The American Dream

Albee's The American Dream tells us that the consumerism and dependence of the American citizen will yield pain rather than progress. It is set in the home of Mommy, a demanding and forgetful woman who needs validation in everything she does, and Daddy, an indecisive and emasculate individual who is at the beck and call of Mommy. Also in the house resides Grandma, the only voice of reason in the play. She sees through Mommy and Daddy's obsession with consumerism and is trying to find a way out.

The American Dream himself joins the scene near the end of the play, wowing everyone with his looks and charm, but admitting:

"It's just that I have no talents at all, except what you see... my person, my body, my face. In every other way I am incomplete, and I must therefore... Compensate."

This speaks to the shining, yet hollow face of consumerism. The system claims to give everyone what they want but really it just takes and provides only false satisfaction. It ties to the theme and offers both a view of the American dream and a reason for why it behaves the way it does.


"You don't have any feelings, that's what's wrong with you."

Grandma here gets to the heart of what's wrong with America. It's lost its sense of romance, its sense of work, its sense of dignity. It's become this superficial, almost robotic entity of buying and selling and reputations and appearances.