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Finding the American Dream: An Exploration of Eugene Gold's Work

Chuck Mitchell

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Published in Finding The American Dream Eugene Gold

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The American Dream is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been explored by writers, artists, and intellectuals for centuries. In the 20th century, American playwright Eugene Gold emerged as one of the most incisive and provocative voices in the exploration of this elusive ideal.

Finding the American Dream

by Eugene Gold

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	167 pages

Gold's plays, which span the decades from the 1950s to the 1990s, offer a nuanced and often critical examination of the ideals associated with the American Dream. He delves into themes of personal ambition, social mobility, and the pursuit of happiness, exposing the complexities and contradictions that lie at the heart of this national myth.

The American Dream as Illusion

In many of Gold's plays, the American Dream is presented as an illusion, a mirage that lures people into a relentless pursuit of material success and social status. Characters driven by the desire for wealth and power often find themselves disillusioned and unfulfilled, trapped in a cycle of ambition and disappointment.

For example, in Gold's play The Glass Menagerie (1944),the character of Tom Wingfield is consumed by the desire to escape his stifling family life and achieve success in the world. However, his dreams are shattered when he realizes that the world is not as hospitable or welcoming as he had hoped.

The American Dream and Social Inequality

Gold's plays also explore the ways in which the American Dream is shaped by social inequality and the class system. He depicts characters from diverse backgrounds, each struggling to make their way in a society that is often divided by privilege and opportunity.

In his play The Boys in the Band (1968),Gold examines the lives of a group of gay men living in New York City during the 1960s. The play exposes the social isolation and discrimination that many homosexual people faced at the time, casting doubt on the idea that the American Dream is truly attainable for all.

The Complexity of Personal Ambition

While Gold's plays often critique the negative aspects of the American Dream, he also recognizes the power of personal ambition and the desire for self-improvement. His characters are complex and flawed individuals, each with their own unique motivations and aspirations.

In his play The Great Nebula in Orion (1960),Gold explores the relationship between a young man named Arthur and his father, a once-promising scientist who has become disillusioned with his work. The play examines the complexities of ambition and the sacrifices that people are willing to make to achieve their goals.

Gold's Legacy

Eugene Gold's plays continue to resonate with audiences today, offering insightful commentary on the ever-evolving nature of the American Dream. His work challenges us to examine our own beliefs and aspirations, and to consider the ways in which the pursuit of happiness and success can both inspire and disillusion us.

Gold's legacy as a playwright lies in his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience, and to explore the ways in which our dreams and desires shape our lives. His plays offer a timeless and poignant meditation on the American Dream, and its enduring impact on American society.

Bibliography

Gold, Eugene. The Glass Menagerie. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1944.
Gold, Eugene. The Boys in the Band. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1968.
Gold, Eugene. The Great Nebula in Orion. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1960.
Gold, Eugene. The House of Blue Leaves. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1964.
Gold, Eugene. The Price. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 1967.

Finding the American Dream

by Eugene Gold

4.8 out of 5