INTRO Define American dream -“The earliest settlers saw America as an embodiment of their hope, a land of infinite resources and opportunities where they could construct the ideal society and acquire material goods.” (The United States in Literature, p. 619) -A place where hard work and optimism leads to a successful life in vocation and family. (Mine) “The Glass Menagerie is the epitome of the American dream due to the depiction of the ideal American and his foil : Jim and Laura

BODY-JIM “I saw it summer before last at the Century of Progress…” (The United States in Literature, p. 607) “You know what impressed me the most? The Hall of Science. Gives you an idea of what the future will be like in America. Oh, it’s more wonderful than the present time is!” (The United States in Literature, p. 607) -Context -Connection: Optimism

“I believe in the future of television! I want to be ready to go right up along with it.” “You know, knowledge---ZSZZppp! Money---Zzzzzzpp! POWER! Wham! That’s the cycle democracy is built on! (The United States in Literature, p. 611) -Context -Connection: successful vocation

“I’ve been going steady! I go out all the time with a girl named Betty.” (The United States in Literature, p. 614) “The power of love is pretty tremendous!” (The United States in Literature, p. 614) -Context -Connection: successful family

BODY-LAURA “I took a course at business college…” (The United States in Literature, p. 610) “… I had to drop out, it gave me –indigestion” (The United States in Literature, p. 610) -Context -Connection: successful vocation

“That’s all right, honey, that’s all right. It doesn’t matter. Little girls who aren’t cut out for business careers sometimes end up married to very nice young men.” “But mother…” “I’m---crippled” (The United States in Literature, p. 579) -Context -Connection: successful family