This document is a critical analysis of the American Dream as depicted in Imbolo Mbue’s novel "Behold the Dreamers". The paper examines the different outcomes of the American Dream for the novel's main characters, including Jende Jonga, Neni Jonga, and Clark Edwards. It also discusses the downsides of pursuing this dream, particularly in the context of modern America’s systemic issues related to immigration, race, and class. The analysis highlights how the American Dream often remains elusive for immigrants, revealing that while it promises prosperity and upward mobility, it is fraught with challenges that prevent many from achieving it. The paper delves into how these characters' experiences reflect broader societal problems and critiques the sustainability of the American Dream in contemporary times.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DEFINITION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
3. THE MAIN CHARACTERS AND THEIR AMERICAN DREAMS IN BEHOLD THE DREAMERS
3.1. JENDE JONGA
3.2. NENI JONGA
3.3. CLARK EDWARDS
4. THE DOWNSIDES OF THE AMERICAN DREAM IN BEHOLD THE DREAMERS
5. CONCLUSION
6. WORKS CITED
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the diverging realities and frequently unaddressed downsides of the American Dream as portrayed in Imbolo Mbue’s novel Behold the Dreamers, specifically focusing on how systemic issues like immigration policies, race, and class impact the lives of immigrants.
- The divergence between personal expectations and the reality of the American Dream.
- The complexities and systemic barriers of the United States immigration process.
- The intersection of racial inequality and socio-economic struggles in American society.
- The vulnerability of immigrants to financial exploitation and temporary material success.
- The contrast between documented and anecdotal experiences of the national ethos.
Excerpt from the Book
4. The Downsides of the American Dream in Behold the Dreamers
One major problem in the US is the complicated immigration process itself, which hampers working, living, and staying there, and therefore fulfilling their dreams (Kliff). In Behold the Dreamers, Jende Jonga’s immigration process perfectly shows the downsides of the American Dream and why it is harder for foreigners to achieve it than for indigenous people
First of all, the protagonist was only allowed to go to the States with a temporary visitor’s visa and assurance that he would return to Limbe after three months. Only by providing a lie in terms of the time staying, he was able to convince the consular officer to approve his application. He even had to submit fake plans to strengthen his declaration (Mbue 18). This demonstrates that it is really difficult to get into the States without a proper reason and that the government tries to keep the immigration caused by America’s reputation under control. Saying that he would like to live the American Dream and stay in the country forever would probably have let to denial.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter contextualizes the migration of the Jonga family and sets the research focus on the multifaceted outcomes of the American Dream within Mbue’s novel.
2. DEFINITION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM: This section explores the historical and cultural definitions of the American Dream, shifting focus from mere financial success to broader concepts of individual fulfillment and fundamental rights.
3. THE MAIN CHARACTERS AND THEIR AMERICAN DREAMS IN BEHOLD THE DREAMERS: This chapter analyzes how specific protagonists, including Jende, Neni, and Clark, navigate their distinct aspirations and realities within the American socio-economic landscape.
3.1. JENDE JONGA: Explores Jende’s perspective as a Cameroonian immigrant whose optimism is tested by the realities of his employment and status in New York.
3.2. NENI JONGA: Highlights Neni's role and her pursuit of a pharmacy career while navigating the precariousness of life without permanent legal status.
3.3. CLARK EDWARDS: Examines the employer's perspective, representing the upper-class demographic and the pressure of maintaining professional success.
4. THE DOWNSIDES OF THE AMERICAN DREAM IN BEHOLD THE DREAMERS: Discusses the significant obstacles immigrants face, including legal hurdles, systemic racism, and the volatile nature of late-stage economic conditions.
5. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that the American Dream is often an elusive narrative that disproportionately disadvantages vulnerable immigrant populations.
6. WORKS CITED: A formal compilation of the secondary literature and primary sources consulted for this research paper.
Keywords
American Dream, Imbolo Mbue, Behold the Dreamers, Immigration, Systemic Racism, Social Inequality, Contemporary Fiction, Jende Jonga, Economic Crisis, Cultural Assimilation, Foreigners, Socio-economic Factors, Legal Status, Racial Inequality, Materialism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this research paper primarily about?
This paper provides a critical analysis of the American Dream as presented in Imbolo Mbue's novel, exploring its promises and its often-neglected, harsh realities for immigrants.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The core themes include the immigration process, systemic inequality, racial prejudice, class dynamics, and the psychological impact of chasing the American Dream.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to examine how different characters in the novel navigate the conflict between their expectations of American prosperity and the actual systemic barriers they encounter.
Which scientific methods are applied to this analysis?
The paper utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing upon scholarly definitions of the American Dream and societal critiques to interpret the narrative events in the novel.
What aspects of the novel are examined in the main body?
The main body focuses on the character arcs of Jende, Neni, and Clark, alongside a detailed investigation into the systemic obstacles and financial exploitations faced by immigrants.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
Key terms include American Dream, immigration, systemic racism, social inequality, and contemporary immigrant narratives.
How does the novel specifically address the immigration system?
The novel highlights the extreme difficulty of legal entry, the reliance on deception due to bureaucratic rigidity, and the constant fear of deportation which keeps immigrants in a state of precarity.
Why is the year 2007 significant to the analysis of the story?
The setting during the 2007 financial crisis serves as a catalyst that exposes the fragility of the characters' material successes, illustrating that the American Dream is susceptible to larger, unforgiving economic cycles.
- Quote paper
- Leonard Rothenfeld (Author), 2020, A Critical Look at the American Dream in Imbolo Mbue’s "Behold the Dreamers", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1519096
