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Through her literary works, Amy Tan challenges the idea of the American Dream. Her characters are torn between the traditions passed down through generations and the desire for success and assimilation into The American Dream. These characters embody the dual challenge of navigating between two worlds. On the contrary, Tan also presents characters who openly embrace the American Dream, viewing it as a pathway to a better life. Amy Tan’s stories offer a nuanced perspective on the American Dream, as her various characters have different viewpoints, she highlights the complexities and struggles faced by individuals navigating the transition of cultures.

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Amy Tan’s literary work, The Hundred Secret Senses, contrasts the story of two sisters who have different cultural backgrounds. Amy Tan challenges the American Dream through the two sisters' cultural experiences. One growing up in America trying to experience the American Dream, while the other sister is trying to hold on to her Chinese heritage. Olivia is a literary representation of the American Dream, as she views America as a home for her. Olivia speaks fluent English, doesn’t have a Chinese name, and take out Chinese food is her closest understanding of “ethnic food”. The text states, “Olivia, whose mother is Jack Yee’s second—and American—wife, is so definitively American that her idea of ethnic food is take-out Chinese cuisine.” (Mambrol) In contrast, Kwan represents the many immigrants who move to pursue a better life in America, while still holding onto their traditions. Kwan wants to maintain her heritage while also adapting to the American Dream. According to Mambrol's analysis of the story, “Olivia as a child is frequently mortified by her unusual new sister who asks too many odd questions, never learns to speak fluent English.” (Mambrol) Representing Amy Tan’s challenge with the American Dream nuanced perspectives on different characters.

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Amy Tan’s characters are torn between the traditions passed down through generations and the desire for success and maintaining their cultural identity. The Joy Luck Club represents the desire for the American dream that the characters have. The characters want to give their daughters the experience of the American Dream while maintaining their Chinese heritage. “After Suyuan reaches the United States, she resurrects the Joy Luck Club with three other Chinese émigrés, and the four reinvent themselves in San Francisco's Chinatown. These four mothers hope the mix of American circumstances with Chinese character will give their daughters better lives.” (National Endowment for the Arts) The novel reveals the clash between their traditional Chinese values and the expectations of American society. Instead of a straightforward narrative of success and assimilation into American Culture, Tan highlights the sacrifices and struggles that come with navigating dual cultures. Amy Tan accepts the idea of The American Dream but emphasizes on the diversity of experiences and the inherent difficulties in achieving success as an immigrant coming to America.

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Amy Tan’s childhood experience from moving countries and experiencing new cultures shaped her experiences and helped her write multiple bestseller books. “Tragedy struck the Tan family when Amy’s father and oldest brother both died of brain tumors within a year of each other. Mrs. Tan moved her surviving children to Switzerland, where Amy finished high school, but by this time mother and daughter were in constant conflict.” (Academy of Achievement) Amy Tan's works often delve into the complexities of immigrant experiences, cultural identity, and the pursuit of The American Dream. While her writings don't outright reject The American Dream, they offer different perspectives that go beyond the traditional narrative. Tan explores the challenges faced by Chinese-American immigrants as they navigate the clash between their heritage and the desire for success in America.

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The Joy Luck Club was published in 1989, set in pre-World War II China and San Francisco. The two settings contrast the cultures of China and San Francisco. Pre-World War II China was a country in conflict while San Francisco, however, offered freedom and peace. The United States, particularly San Francisco, is portrayed as a land of opportunities, offering freedom and a chance for a new beginning. The characters' journeys in navigating cultural differences and seeking success in their adopted country contribute to the overarching theme of The American Dream in the novel. The article states, “The two settings strengthen the contrast between the cultures that Tan depicts through her characters and their relationships. Pre-World War II China was a country heavily embroiled in conflict. San Francisco, however, offered freedom and peace.” (Gale) The portrayal of the United States, especially San Francisco, in "The Joy Luck Club" as a land of opportunities, freedom, and a chance for a new beginning is an example of The American Dream. The contrasting settings of pre-World War II China, a country in conflict, and San Francisco, a place that symbolizes peace and freedom, highlight the transformative nature of the characters' journeys. In "The Joy Luck Club," The American Dream serves as a belief that the United States offers a unique environment for individuals to pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.