question 2

The idea of the American Dream in this story does not portray the typical dream that most during this time period have. Holden once again is not an average kid, and because of that his American Dream is much different than anyone else’s during this time period. Most people during the 1950’s wanted to move to the city, get a job, get married and just live happily ever after. In Holden’s family the idea of the American Dream is almost all there, with his dad having a really good job and making a lot of money, also living in New York City close to everything. However, no one in his family is happy after the death of Allie, Holden’s brother, everything has been falling apart. Holden’s mom is torn with everything and emotionally unstable, and Holden’s brother has detached himself from the family and moved to L.A. His little sister she is just caught in a bad situation with being stuck at home. Holden is afraid to go home to his parents, especially his mother, because he knows she will be torn apart about him being kicked out of another school. Because of this, Holden’s American Dream is to separate himself from everyone and move up into the wilderness to get away from all distractions and be around people who he can have intelligent conversations with so he does not feel lonely.