What does it mean to be American? by Anthony Piazza

"He stretched out his arms toward the dark water I distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far way. . . . When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished."

anthonypiazza — 2024-05-28 17:48:00 UTC

Nick observes Gatsby reaching for the green light at the end of daisy's dock. For Gatsby this light represents his love for Daisy. Gatsby spends his whole life chasing Daisy. In a larger scope the green light symbolizes money and success. Individuals will spend their entire life chasing their "green light".

"Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world."

anthonypiazza — 2024-05-30 17:02:49 UTC

In America their are many different individuals who come from all different walks of life. This Amalgam of culture allows for Innovation to arise. This quote illuminates the culture present in America today.

"To Succeed in life," he writes," The youth of America have only to see an old man seated upon a railing and smoking a clay pipe. Then go up and ask him for a match."

anthonypiazza — 2024-05-30 17:27:40 UTC

This passage explores the themes of individualism, determination, and hard work within the pursuit of the American Dream. Thomas, was a very determined and confident individual and one day ran into an old man which by luck led to his success/wealth. Overall the quote highlights the risk-taking and strive for success in pursuit of the American dream.

"She was not as strong or as swift as the others but, she was determined."

anthonypiazza — 2024-05-30 17:53:08 UTC

The muskrat was smaller, slower, and did not seem capable of making it to the earth. But, through the muskrat's determination against all odds did so. This reflects the idea of how America is a land of opportunity and individuals are given a chance to pursue their dreams and desires in life. A diverse society leads to a level playing field where anyone can fulfill their dreams through hard work and determination.

"I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

anthonypiazza — 2024-06-03 15:08:07 UTC

This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. emphasizes the core values of equality and freedom held in our nation. The dream of a world where everyone is treated equally, where equality is not just a concept but a reality deeply woven into society. Hence, providing an equal chance for everyone to succeed.

"Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird, that cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams for when dreams go , life is a barren field frozen with snow."

anthonypiazza — 2024-06-03 15:26:23 UTC

This poem by Langston Hughes embodies the importance of holding on to one's aspirations and dreams. Doing so creates a driving force for the progression and fulfillment of the American dream. If one lets their dreams and aspirations slip through their fingers life then cannot hold the ability to soar.

"O,let America be America again- The land that never has been yet- And yet must be- the land where every man is free. "

anthonypiazza — 2024-06-03 17:10:16 UTC

The idea of America being a place where equality,freedom, and opportunity are available to all is present in the quote. Embodying the idea where everyone is free to peruse what they desire. The idea of being able to make ones dream into a reality.

"Who made America, Whose sweat and blood, Whose faith and pain, Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain, Must bring back our mighty dream again."

anthonypiazza — 2024-06-03 17:24:57 UTC

This quote from Langston Hughes highlights the contributions and sacrifices made to build America to what it is today. Emphasizing the hard work and struggle of the individuals who have labored to make America what it is today. Overall, Embodying the idea of a collective effort from many different individuals can lead to great things, as it has done in America.

"Born down in a dead man's town, The first kick I took was when I hit the ground, end up like a dog that's been beat too much', Til you spend half your life just coverin' up, now."

anthonypiazza — 2024-06-03 17:40:01 UTC

These lyrics represent the challenges that individuals face in pursuit of the American dream. The lyrics depict a hardship starting from a difficult beginning in " a dead man's town." This portrays the harsh reality of life when attempting to grasp the America dream. The song resonates with the American dream by highlighting the resilience and determination required to pursue one's aspirations in the face of adversity.

"But Doctor Eckleburg’s eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days under the sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground."

anthonypiazza — 2024-06-03 17:52:02 UTC

This passage describes an old advertisement for Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s that is along the road through the valley of ashes. Nick sees this advertisement when he goes into the valley of ashes to meet Tom’s mistress, Myrtle. Within the Advertisement the eyes embody wealth and fame. Also, the eyes are a symbol in showing how there can be social decay from the attempt in achieving the American dream with the eyes looking over the valley of Ashes, a poor depressing town.