Notice that the house is cut in half so we can see inside but we are aware that we can see inside. We are entering another dimension, here, breaking through the illusion of the American Dream but also through the illusion of the theatre--breaking away from Naturalism into expressionism. We are aware that we are watching a play, similar to the abrupt narrator in Wilder's Our Town, who keeps reminding the audience they are watching a play and Wilder's narrator comments on the action as well. A character commenting on the action? What??? Oye vay.Wikipedia:
The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.[1]
The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." [2]
If you were absent today, be sure to pick up the books we signed out today, Death of a Salesman and The Outsider. Read the first three pages, including all stage directions and get the notes from a friend. Also, ask your friends about the feedback I gave regarding the free response essay on Hamlet.
