The guiding principle of America is the “American Dream” or the idea that America is a meritocracy where anyone can achieve anything if they work hard enough. Abraham Cahan uses his story “A sweatshop romance to illustrate the importance of standing up for your morals, speaking about what is in your heart, and the need to be motivated to pursue your goals. Cahan contrasts Heyman who is more reserved and who, despite his love for Beile, was not aggressive enough in his pursuit of her to secure her affections and David, who “pursued his courtship with a quiet persistency and a suppressed fervor which was not long in winning the girl’s heart” (483). David represents the “true” American who chases his dreams and works hard to achieve something