Corruption of the American Dream
Corruption of the American Dream Outline
THESIS: In the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, the characters and the situations they experience represent the decline of the American Dream and the rampant corruption in American society, due to widespread consumerism and self-interest.
I. From the very beginnings of his country people have centered their life on achieving the American Dream. A. The concept of the American Dream is becoming a successful and prosperous citizen. B. It can have a variety of meanings and interpretations. C. America was built around this idea.
II. Over the years there has been a significant decline and destruction of the original morals of the American Dream. A. This can be partially blamed on the increase of consumerism. B. The media has spread negative ideas, products, and behaviors to the public.
III. In the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the corruption of the American Dream is shown by the narrator’s experiences in Sin City. A. The characters represent the people who are influenced by the consumerism and corruption. B. The city of Las Vegas is a prime example of how the values of the American Dream mean very little.
IV. The American Dream is not dead. A. The meaning of the American has changed. B. It still focuses on success, but the methods for obtaining success have been altered. C. It is centered on the ruthless struggle for power by citizens of a consumerist society.
In the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, the characters and the situations they experience represent the decline of the American Dream and the rampant corruption in American society, due to widespread consumerism and self-interest. From the very foundation of the United States people have centered their life on achieving their
THESIS: In the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, the characters and the situations they experience represent the decline of the American Dream and the rampant corruption in American society, due to widespread consumerism and self-interest.
I. From the very beginnings of his country people have centered their life on achieving the American Dream. A. The concept of the American Dream is becoming a successful and prosperous citizen. B. It can have a variety of meanings and interpretations. C. America was built around this idea.
II. Over the years there has been a significant decline and destruction of the original morals of the American Dream. A. This can be partially blamed on the increase of consumerism. B. The media has spread negative ideas, products, and behaviors to the public.
III. In the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the corruption of the American Dream is shown by the narrator’s experiences in Sin City. A. The characters represent the people who are influenced by the consumerism and corruption. B. The city of Las Vegas is a prime example of how the values of the American Dream mean very little.
IV. The American Dream is not dead. A. The meaning of the American has changed. B. It still focuses on success, but the methods for obtaining success have been altered. C. It is centered on the ruthless struggle for power by citizens of a consumerist society.
In the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, the characters and the situations they experience represent the decline of the American Dream and the rampant corruption in American society, due to widespread consumerism and self-interest. From the very foundation of the United States people have centered their life on achieving their
Cited: "Obama 's State of the Union Address (2010)." n.pag. SIRS Government Reporter. Web. 30 May 2013. Bio.life, . N.p.. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://www.biography.com/people/hunter-s-thompson-9506260>. Lee, Don. "Era of Global Consumer May Be Dawning." Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA). 04 Oct 2009: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 28 May 2013. Waters, Jennifer. "Americans Try a Radical Idea: Living Within Their Means." Wall Street Journal (Classroom edition) (Vol. 19, No. 2). Oct 2009: 8+. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 28 May 2013. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner trade pbk. ed. New York: Scribner, 2004. Print.