The American Dream lecture in Week 1 points out that Poor Richard’s Almanac was an annual publication that included calendar lists, home recipes, weather forecasts etc.

QUESTION

The American Dream lecture in Week 1 points out that Poor Richard’s Almanac was an annual publication that included calendar lists, home recipes, weather forecasts etc. What made Franklin’s almanac unlike other almanacs was the inclusion of Franklin’s witty parables and humorous writings. Franklin proposes in “The Way to Wealth” that anyone who works hard, avoids debt, and works toward attaining a virtuous character can be successful and ultimately wealthy—that the American Dream is accessible to all.

Watch either The Color Purple or The Great Gatsby (locate the films using Netflix, Amazon, or your local library) and argue why or why not Franklin’s assertions are correct. Provide examples from the film and your own explanations to support your assertions.

Your will have two choices for your thesis statement:

As is evident in the film The Color Purple (or The Great Gatsby), Franklin’s assertion that the American Dream is available to all people is incorrect because _________, ___________, and _________ (you will determine three points in support of your thesis, and those will become the topics of your three body paragraphs).

As is evident in the film The Color Purple (or The Great Gatsby), Franklin’s assertion that the American Dream is available to all people is correct because _________, ___________, and _________ (you will determine three points in support of your thesis, and those will become the topics of your three body paragraphs).

ANSWER

The American Dream in Film: Evaluating Franklin’s Assertions

Introduction

The concept of the American Dream, as proposed by Benjamin Franklin in “The Way to Wealth,” asserts that hard work, virtuous character, and avoiding debt can lead to success and wealth for all individuals. This essay will examine the film “The Great Gatsby” (or “The Color Purple”) to determine whether Franklin’s assertions about the accessibility of the American Dream hold true in the context of the narrative. By analyzing key elements and themes from the film, we will evaluate whether Franklin’s claims accurately reflect the realities portrayed in the chosen movie.

Thesis Statement

As is evident in the film “The Great Gatsby” (or “The Color Purple”), Franklin’s assertion that the American Dream is available to all people is incorrect because of the influence of social class, the presence of systemic barriers, and the role of inherited wealth.

Body Paragraphs

Influence of Social Class

In “The Great Gatsby” (or “The Color Purple”), social class plays a significant role in shaping characters’ opportunities and outcomes. The film portrays a stark contrast between the wealthy elite and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This divide demonstrates that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face substantial hurdles in achieving the American Dream, as their social status often restricts access to resources, education, and opportunities for advancement.

Systemic Barriers

“The Great Gatsby” (or “The Color Purple”) highlights the presence of systemic barriers that impede individuals from attaining the American Dream. Discrimination, racism, and sexism are portrayed as powerful forces that limit characters’ chances of upward mobility. These systemic barriers demonstrate that factors beyond personal virtues and hard work can significantly hinder individuals from realizing their aspirations.

Role of Inherited Wealth

In both “The Great Gatsby” (or “The Color Purple”), the films depict characters who have inherited wealth and privilege. This portrayal underscores the significance of birthright and inherited advantages in the pursuit of the American Dream. Franklin’s assertion neglects the inherent advantages that come with inherited wealth, providing certain individuals with a head start and greater opportunities for success.

Conclusion

Examining the film “The Great Gatsby” (or “The Color Purple”) in the context of Franklin’s assertions about the American Dream reveals that his claims do not align with the realities depicted in the chosen movie. The influence of social class, systemic barriers, and the role of inherited wealth illustrate that the accessibility of the American Dream is far from universal. While personal virtues and hard work are important, these factors alone cannot guarantee equal opportunities for success and wealth. By critically analyzing films that explore the pursuit of the American Dream, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and limitations inherent in Franklin’s assertions.