Compare And Contrast Zitkala And Mary Antin

America has often been referred to as the land of dreams by many different cultures. The early nineteen hundreds gave the margins of society a different perspective on what the American dream consisted of. The idea of the American dream is central to Zitkala-Sa’s Impressions of an Indian Childhood and Mary Antin’s The Promised Land. America is seen as a land that offers opportunity, equality, liberty and happiness. America is essentially the symbol of a better life. Zitkala-Sa and Mary Antin both approach this nation with the same hope, however, upon arrival, Mary Antin’s experience is positive, while Zitkala-Sa’s is much more painful. Mary Antin and Zitkala-Sa overcome obstacles to achieve the American dream. Through the act of storytelling,

This introduces the idea that even education was free. Being apart of the American education system was a transformative process for Antin as it gave room to fulfill an American dream. Education offers Mary the ability to forge a new self and shape her own future; thus it unlocks the door to “The Promised Land.” Antin becomes aware that an education represents more than just learning; it represents Americanization. Americanization to Mary means being able to share the same values and customs as all her American friends. An education was something that couldn’t be denied from her. Antin is led into a classroom that represents pride, joy, and ambition. This room exudes a comfortable excited atmosphere: “I was led into the schoolroom, with it’s sunshine and its singing and the teacher’s cheery smile” (Antin 948). This first day shows that Antin doesn’t have to make a hasty transition from a child to an adult; however, she is allowed to remain youthful and slowly progress into a person that will have an impact on the world. She was able to fulfill a life in America while her father and sister, Frieda, weren’t given that opportunity. Frieda and her father gave up this opportunity in order for Mary and her younger siblings to gain

Zitkala-Sa was eager to enter the white man’s world. She expresses a willingness and curiosity to go to a “more beautiful country” than where she already lived (Zitkala-Sa 45). She is told that there is a “great tree” that grew red apples and she would be able to “reach out [her] hands and pick all the red apples [she] could eat” (Zitkala-Sa 46). It was her curiosity about the “red apples” and the “iron horse” that give Zitkala-Sa the desire to go to Eastern America. Her mother tries to warn Zitkala-Sa that while the “palefaces” words are sweet, “their deeds are bitter” (Zitkala-Sa 46). At eight years old, Zitkala-Sa wanted to see the “wonderful Eastern land” and it was then that she set off on her journey (Zitkala-Sa