Mordern American Dreams.

Different plays depict different messages of the American dream as they were written during different periods of time. The periods of interest are the Romantic and Realist periods of time. The Romantic period was a great time for individual growth. The focus of energy was not directed to communal growth as expected but instead directed towards self-understanding regarding emotions and imaginations. It exposed Americans to the spirit of creation which in turn helped in building the country and inspiring the people.
On the other hand, the Realist period came about as a reaction to the romantic period. Since romance was all about emotions and imaginations, realism depicted the true nature of individuals and their societies. It brought changes in the political and social structures of the society. Each period had distinguishing elements that stood out across time. This is further elaborated through the great works of Fitzgerald, Williams, Ellison, Alexie, and Kafka.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, is centered on a love story. After achieving all riches and wealth, Gatsby only dreamt of one more thing. He longed for a future with his lover, Daisy. This all turned out to be unattainable regardless of his status (Fitzgerald n.a). This clearly shows the romantic elements in Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream. His love for Daisy symbolized everything he ever desired, regardless of the paths and encountered it made him face. Gatsby is disillusioned after his brief reunion with Daisy; he realizes the reality of things and attempts to confront his warring feelings about the American Dream. This brings out realist elements in the American Dream as depicted by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The play, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams is a centered-on motivation. The play manipulates individuals into developing an appeal for the American Dream. The play portrays the life of a man, Stanley Kowalski, as the American Dream. The romantic elements depicted in his way of life included hard work, honor, and success (Williams n.a). Through these elements, he was assured of a comfortable life all his lifetime.
Contrary to this perspective was the life of Blanched (Williams n.a). Her way of life interrupts Stanley’s routine such that he notices some changes in his wife’s attitude. Blanched carries with her an air of realism; she portrays situations the way they are.
Ralph Waldo Ellison’s, Battle Royal, is an outright portrayal of realism through the American Dream. The Battle Royal is a story of a Black Man who survived America during the times of discrimination and segregation (Ellison 5). The story explains the reality of the American Dream with regards to black people. The story reveals a sad truth whereby blacks were close to achieving the American Dream but never really getting it. There was no American dream for black people (Ellison 10). The brute reality revealed through this story shows the level of disregard black people were shown.
Sherman Alexie’s, The Toughest Indian in the World, “South by Southwest, is a story centered on love. The foundation of Seymour’s adventures is coxed by love. Seymour was looking for love in his adventures (Sherman 55). His experience at the International House of Pancakes is a clear depiction of romanticism. He was doing everything he could think of in the name of love (Sherman 58). The element of romanticism that is displayed in Seymour’s dream is the search for love. It falls under emotions and imaginations.
Franz Kafka’s, The Metamorphosis is a story about a young man who transforms into a bug. Gregor Samsa is a young boy who acts as the breadwinner to their home (Kafka 15). He had an ailing father and hence filled in his shoes. One morning his transformation completely changed his life and that of his relatives. This highlights the romanticism period as Gregor’s imagination of isolation turned out to be a bug in the dark corners of the room.

Works Cited
Ellison, Ralph. Battle Royal. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s., (1994) 1-12. Document. Retrieved from http://www.wicknet.org/english/bfreeman/Anthology/battle_royal.htm
Fitzgerald, Francis Scott. The Great Gatsby (1925). na, 1991.
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Planet E-Book.com, (1915):1-77. Document.
Sherman Alexie, The Toughest Indian in the World. South by Southwest (2002): 55-75. Document.
Williams, Tennessee. A Streetcar Named Desire., 1979.