Patel 1

Shefali Patel
Weaver
LNG 406
27 January 2011
The American Dream: An Annotated Bibliography
Beach, J. M. "The Ideology of the American Dream: Two Competing Philosophies in
Education, 1776-2006." Educational Studies 41.2 (2007): 148-164. Academic Search
Complete. EBSCO Database. Web. 26 Jan. 2011.
This article demonstrates two distinct notions of the American Dream, both radical and
conservative. This source focuses on the layers of meaning hidden in the Declaration of
Independence, for there are certain promises embedded in the document that articulate the need
of equality and freedom for all members of society. Tracing each facet of the dream, this article
connects each to our contemporary lifestyle. The sections that consist of my focus on the
American Dream, portrays unity through the use of historical references regarding James
Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson for their original conceptions on what they
believed the American people should base their country off unity. Jefferson’s Declaration of
Independence has instilled values regarding matters of equality, unalienable rights, life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. A secondary section of this source included Jefferson’s thoughts on
the possibility that the best came from the worst in the country of America. Using great figures
such as Benjamin Franklin, the author portrays the possibility that “rags to riches” stories truly
do exist. Nevertheless, these heights are only achieved through “hard work, quick thinking, and
tenacity.” The article ends hopefully with a poem, depicting the expectations of the American
Dream and explains how together, we may fulfill our potentials as not only individuals, but as a
country.
This source is biased politically, since its central message compares both radical and
conservative prospects of the American Dream. This article is reliable for it connects many
historical facts and incorporates quotations from past documents, connecting it to present day
issues. It is biased, but that does not alter its factual information, for it portrays both sides of the
scale. The goal of this source is to compare and contrast the traditional means of the American
Dream, in its political sense. Our founding fathers constructed an institution of a country that
thrived on following values: equality, inalienable rights; life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness; laws for public good; and principles of freedom, which even after more than 200
years are still ever present. This scholarly source is credible due to its author, who is associated
with The University of California as a professor in American History.
This article helped me trace the framework regarding the primary values our country is based on.
These underlying aspects of the American Dream heighten my understanding of our county’s
foundation. The emphasis on hard work, equality, and life are repeatedly stated in this article and
in the Declaration of Independence. From this article I will be taking away facts of how the
original idea of the American Dream has been preserved through time despite our country’s ups
and downs. These idealistic principles are sacred to the citizens of Holcomb, who thrive of the
idea that through meticulous work and perseverance, happiness and prosperity is possible. The
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article continues to use hope and freedom to evoke an emotional appeal that we all have: a desire
to move forward with the highest expectations. With the American Dream, prosperity in all areas
of life is a possibility. I will incorporate the use of “rags to riches” in my debate by using
prominent figures such as Benjamin Franklin. Both Herb Clutter and Benjamin Franking, rising
from humble origins to greatness through hard work, temperance, thrift, and ingenuity, Benjamin
Franklin set the mold for the self-made men. They are the best advocates of self-improvement,
civic responsibility, and striving for worldly success. Their simple virtues and ethical codes
fundamentally created a platform to bettering themselves. Furthermore, the imagery used to
portray our country is as the “land of opportunity, ripe for the talented few who could seize and
exploit that opportunity.” This vivid metaphor captures the pure essence of the American Dream:
just waiting for someone to grasp its full potential. It exists; we merely have to work for it and
reach for it. Additionally, the article is specific in its elements used to capture this dream. The
idea of community and union succeeding is ever present; together we can achieve anything. This
idea of social standing and roles is in attendance in Holcomb due to the ties woven among the
people, whom live together, helping, and filling in gaps for each other.
Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. Modern Library ed. New York: Random House, 1965. Print.

Truman Capote reconstructs a murder and investigation story that leads to the capture, trial, and
execution of two killers. Based on a true event, on November 15, 1959, the rural town of
Holcomb, Kansas is disrupted and distraught due to the four murders of the all-American family
of the Clutters. Carefully painting the backdrop of the town as secure, wholesome, and unified,
he then shatters this community when four shotgun blasts are heard coming from the epitome of
American family. On the other side of town, he introduces the two murderers, Dick and Perry,
emphasizing their weary, sketchy personas through imagery and dialect. Almost slanting the
audience’s perception of these men, he intentionally portrays them as delinquents. Capote further
development sways readers’ opinions as he characterizes the Clutters as the archetype of the
American Dream: morally just, wealthy, diligent, generous, modest, and stable. These assertions
and commentary on the Clutters further develop the idea that the murder that took place in
Holcomb was a vicious, unbearable, monstrosity. As Susan Kidwell discovers the gory corpses
and the police are informed of the disaster, fear sweeps over Holcomb, as neighbors turn into the
strangest strangers. Overcome with paranoia and distrust, Bobby Rupp is initially a suspect until
proven innocent by a lie detector test. Holcombites, including head investigator Alvin Dewey,
theorize that the killer is amongst them, lurking. Meanwhile, Dick and Perry return to Olathe,
Dick’s hometown, and they continue their criminal methods of cashing hot checks so that they
can flee to Mexico, hoping to attain treasure and live the life of a Rajah. As the investigation
advances, Dick and Perry lose faith as their aspirations of Mexico only lead to disappointment
and homesickness. Preparing to return to the States, Perry uncovers sentiments in his personal
belongings, causing him to reminisce his childhood. Flashing back into the roots of Perry, the
souvenirs, letters, and notebooks allow readers understand why Perry is the man he is today. This
biography, emphasizes the idea that Perry used to be “normal, goodhearted,” but his lack of self
control and contempt towards the happy makes him rebel against authority. Coming from a
family of suicide, the fact that three of his siblings killed themselves is a major contributor to
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Perry’s vile, twisted persona. Meanwhile, in the Kansas State Prison, Floyd Wells is informed of
the murder. Certain who the culprits are, he speculates revealing information to the authorities.
As Dick and Perry trek through the American desert, they attempt to rob a car as they hitchhike.
By this time, Floyd confesses the scenario and Dewey embarks on his convoluted manhunt to
capture these cold-blooded murderers. Before their abduction, they continue to pass more
fraudulent checks, steal vehicles, and settle in Miami. On their way to Las Vegas, a policewoman
distinguishes their license plate number. After thorough, vigorous questioning, Dick admits the
crime, and once Perry realizes this, he follows Dick’s lead. The murder trial continues smoothly,
as both men are condemned to death penalty. After a five-year appeals procession, Dick and
Perry wither in Death Row. While Perry attempts to die from starvation, Dick writes letters to
appeals organizations. As death creeps closer, Dick dies with uncouth and Perry, with remorse.

Through this source, Capote illustrates characters of Herb Clutter and Dick and Perry to serve as
archetypes of the fulfillment and waste of the American Dream. Both given equal opportunity,
they grasp this concept from various angles, altering their futures entirely. As my primary
source, In Cold Blood represents the epitome of the assorted pillars that retain the American
Dream. Although a novel based on realistic events, Capote leans towards certain opinions
regarding the consequences of Dick and Perry and the idea behind whether or not the American
Dream is attainable for all. By introducing Dick and Perry into Holcomb, they steal the Clutters’
American Dream, hoping to obtain their own. Nevertheless, Capote exemplifies the concept that
the American Dream exists, awaiting those who may seek it. As one of the most notorious
authors of the 50’s, Truman Capote published a serious of works that marked history. Even
though he did not attend college, his accounts of the Clutter murder was unexpectedly accurate,
for it assimilated news paper collections and trial documentation. He personally interacted with
citizens of Holcomb, attempting to fully scope the events down to the most scrupulous detail. By
following police investigation up until the final execution, he witnessed the atmosphere of the
murder and its toll on Holcombites. Capote’s central message remains clear despite
discrepancies: The American Dream is achievable by all, attainable by those who crave it, and
nonexistent to those who remain ignorant to morals and ethics. Additionally, sometimes in order
for one to execute his or her American Dream, they must rob someone else of theirs, for
example: the Clutters.

The American Dream, embedded inside principle fundamentals, is a concept coined to define the
idea of hope, freedom, optimism, and prosperity. Despite, destruction and disruption, Americans
can fries from fear and flourish into stronger individuals, and societies. This book reflects the
idea behind this central theme: Is it possible to be happy? The Clutters embody the family that
strives for perfection, disregarding obstacles, overcoming pain, and improving themselves and
their community. Their utopia engrages a certain few that lack diligence to obtain it themselves.
This scornful contempt and resentment fires a passion so brutal that it leads to murder. Despite
the earthquake that takes over Holcomb, the citizens cope with disaster and in the end, prove to
be elastic to obstacles, as they bounce back to their routine lives. This novel made me realize that
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although life is a cycle of restoration and destruction, the American Dream exists for all and it
symbolizes a better future for us and our children to come.

Jencks, Christopher. "Reinventing the American Dream." Chronicle of Higher Education 55.8

(2008): B6-B8. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO Database. Web. 7 Feb. 2011.

Jencks presents an article that reflects on the American Dream both ideologically and practically
in the 20th and early 21st century. Two contrary conceptions of the American Dream are depicted:
one as the freedom for an individual to pioneer innovation and grow prosperously, and the other
as social equality of living standard in regard to labor efforts. According to Republican values,
the Dream emphasizes individual talent and effort, while favoring freedom. Democrats believe
that those who work hard and behave responsibly can achieve a decent standard of living. Jencks
asserts that the “standard” is a moving target, for it is morphing from decade to decade. In the
1950’s the American Dream was defined as having a steady job, owning a safe house, allowing
your children to study at decent schools, and believing that your children would have a change at
college even if you did not. Using statistics to heighten his thesis that Republican and
Democratic views have been transformed, focusing heavily on income and material consumption
due to politics. He scopes the political landscape, keeping in mind that the underlying message
behind the American Dream has been contorted into the illusion that we need more fancy
products. Jencks states that in order to progress and expand our frontiers, it is crucial to find a
different method; one that targets human needs like physical health, material security, individual
freedom, and time to play with our children and smell the roses.

Christopher Jencks, professor of social policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of

Government, has published many scholarly books such as: Social Policy: Race, Poverty, and the
Underclass (Harvard University Press, 1992). An expert on American Sociology, the claims he
makes are undeniably accurate, for we can survive without almost 85 percent of the products we
buy and claim we “need.” His assertions include references to previous economic and political
depressions and climaxes, stating that through these events the idea of the American Dream that
was originally crafted to give opportunity and hope to citizens has been manipulated and
distorted into a delusion that only through materialistic manners can we attain happiness. His
article slants towards a pessimistic view, largely due to his belief that the original state of the
Dream has simmered down, lacking a pristine condition. Although he compares both the
foremost principles of the American Dream and the latter, he focuses on the latter and its
depreciation over time. Stating that he is a pessimist, his views suggest that American citizens
have a high demand for products unnecessary to their survival, fogging their view of the true
morals behind “the land of opportunity.”

The American Dream, a widely known concept for individuals, has been shaped and transformed
through time, currently slanting towards a means that is more materialistic rather than moral.
Herb Clutter and Dick and Perry embody both extremes of this scale, for Herb sustains his moral
wealth through rich character and ethics and Dick and Perry strive for monetary compensation
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with complete disregard for the codes of virtue. Although wealthy both internally and by money,
Herb never falters; always humble and never covetous of what he lacked. Always appreciating
his life and striving to improve it, Herb serves as the total opposite of the hungry and insatiable
murderers, who will destroy anything in their path even if it means killing another’s American
Dream to achieve their own. Jencks statements have opinionated my argument, making it more
realistic. Previously I believed the American Dream was a concept too ideal to exist; however,
by his declarations and observations that it has been manipulated, the concept is outlined to be
achievable and easily lost.

Kennedy, E. "'The Dream Lives On'." Newsweek 154.(2009): 94-97. Academic Search Complete.

EBSCO Database. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.
The article presents a speech by U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy in which he discusses the
profound and innate foundation of the characteristics comprising of American values. He
emphasizes the idea that American’s are tightly bonded and connected through family and
friends. Although there are setbacks, he states, his fellow Americans have been there, never
faltering in their optimism. Using the symbolism of the American flag, he compares its values
and importance to that of the surface of the moon: for it is achievable; Americans are given the
fundamental right to strive for success, carrying on the everlasting “American Dream.”
Although this article focuses on the political aspects of our country, its underlying features of
American nature is intact. This article is slanted towards the political party of democrats, for it is
a speech campaigning the change Barack Obama will bring. This source does not incorporate
specific historical facts, but rather sends idealistic messages to the audience. The goal of this
source is composed of convincing the public that Obama will serve as an agent to reflect and
remind us and instill our American values, while striving forward as time changes. Additionally,
this source is popular rather that scholarly because it is based on political bias rather than factual
data.
This source allowed me to reflect upon what the public assumes the American Dream to be. The
aspects of this source, made me realize that each opportunity we have is a fundamental right not
a privilege. In the town of Holcomb, there is a deeply rooted sense of community, in which they
have created a sacred sense of security among themselves. This facet of the American dream, as
the source states, allows the people to persist through the difficult times in their lives, as well as
the victorious. As the cycle is broken and the utopia we all desire is shattered, new hope is
eminent and irrevocably present as time progresses. The article states that we hold our dream “of
high principle and bold endeavor,” signifying the sacredness and worth of an individual, which is
preserved through goals and perseverance. The American Dream is a cycle due to the idea that
although we face obstacles in life, through optimism and perseverance in hard work, we bounce
back and are always reunited with our dreams. Through this article, my original assumption of
the symbolism of the American flag was altered, for I never perceived it to be a beacon of the
steps on the moon. This new lens allowed me to reflect on the idea that, because the American
Dream exists, there are footprints on the moon. Although tasks such as these are undeniably
difficult, through perseverance, immense work ethic, and optimism, there are possibilities. I will
use this article to strengthen the idea that the American Dream exists partly because of its
unbreakable bondage of community. The idea that we are there supporting each other through
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victory, setbacks, and defeats is a value that is forever embedded in us. Despite the part of the
cycle when the dream is destroyed, our optimism and companionship allows us to fight through.
This article emphasizes the value of the individual and his or her role in society, which
strengthens the prospects of having an opportunity to achieve one’s dreams.
Manley, John F. "American Liberalism and The Democratic Dream: Transcending The
American Dream. Policy Studies Review 10.1 (1990): 89 102. Academic Search
Complete. EBSCO Database. Web. 7 Feb. 2011.

Manley demonstrates to readers the three concepts that run through American history: the
democratic concept, the elitist concept, and the American concept. This American Dream
consists of a compromise between an elitist and democratic viewpoint, shaping our country as it
thrives today. Through the river of American history, Manley treads from the pilgrim ages to
present day. Even as a newly found nation, its settlers wanted to preserve in it the embryo of
dream, which included freedom and independence. Free from the tyranny of British monarchs,
these pioneers fled to a land which they crafted from bare earth into structurally efficient. This
article stresses the significance of the stable middle class, addressing the idea that the American
Dream truly is equal for all, not merely the elite. Accrediting William Bradford and John
Winthrop, he flashes back to the Colonial times, in which these men draft the blueprint of the
moral codes of America. The elitist dreams envision an America that denies mass equality,
freedom, and emancipation from poverty. Rather, it supports justified displacement and
legitimated capitalism over the egalitarian society of independent producers. This fusion of both
democratic and elitist versions, have permeated the pillars of American society. Manley states
that for most people, the Dream means marginal economic improvement and democracy is
essentially the promise of American life. This blend of ideals must be rediscovered to fit
contemporary life and replenished to still convey the traditional methods of the American Dream
as stated by The Declaration of Independence.

John Manley, professor of United States History at Stanford University, makes claims that are
scholarly, yet politically inclined. His assertions are accurate due to his citations of historical
records, figures, and events, but the two extremes he fuses can be debated. He aims to represent
America as it was intended to be by original settlers, and how both democratic and idealistic
views have crafted this sculpture that we call the American Dream. Its ideals and codes merge
from two extremities with one core meaning: opportunity. In order to fully execute this concept,
Manley suggests that we must rebuilt and refresh our ideals to fit modern society. He states that
the concept thrives on principles of virtue, diligence, and optimism of equality. He stresses the
idea that most Americans are not upper class, but instead hard workers, providing for themselves
and their family. His declarations radiate life in America today, for it is copious with steady,
prosperous middle class and freedom.

Manley’s use of original settlers parallels Herb Clutter and pioneers. Both flourished from the
concept that through labor, fruit was plentiful. Although Herb is not the richest man in Holcomb,
he remains the richest through character. As a middle class family, the Clutters embody the
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middle class, as they cultivate their own land, River Valley Farm, and laboriously work to attain
wealth and luxury. Unlike these producers, Dick and Perry represent consumers who lack the
yearning of hard work to fulfill their aspirations. Rather than striving for improved education to
be awarded a full scholarship, Dick passes the opportunity by at the slightest chance of
uneasiness. The palpable truth of the American Dream lies within those willing to seek its
rewards, overcome barriers, and humbly enjoy its fruit. The concept of Manley’s Dream
insinuates that the “New World” enables economic opportunities and moral wealth. The promise
of America consists largely in its chance of independence, freedom, and prosperity, assuaging
past struggles of social standing, and poverty imbalances.

Vandenberg, Donald. "The Success Ethic, Education, and the American Dream
(Book)." Educational Studies 27.4 (1996): 380-385. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO
Database. Web. 6 Feb. 2011.
Vandenberg’s article addresses the philosophy behind the layers of the American Dream.
Disregarding the little, of “education,” its contents are merely the building blocks that sustain the
United States. These “success ethics” influenced America and its consistent desire for “achieving
wealth and advancing beyond one's father in terms of occupation and income.” This analysis of
the book The Success Ethic, Education, and the American Dream outlines the constituents
behind the framework of the American Dream, which consist of four distinct codes of conduct.
The author makes connections between Puritanism, the Protestant ethic, and capitalism, and
turns to prominent figures such as Ben Franklin, Andrew Carnegie, Elbert Hubbard, Horatio
Alger, George Lorimer, Russell Conwell, Alonso Stagg, and Harry Truman to symbolize the
Dream. By citing correlations between intergenerational mobility, educational attainment, and
eamings, Vanderberg concluded that the opportunity for someone from humble origins, through
ambition, hard work, and perseverance, can rise to the top. Additionally, the article blueprints the
essential ingredients of success through character: “perseverance, industry, frugality, sobriety,
punctuality, reliability, thoroughness, and initiative.” Vanderberg fabricates his analysis and
sews its final touches by stating that the American Dream is the equal opportunity to become
unequal through education as one's abilities and achievements allow in accordance with the
character ethic.
The assertions Vanderberg makes consist of factual data; however, is rather abstract, for the
American Dream is a concept that many strive for, but cannot define. His usage of remarkable
historical figures makes the article rather reliable, for he cites the works of these men, down to
the Declaration of Independence. Vanderberg targets different pillars that keep alive the
American Dream, strengthening his thesis that it is indubitably attainable. His analysis implies a
sense of hope and structure, for the principles he mentions are possible for all, but attainable for
few. He also portrays a majestic patriotism embedded in American citizens, for there are
promises in these pillars that to this day have been fulfilled. His objective use of founding
fathers and social mobility make this source reliable, since its goals are to inform the reader
about the underlying message behind the composition of our country. Due to his in-depth
research of American history, this professor of The University of Queensland portrays to readers
that his scholarly source depicts a profound understanding and layout of the foundation of the
American Dream. The Dream, achievable through the imperative, foremost ingredients of
exceptional character, ethic, diligence, and hard work, remains a possibility for all.
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The American Dream can be feasible for those who have the ingredients of phenomenal
character. This article outlines the components of the American Dream, as defined by our
founding fathers and many historical legends. Its use of factual data will allow me to craft my
argument with logos, targeting the logic of my audience. Herb Clutter, Benjamin Franklin, and
Andrew Carnegie are parallel characters, for they represent the yearning for success and the
attainment of the Dream by diligence and perseverance. All three rose from nearly nothing, into
tycoons of their personal versions of community, literature, and business. Through their
aspirations, humble natures, and astute choices, they coped with obstacles and became
illustrious. Furthermore, Vanderbergs assertions of this novel depict the general patriotism,
optimism, and hope that lies deep within our cores, searching for a betterment of ourselves and
our children. The idea of growth and expansion of horizons is evident in Herb Clutter, for he is
consistently searching for fresh approaches to improve the community, his family, and himself.
Herb was respected for his protectiveness of his family and amicability whereas Carnegie was
esteemed for his dedication to humanitarianism and philanthropy. The examples included in this
article further heighten the argument that if the principles of moral conduct are present in ones
persona, the American Dream becomes inexorably obtainable.
Zakaria, Fareed. "Restoring The American Dream. (Cover story)." Time 176.18 (2010): 30-
35. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO Database. Web. 7 Feb. 2011.
Zakaria presents his initial reaction to America, as well as his amazement and disappointment
upon arrival. Growing up in the 1970’s his expectations of the American Dream consisted of all
he viewed on Hollywood films: skyscrapers, elite cars, beautiful women, and abundant open
land. On a contrast to India, this vision seemed ideal, a utopia of freedom and bliss. This perfect
pictures splashed across his mind, dazzling and radiating happiness. This universal fascination
with the United States was widespread, consuming minds of many, and raising hopes of millions.
The superficial concept of this Dream exploded into pieces, as Zakaria arrived to the States and
realized each and every citizen had to work and carry out routine responsibilities. Although
different from cinema, he observed that even his friends whose parents had modest, conservative
jobs came home to well-established suburban houses, utilities, and gleaming appliances. These
simple elements of daily life, allowed him to grasp the concept of the American Dream: a
general prosperity and well-being for the average person. Zakaria asserts that European
civilization produced this superb cathedral with its pillars of equality and opportunity which is
now called America. Basics such as the two-car garage and prolific middle class optimists were
examples that the American Dream is lived by almost all of us, everyday. He states that in
contrast to the fatalism and socialist lethargy of India, America’s sunny attitude towards the half
full glass was utterly refreshing. In his section entitled, Recapturing the Dream and The Work
Ahead, he proclaims that despite dwindling economic struggles, foreign competition, the Dream
is resilient. He references Coke Kent and Klaus Kleinfeld, both international leading
businessmen, to further prove his assertion that these highly-esteemed individuals claim that the
values and prospects America has to offer is unlike any other country. The openness, diversity,
and dynamism build the American Dream. Moreover, Zakaria adds that the Dream was coined
during the Great Depression, although it has been present for much longer. In an atmosphere of
unimaginable despair, American citizens thrived and blossomed under pressure to overcome the
obstructions in their path, leading to the concept of hope, since the Dream remains alive
eternally.
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Although the author, Fareed Zakaria, is an average man coming to the States, his experiences
validate the pillars of the American Dream, since; after all, it remains present to the average
individual and for all. Though his primary expectations were disrupted, he brings to attention that
there are certain expectations held behind the American Dream, but oftentimes they are
unreliable and the Dream consists of internal happiness rather than materialistic appliances.
Compared to previous sources in my annotated bibliography, his account on the American
Dream brings to surface the reality of the Dream, and unveils the layers of superficialness and
truth. This article incorporates personal experience, while sewing and strengthening with
historical data. Although a biased account of one’s American journey, his observations conclude
accurately the perceptions of the American Dream both from a foreigner’s and citizen’s lens.
Zakaria, well qualified as the average man, is considered a reliable source due to his
understanding of both extremes of the American Dream, including outliers. The backdrop of his
life, strategically incorporated to show extremities, reminds readers that each individual, whether
American or international, has a personal Dream, striving for the values, equalities, and freedom
only America can offer.
Zakaria’s declarations for the realistic concept of the American Dream broadens the idea that,
yes, it is present, but can be easily mistaken for materialistic objects. These materials only
surface the concept of the Dream, but the depth is rather from the virtue placed within. These
moral codes and values of equality, optimism, modesty, and hope compound the American
Dream. In In Cold Blood, Dick and Perry strive for the aesthetical features of the Dream, such as
their savage hunt for pawning money and buying prostitutes. On the contrary, Herb Clutter
flourishes from family values, religion, and responsibility. Herb involves himself in community
activities, hoping to expand and increase the welfare of his family, as well as the community’s.
His modesty and reserved nature allows him to cope with obstacles in a steady, mature manner,
in comparison to Dick and Perry, twisted and resentful, overcome themselves with bitter scorn
when obstructions halt their paths. Zakaria’s assertions reveal that both extents of the American
Dream are present, but the approach to taking advantage of what they have is the ultimate key to
either prosperity or downfall.