Critique of American Dream in Franzen’sThe Corrections

Abstract

This thesis explores the issue of the Failure of American Dream in Jonathan Franzen’s The Corrections as represented by the central character, Al Lambart in particular and other characters in general. Circling around the longing of Al Lambart for better life and prosperity the study exposes how he becomes tragic figure reckoning into nothingness and hollowness of American Dream. Deploying theoretical insights related to capitalistic ideology and American Dream, the study reveals how individuals intoxicated by the passion of material prosperity happen to face sever anxiety, alienation, fragmentation, and decay of family values.

Keywords: Materialism, Individuality, Liberalism, Spirituality, Dysfunctional.