Ultimately, this obsession with money has done James the most harm. He had a promising career as a Shakespearian actor, embracing his artistic talents while also earning a living. He was living and embracing the American Dream while providing for his family, and quickly became a rising star on Broadway. Mr. Tyrone mentions in the play that he would re-read the praise that he received during the height of his career, and relive his glory days when he was doing what he loved. After his experience with Shakespeare, Mr. Tyrone took another less challenging role. Mr. Tyrone admits in Act IV that the only reason he took this less challenging role was for the financial stability: "What the hell was it I wanted to buy, I wonder, that was worth . Well, no matter. It's a late day for regrets" (134). Through all of his issues regarding …show more content…
The major difference, however, is that Jamie is a grown adult and has yet to get his life together, not to mention his bitter, cynical, and often times, mean outlook on life that causes countless problems with his father, who expects more of his unsuccessful son. In the 1950’s baby boom era, children were expected to accept and praise the lives that their parents set out for them, in an attempt to continue the American Dream for generations to come (Dunar 103). However, Jamie openly defies his parents, specifically his father, and refuses to stay in school and follow the path that children of the 1950’s were expected to follow. In the very first act of the play, Jamie and his father get into a heated argument, and the reader is given a taste of just how dysfunctional the Tyrone family is, despite their attempts to become an “All-American” family. Jamie begins attacking Mr. Tyrone for his frugal ways, and claims that Mr. Tyrone “forced” Jamie to attend acting school. Mr. Tyrone responds and is clearly outraged with Jamie’s