What is the American Dream? How does Wilhelm become the victim of the American Dream

Answer

What is the “American Dream”? How does Wilhelm become a victim of it? [NU: 2015, 21] ★★★

The ‘American Dream’ is the idea that anyone can become rich and happy in America. It says that if people work hard, anyone can become rich and lead a luxurious life. But in “Seize the Day” (1956), Saul Bellow (1915-2005) shows how this dream can hurt people. Tommy Wilhelm tries to follow the American Dream, but he ends up suffering because of it.

Wilhelm’s Ambitions and Early Failures: Tommy Wilhelm’s life shows the struggle for the American Dream. From a young age, he wanted to become rich and successful. He left college early to become an actor in Hollywood. He thought he would become famous and earn lots of money. Wilhelm feels he must become rich to be respected. Just like Wilhelm, everyone thinks it is a great shame to be poor. So, the narrator says:

“Everyone was supposed to have money… They’d be ashamed not to have it.”

But Wilhelm’s dream of becoming an actor failed. He could not find success. He then worked as a salesman, which he did not enjoy. His job did not match his dreams. He felt unhappy and unfulfilled. Many people like Wilhelm follow the American Dream but end up in jobs they do not like. They feel like failures.

Risk and Consequence: Wilhelm believes in the American Dream, so he takes big risks to get rich. He thinks that if he works hard and makes bold choices, he will succeed. This hope leads him to trust Dr. Tamkin. Wilhelm invests his last savings in the stock market. Tamkin tells him:

“Only the present is real—the here-and-now. Seize the day.”

Wilhelm wants to solve all his problems quickly by making money. But instead of becoming rich, he loses everything. This shows that chasing quick wealth without knowledge can bring disaster.

Wilhelm and His Father: Wilhelm’s father, Dr. Adler, is