The American Dream in Bread Givers

The definition of the American Dream has changed over the years and morphs slightly according to one’s perspective. Sara, her father, and Mashah all have three different views on what the American Dream is. Sara is the youngest of the four Smolinsky sisters and witnesses firsthand the traditions of the Old World. Sara believes that the American Dream is having the opportunity to become a “real person,” meaning someone who is independent, educated, and fends for oneself. Sara sees that she can become anything that she chooses to be like a teacher as long as she puts in the hard work and dedication. Her American Dream is the idea of a land that provides opportunities for education and success.

Sara’s father, Reb has a somewhat similar view of the American Dream minus some things. He believes that the American Dream is the glorified idea that people can get whatever they want but without hard work. He thinks that in America there is no struggle to live and everyone is happy and successful. He believes that anyone could get rich if they tried like Rockefeller or Morgan. These names are an illusion to him because he is convinced that they became millionaires overnight. He also believes in the religious freedom aspect of the American Dream. He seeks the safe haven of American and practices his religion every moment he can, living off the wages and hard work of his wife and daughters.

Mashah, one of the middle sisters, believes in the American Dream that America is a land where nothing could go wrong. Mashah is caught up in the fast-paced, lavish lifestyle of the rich that she does not care for her own poverty. Mashah does not worry herself with the struggles of putting food on the table and lives through the dreams of others. She believes that she can make even the darkest, dingiest of places warm and bright. She’s an optimist and grateful for the opportunities America has given her.