Essay Option #2: Reflective Essay
The American Dream has always been around, even in the times of Steinbeck and Fitzgerald. At
times it has seemed unattainable, where as others it has seemed just within reach. In both the books,
The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck and The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, there are examples of the
American Dream and what can be done to increase access towards upward mobility.
In the book The Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family sets out on their journey to California with
high hopes of the American Dream. As they get closer and closer to what they think is the American
Dream, they begin to realize that it may not be possible. In this book, there are a lot of examples
showing the American Dream as just what it’s called…a dream. However, the characters in this book
show qualities and demonstrate actions that they carry out to attain the American Dream. One of the
main things the Joad family does is to move to California. That is where the work is and by moving there,
they are doing what they can to increase their place and move upward in society by getting jobs. An
example of this from the text is when Ma says: “I seen the han’bills those fellas pass out, an’ how much
work they is, an’ high wages an’ all; an’ I seen in the paper how they want folks to come an’ pick grapes
an’ oranges an’ peaches. That’d be nice work, Tom, pickin’ peaches.” In this quotation, Ma is talking
about the jobs in California and how nice it’ll be. The act of moving to California is increasing their
advancement towards the American Dream.
Along with the major act of moving to California, the Joad family all play a part in helping them
attain the American Dream. Throughout the book, Ma was a major part in keeping the family together
and not falling apart. Her role in doing so, helped the family get closer to their dream of a better life. An
example of this comes from a quote from Ma: “All we got is the family unbroke. Like a bunch of cows,
when the lobos are ranging, stick all together. I ain’t scared while we’re all here, all that’s alive, but I
ain’t gonna see us bust up. The Wilson’s here is with us, an’ the preacher is with us. I can’t say nothin’ if
they want to go, but I’m a-goin’ cat-wild with this here piece of a bar-arn if my own folks busts up.” This
quotation shows that Ma was stubborn and did everything in her power to keep her family together.
Al was also a big part in helping his family achieve the American Dream. He used his abilities as a
good mechanic to keep the car running smoothly and correctly so they could actually get to California.
Without Al, they would have gotten stuck just like the Wilson’s did when their car broke down. Al took it
as his responsibility to keep the car working and if anything went wrong with it, he took the blame. An
example of this from the book is a quote from Al: “Al explained, ‘I don’t know what made her go out. I
give her plenty of oil.’ Al knew the blame was on him. He felt his failure.” This quote shows that Al knew
his responsibility of keeping the car working and took it to heart.
Tom also did quite a few things to help the family attain the American Dream. He did a bit of
everything, from working on the car with Al, to finding a job at the government camp. He also helped by
breaking his parole and leaving with his family. He knew that his family wouldn’t be able to make it
without his help and by doing so, he helped them have a better chance at making it to California and
achieving the American Dream. A quote from the book is an example of Tom’s actions and leadership:
“The younger man turned to Tom. ‘Lookie,’ he said. ‘We’re layin’ some pipe. ‘F you want to walk over
with us, maybe we could get you on.’ Tom said, ‘Well, that’s mighty nice of you. An’ I sure thank ya for
the breakfast.’ ‘Glad to have you,’ the older man said. ‘We’ll try to git you workin’ if you want.’ ‘Ya
goddamn right I want.’ Tom said.” This quotation shows Tom having a conversation with some people in
the government camp. As soon as he got there, he went out and did his best to find work for his family.
By getting a job and earning money, he helped his family make another step toward the dream.
All these examples from the book, The Grapes of Wrath, show that the Joad family did
everything they could to achieve the American Dream. The American Dream was also present in the
book, The Great Gatsby, and there are many examples which attribute to achieving the dream and
making progress towards it.