"From Rags to Riches" - This sentence has left an indelible mark on American history like no other before. It encapsulates the journey from poverty to wealth of a single individual, a dream that countless people sought in their pursuit of a land brimming with boundless opportunities. We are speaking of the American Dream, a vision deeply ingrained in the minds of the earliest settlers of America. This dream stands as a symbol of the American self-image and is an integral component of the nation's identity. The human right articulated as "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson can be viewed as the quintessential embodiment of the American Dream. Over 150 years later, James Truslow Adams popularized the term and defined it as follows: "The American dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better, richer, and fuller for every man, with opportunities for each according to his ability and achievement".
The American Dream has been explored in numerous works, including the iconic novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which not only left an indelible mark on American literature but also on American history. Moreover, it is considered one of the most widely taught English novels in American educational institutions in the last decade. The life of the titular character, Jay Gatsby, serves as a poignant example of the American Dream's disillusionment, as he tragically perishes without ever attaining his coveted life. However, for this essay, we will delve into the biographical drama film "The Pursuit of Happyness," directed by Gabriele Muccino, which focuses on yet another facet of the American Dream. It is particularly intriguing to note that the film centers around Will Smith's character, Chris Gardner, an African American man who is determined to chase his own happiness.
This essay endeavors to explore the relationship between the life of African American Chris Gardner and the American Dream as portrayed in "The Pursuit of Happyness."
To commence our analysis, we shall first define the term "American Dream". This definition will lay the groundwork for our exploration of the American Dream in the film. Following this, we will delve into the historical backdrop, for, as Samuel aptly puts it, "There is no better way to understand America than by comprehending the cultural history of the American Dream" (Samuel).
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2 THE AMERICAN DREAM
2.1 THE ORIGIN
2.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
2.3 THE AMERICAN DREAM NOW
2.4 AMERICAN DREAM OR AMERICAN NIGHTMARE?
3 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
3.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IDEAS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
3.2 LUCK AND COINCIDENCE
3.3 COMPARISON OF THE MOVIE VS THE REALITY
4 CONCLUSION
5 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Objectives and Core Topics
This essay explores the relationship between the life of Chris Gardner and the concept of the American Dream as portrayed in the film "The Pursuit of Happyness". The core research question addresses whether every individual, regardless of their skin color or social background, has a genuine opportunity to achieve the American Dream in contemporary society.
- Theoretical foundations and historical evolution of the American Dream.
- Critical analysis of the "American Dream" versus "American Nightmare" dichotomy.
- The role of individual merit, luck, and social circumstances in the film’s narrative.
- Disparity between cinematic representation and socioeconomic reality for African Americans.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IDEAS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
At the beginning of the film a short excerpt from the Declaration of Independence is faded in (The Pursuit of Happyness 01:10). It is the selected quote in point 2.2 of my work. A few seconds later (ibid. 02:05) and in minute 54:03, another symbol of the American Dream appears, the American flag. It symbolizes the independence and cohesion of the individual states of the USA. First, the film shows multiculturalism on the streets of America - a typical melting pot of nations. Moreover, the contrast between the homeless and the businesspeople becomes clear in several scenes (The Pursuit of Happyness 02:25, 02:35). Accordingly, a hint of the American Dream is seen at the beginning of the film. But how does this develop during the film?
In one scene, Chris Gardner stands in front of the investment bank. The people who seem very wealthy look very happy. At that moment Chris wonders why he can’t look as happy as them and made up his mind to pursue his happiness in order to be just as happy one day (ibid. 10:10). After Chris has decided to become a stockbroker and accepts the unpaid internship at Dean Witter, his wife Linda leaves him. The now single father is desperate and thinks of Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence and our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (ibid. 31:20).
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the historical context of the American Dream and introduces the film "The Pursuit of Happyness" as the primary object of analysis.
2 THE AMERICAN DREAM: Defines the conceptual origins and the evolution of the American Dream from its initial ideals to contemporary perceptions.
2.1 THE ORIGIN: Examines the early ideological roots of America as envisioned by pilgrim settlers and the formulation of foundational national concepts.
2.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: Traces the historical progression of the American Dream through key events like the Declaration of Independence and the Civil Rights Movement.
2.3 THE AMERICAN DREAM NOW: Analyzes the persistence of the American Dream in modern discourse and its potential role as a marketing strategy.
2.4 AMERICAN DREAM OR AMERICAN NIGHTMARE?: Investigates socioeconomic disparities and the systemic obstacles faced by African Americans in achieving the national ideal.
3 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS: Links the practical implementation of the American Dream as depicted in the film to the theoretical definitions explored previously.
3.1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IDEAS OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: Discusses the cinematic symbols and narrative choices that convey the struggle for success in the movie.
3.2 LUCK AND COINCIDENCE: Evaluates the significant influence of chance and serendipitous encounters on Chris Gardner's professional progress.
3.3 COMPARISON OF THE MOVIE VS THE REALITY: Debates the accuracy of the film's portrayal by contrasting it with the realities of race relations and social mobility in America.
4 CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, concluding that the American Dream often serves more as an optimistic myth than a structural reality for all.
5 BIBLIOGRAPHY: Provides the comprehensive list of academic sources and media used in the research.
Keywords
American Dream, The Pursuit of Happyness, African American history, social mobility, racial discrimination, Civil Rights Movement, Chris Gardner, economic inequality, meritocracy, film analysis, individualism, systemic racism, identity, Declaration of Independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the concept of the "American Dream" and its application to the life of the protagonist Chris Gardner in the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness".
What central themes are discussed?
The central themes include the historical evolution of the American Dream, the impact of racial inequality, the struggle for social mobility, and the distinction between reality and cinematic storytelling.
What is the main research question of the study?
The study explores whether every individual, regardless of their skin color, has equal opportunities to achieve the American Dream in the United States.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The author performs a literature analysis on the history of the American Dream and an interpretive film analysis to examine how the themes are implemented in the movie.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical origin of the American Dream, socio-historical challenges for African Americans, and a critical analysis of specific scenes and events within the film.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include the American Dream, systemic racism, social mobility, Chris Gardner, and historical sociopolitical analysis.
How does the author categorize the film's success story?
The author suggests that while the film illustrates the ideals of the American Dream, it also functions as an embellishment of reality, emphasizing that individual perseverance is often aided by luck and coincidence.
What conclusion is drawn regarding the equality of opportunity?
The author concludes that despite the ideals mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, systemic barriers based on race and socioeconomic status continue to hinder equal opportunity in reality.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2023, The American Dream in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (2006), München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1405413
