Open Prompt #3

1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot.

Society in the 1960s was one driven by consumerism and conformity. This is seen especially in Edward Albee’s play the “American Dream” when looking at Mommy. Her actions in the play are clearly reflection of the currents society’s value of consumerism and peer approval.

The 1960s were a trying time for Americans, with the end of the cold war almost a decade prior and the start of the cold war. Events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis created an environment of constant fear of nuclear destruction. Possibly in order to escape the country turned even more towards materialism than ever before. It also began to value the opinions of others even more, allowing what others do virtually make all their decisions for them.

Mommy epitomizes both values of consumerism and the need for approval by peers; this is seen in the details chosen by Albee. Mommy is striving to attain what she believes is the American dream but in reality is nothing but a shell of it, a perception. This is seen in acceptance and keenness toward the young man, who Albee chooses to be visually appealing and young two things that were valued at this time. Another example is how with some hesitation at first Mommy accepts Mrs. Barker’s view of what color the hat is. There is also significance in the color Albee chose it to be, beige.  A color that some may say is bland but also one that is associated with a higher class versus the color wheat. Mommy submits to the pressures of society though with a underlying feeling of never being able to truly be satisfied.

Albee’s character Mommy in the play “American Dream” epitomizes the value places on consumerism and societal approval in 1960s America.