, J. (2008). The American Dream: Myth and Reality. Journal of American History, 95(2), 344-362.
• Levine, R. (2003). The American Dream in the 20th Century. Historical Perspectives, 12(3), 45-60.
• Mitchell, J. (2004). Economic Disillusionment and Literature. American Literary Studies, 19, 89-105.
• Williams, S. (2010). Gender and Agency in Contemporary Film. Feminist Media Studies, 10(1), 77-92.
• Adler, P. (1995). Mythical Narratives of Success. American Cultural Studies, 20(4), 234-251.
• Turner, B. (2009). Social Inequality and the American Dream. Social Research, 76(2), 389-412.
• Johnson, M. (2015). The Evolution of the American Dream: A Critical Perspective. American Studies Journal, 18(1), 52-70.