English Literature A-Level
The American Dream and its failure
What The American Dream and its failure means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of The American Dream and its failure
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain The American Dream and its failure in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The novel presents the shattered American Dream, contrasting it with the harsh realities faced by Lithuanian immigrants in Chicago's meatpacking district.
Topics that use The American Dream and its failure
Related terms
- Alienation and isolation
- Alienation and the immigrant struggle
- Assimilation versus cultural heritage
- Capitalism and exploitation
- Class and social mobility
- Colonialism and violence
- Cultural assimilation
- Cultural conflict
Using The American Dream and its failure in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise English Literature questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All English Literature A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge