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The American Dream In Carver's Cathedral

689 Words3 Pages

Identity is something that many people struggle with. Who am I? Is a common question American’s struggle with. However, the outside world is what truly shapes us; our culture, society, background; many authors throughout the years have realized this and portrayed it in their writings. In most of the author’s works they explore these challenges faced by their characters to help relate to the general public. Kate Chopin, in “Story of an Hour,” discuss feminist concepts in a pre-suffrage American. In the short story “Winter Dreams,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the raw truth of the American Dream in the post-World War I era. Raymond Carver’s short story “Cathedral” evaluates how society can make people numb and unware of even the most amazing …show more content…

Raised in a middle-class background of the growing economic boom, Green only validates his existence through his success and status while keeping his humble origins in mind. When Dexter was a young caddy, he often day dreamed about being successful and he imagined the happiness that came with it; “He became a golf champion…impressed was Mr. Mortimer Jones” (965). Although Dexter longed to become a part of the luxury upper class society, he had no respect for those whom it was handed to a silver platter; “He knew the sort of men they were…with the same debonaire ease” (971). Even though Dexter only wanted to fit in to their high class society, he soon was forced to realize that money cannot buy happiness. When Judy wants to know more about him he answers ‘“I’m nobody”…matter of futures’ (972). By saying this Dexter realizes that he may never be able to accept himself as who he is, making it impossible for him to jump over the obstacle as he searches for meaning and purpose. Fitzgerald also shows that Dexter will never truly be happy by stating, “So he tasted…deep happiness” (978). Finally in the end when Dexter learns of Judy’s unhappy marriage and her looks have faded, causing his vision of her to shattered, which in turn causes his vision of him to be shattered; “The dream was gone”

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