American dream in novels The Grass Roof and East Goes West: The Making of an Oriental Yankee by Younghill Kang

Abstract

This bachelor thesis deals with the theme of the American Dream in novels of Younghill Kang and how it is depicted. The first chapter focuses on the American dream itself, its history and what it entails. The second chapter describes immigration from Asia to the USA and the model minority. In the third chapter, the author is introduced, along with literary context of the novels and literary devices. The two analytical chapters target East Goes West and The Grass Roof, with the main themes being disillusion, social prejudice and the attainment of the American Dream.