THE ARTISTIC REPRESENTATION OF THE "AMERICAN DREAM" CONCEPT IN 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN LITERATURE

Аннотация

The "American Dream" has been a central theme in 20th-century American literature, reflecting the aspirations, struggles, and realities of American society. This paper explores the artistic representation of the American Dream in literary works of the century, analyzing how different authors interpreted and depicted this concept. Through the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Arthur Miller, John Steinbeck, and other prominent writers, the study examines how literature portrays success, materialism, social mobility, and disillusionment. The research highlights how the American Dream evolved over time, shaped by historical and social changes, and how literature served as a mirror to these transformations. Keywords: American Dream, 20th-century American literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Arthur Miller, John Steinbeck, Toni Morrison, social mobility, materialism, disillusionment. The concept of the American Dream, rooted in the Declaration of Independence, embodies the belief that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and determination. However, 20th-century American literature often critiques and deconstructs this ideal, revealing its contradictions and limitations. The representation of the American Dream in literature provides insight into the hopes and disillusionments of different generations. This study explores key literary works that depict the American Dream, analyzing themes such as social class, economic hardship, racial inequality, and personal ambition. By examining the artistic portrayal of this concept, we gain a deeper understanding of how literature reflects the American experience. The research employs a literary analysis approach, examining primary texts, critical essays, and historical contexts. Key sources include: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby" – a critique of materialism and the illusion of the American Dream. Arthur Miller’s "Death of a Salesman" – a tragedy of failed ambition and societal pressure. John Steinbeck’s "The Grapes of Wrath" – a depiction of economic hardship and the struggle for survival. 161 MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference Toni Morrison’s "The Bluest Eye" – an exploration of racial inequality and its impact on the dream. Through thematic and character analysis, the study identifies how these works portray the promises and failures of the American Dream. Discussion and Results The findings suggest that the American Dream, while initially a symbol of hope and opportunity, is often portrayed in literature as an illusion or a source of disillusionment. Fitzgerald’s Gatsby represents the unattainable dream of wealth and social status. Miller’s Willy Loman embodies the tragic consequences of blind faith in an outdated ideal. Steinbeck’s Joad family illustrates the harsh economic realities that undermine the dream. Morrison’s Pecola Breedlove shows how racial and social barriers distort the concept of success. These literary works demonstrate that the American Dream is not a universal reality but is influenced by economic, racial, and social factors. The 20th century saw a shift from optimism to critical realism, as literature exposed the flaws and inequalities within American society. The study concludes that the American Dream, as depicted in 20th-century American literature, is a complex and evolving concept. While some characters strive for success, others face inevitable disappointment. Literature serves as a powerful medium to question, redefine, and challenge the ideals of the American Dream, reflecting the ever-changing nature of American society. The concept of the "American Dream" has been a defining element of American identity, symbolizing the ideals of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of success. Rooted in the Declaration of Independence, it promotes the belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve prosperity through hard work and determination. However, throughout the 20th century, American literature has critically examined and reinterpreted this ideal, exposing its complexities, contradictions, and limitations. Many literary works of the period highlight both the hopes and the disappointments associated with the American Dream. Writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Arthur Miller, John Steinbeck, and Toni Morrison have explored its impact on individuals and society, depicting themes of ambition, materialism, social mobility, and inequality. Their works reveal how the American Dream is often shaped by economic circumstances, social class, racial barriers, and historical events, making it an evolving and sometimes unattainable ideal. This study aims to analyze the artistic representation of the American Dream in 20th-century American literature. By examining key literary works, 162 MODELS AND METHODS IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference the paper will explore how different authors have portrayed the pursuit of success