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Gwendolyn Brooks’ literary work actively supports the American Dream through four key elements. First, her portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity underscores the dream’s emphasis on determination and overcoming challenges. Second, she celebrates individuality, suggesting that personal effort can lead to success. Third, her imagery often evokes hope and aspiration, aligning with the dream’s promise of a better future. Finally, by inviting readers to explore beyond the surface, she encourages critical thinking about societal norms and the pursuit of upward mobility.

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Through her portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity, Brooks emphasizes the determination required in the pursuit of the American Dream. In her poem, "Paul Robeson", Brooks wrote, “That time we all heard it, cool and clear, cutting across the hot grit of the day. The major Voice. The adult Voice forgoing Rolling River, forgoing tearful tale of bale and barge and other symptoms of an old despond” (Brooks 1-9). he wrote this to commemorate his achievements in life by persevering through all that he faced as an African American. By highlighting Robeson’s accomplishments in life, Brooks is engaging with the American Dream and emphasizing the pursuit of excellence and justice beyond adversity, which is a major part of the American Dream. Brooks’ poem really underlines resilience and achievement, which reflects a main idea of the American Dream, and shows how she believed in the power of determination and overcoming obstacles.

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Brooks also invites readers to explore beyond the surface of her poems, and encouraging critical thinking about societal norms and the pursuit of happiness. An example of this is in her poem, “We Real Cool,” which at first is just the story of some pool players hanging out at a bar. The simple language may lead some readers to dismiss it as a meaningless story, however, Brooks encourages us to delve deeper and examine the poem. Through the characters declaring, "We real cool," (Brooks 3)  we can see they may be grappling with some issues with their identities. Also, the abrupt line breaks mirror the abruptness of life and the repetition of "We" emphasizes the players collective feeling and voice. Through all of this we can see how beyond the surface, Brooks is encouraging the reader to think about societal norms and the pursuit of happiness.

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In "Riot," Gwendolyn Brooks employs powerful imagery that evokes both the despair of oppression and the hope for a better future, aligning with the promise of the American Dream. Through vivid descriptions such as "John Cabot went down in the smoke and fire and broken glass and blood," (Brooks 28) Brooks captures the chaos and destruction brought by societal injustice. Yet, through all of this, they feel a sense of resilience and determination, symbolized by their approach which is described as "coming down the street" in "rough ranks" and "seas" (Brooks 11). These vivid descriptions suggest Brooks’s underlying belief that there is need for change, despite the brutality depicted. Brooks presents the African American community as assertive and unified, moving forward with purpose and individualism, indicating a desire for equality and progress. Despite all the violence, Brooks is emphasizing how the enduring human spirit will strive for a brighter tomorrow even in the face of oppression.

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Finally, in “The Children of the Poor,” the author celebrates individuality and resilience, suggesting that personal effort can lead to overcoming adversity, aligning with the promise of the American Dream. The poem portrays children who demand more than material comforts, instead they want understanding, resilience, and the freedom to shape their own lives. The phrase “they have begged for a brisk contour” (Brooks 5) implies their desire for swift change in circumstances. Their demand for a “brisk contour” signifies their determination to rise above their circumstances. By focusing on their inner strength and aspirations, Brooks aligns with the promise of the American Dream, where personal effort can lead to overcoming adversity. Throughout this poem, Brooks reminds us that even in the face of hardship, resilience and drive play a crucial role in pursuing a brighter future.