EXAMINING THE MANIFEST AMERICAN DREAM ENGLISH LITERATURE ESSAY  pt2       1300w

The Wheelers are initially drawn together as they believe that each embody the glamour and appeal which they believe (individually) is essential to success in life and in achieving the American Dream. However, after several years of marriage they begin to grow tired of each other and by the mundane relentless aspects of a domestic suburban lifestyle. The ambitions that they harboured, and their supposed intellectual authority over the other characters eventually begin to appear shallow and fragile. Yates immediately depicts the Wheelers craving for a higher life through the failed theatre production. Both have aims of intellectual authority and to be perceived by their community as somewhat better than the rest. Their vanity only exaggerates their failure to truly appreciate the life in which they live. The play emphasises the suspicion that neither of the Wheeler’s will be able to realise their own high standards and dreams.