Essay Homework: American Culture
This homework asks that you develop further thoughts on the pursuit of happiness and the American Dream, two interrelated concepts/constructs-some would call them one and the same-that define/drive American culture. We also learned that the pursuit of happiness and the American Dream are becoming increasingly inaccessible and elusive, and that materialism, status, desire, and ambition-common indicators/measures of happiness-could serve as self-imposed obstacles and barriers to happiness as well.
In 800 to 900 words, you will primarily base your thoughts on the pursuit of happiness and the American Dream on ONE of the following prompts, and bring in personal observations and/or lived experiences as support.
1. Explore i) John Updike's story "A&P" in terms of mobility, freedom, and class as connected ideas, and ii) as a coming-of-age story where Sammy begins to see the need for and cost of independence/self-reliance.
2. Analyze John Cheever's story "The Swimmer" in terms of materialism, consumption, and personal ambition, and as a critique of romanticizing or addicting to the pursuit of happiness and the American Dream excessively.
3. Respond to the two magazine articles' observations of and commentary on America today socially and economically, as relevant to the difficulties of living the American Dream and their impact on individual happiness.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.