The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and its...

The American dream can be defined as the promise of living in America with opportunities for all, regardless of social class, and according to their ability and effort (Schnell, 2010). Proponents of the American dream believe that there is equal opportunity for all in the American society to achieve success. Success is not pegged on social status, race, or creed, but rather on an individual’s own efforts. The definition of the American dream has unique interpretations to different people. The most common meaning is that of a life of abundance and prosperity, characterized by economic rewards that enable one to live a middle class life of comfort. Here, success is measured by material possessions such as beautiful homes, cars, a high†¦show more content†¦Douglass’ narrative clearly illustrates how these components played a part in enabling him to realize his ultimate dream of freedom. Individualism The American dream is closely tied with individualism, where there is emphasis on personal achievements as well as individual rights. In American society, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and the freedom to express such opinions. With this right, each individual is expected to push himself towards success on the basis of his/her own personal efforts. The American dream is also based on the belief that anyone who has enough talent, will, drive, and merit can overcome insurmountable obstacles to achieve whatever they set their minds to. However, not everyone can achieve success as it is based on an individual’s abilities, initiative, and willingness to take risks. Frederick Douglass demonstrates this trait of individualism throughout his life, with his willingness to take risks, and to overcome obstacles placed in his way, so as to acquire whatever he sought. This trait is what sets him apart from other slaves, and is best illustrated through his efforts to learn how t o read and write. Though his master forbade him to learn and took away his only teacher, Frederick was able to overcome this obstacle and find other teachers, by befriending young white boys who knew how to read and write. Frederick’s individualism seems to have been a resultShow MoreRelatedAmerican Romanticism As Portrayed By Walt Whitman s Song Of Myself979 Words   |  4 PagesJesha C. Lor Callis Modern Civ-LIT 3/21/16 Song of myself (1855) Narrative (1845) American Romanticism as portrayed by Walt Whitman’s â€Å"Song of Myself† and Fredrick Douglass’s Narrative American Romanticism focuses on the imagination, emotions and idealized perspectives of the world. Romanticism is in opposition to the forms and conventions of Neoclassical Literature and is a reaction to the Age of reason which preceded Romanticism. Reason was ruled out in this era in place of imagination, individualityRead More Interpretations of Slavery Essay3734 Words   |  15 Pagesprevented from making their own choices regarding physical reproduction. Western slavery took each of these slave characteristics to a new level and as a result there are many authors who wrote about the evil institution of slavery in the Colonies. American literature is full of authors who describe, condone or oppose slavery, the most informative and influential of whom were Black writers because many were able to give a personal perspective on slavery. These Black writers had to struggle to be acceptedRead MoreRealism and Freedom in Literature of Dwight D. Eisenhower1948 Words   |  8 PagesRealism and Freedom Dwight D. Eisenhower once stated, Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed-else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die (Rather 1). The meaning of the term freedom is often open to interpretation, and can represent different meanings to different groups of people. Up until the Realistic time period, many Americans viewed freedom as being able to enjoy the rights given to them underRead More After coming to America Essay1655 Words   |  7 PagesAfter coming to America All people seem to want the same basic things out of life regardless of race or religion. Universally, people want a good job, a healthy family, and a chance for their children to have a better life than the one they have. Families that already possess these things, whether through their own hard work or merely by way of inheritance, rely on the existing power structures within society to ensure that their future happiness continues . But what do people who do not belong