American Business Culture In Novels and Film

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acceptance among their new peers. Howell also focuses on the transformation in personality that coincides with Lapham's financial success. The more money he earns, the greedier he becomes, eventually cheating not only other businessmen, but also his own family.
Finally, we see Silas lose his fortune, and any status he earned during his days as a wealthy tycoon. In a way, the story casts a shadow on any potential for fulfilling the "American dream." While Silas is able to financially achieve success, the requirements that came with it were not so easily achieved, and eventually led to his downfall.
The Bonfire of the Vanities takes on another skeptical look at the American business culture. This novel doesn't focus on the American dream, but explores similar themes of greed and jealousy. We witness an entire community attack an individual for their own advancement. The motives behind those involved in the story are those of greed, jealousy, and self-preservation.
Both of ...

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very true today. Americans never seem to be complacent with their socioeconomic situations. It seems as if we always want something better-whether it be a bigger house, better car, or more vacations. This drive for money, of course, leads to longer hours at work, and more instability at home. In a lot of ways, our society is driven around our need to outdo each other in terms of "stuff," or financial capability.

3. The line, "She told me it was a girl, and so I turned my head and wept," is said by Daisy in a conversation with her cousin, Nick. Daisy's line is in reference to her reaction upon hearing her child would be a girl. The quote refers to her acknowledgement of the ...

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