Leonard Rothenfeld 
A Critical Look at the American Dream in Imbolo Mbue’s ‘Behold the Dreamers’ [PDF ebook] 
About Failed Illusions and the Sustainability of the American Dream

Literature Review from the year 2020 in the subject American Studies – Literature, grade: 3, 0, University of Bayreuth, language: English, abstract: This document is a critical analysis of the American Dream as depicted in Imbolo Mbue’s novel ‘Behold the Dreamers’. The paper examines the different outcomes of the American Dream for the novel’s main characters, including Jende Jonga, Neni Jonga, and Clark Edwards. It also discusses the downsides of pursuing this dream, particularly in the context of modern America’s systemic issues related to immigration, race, and class. The analysis highlights how the American Dream often remains elusive for immigrants, revealing that while it promises prosperity and upward mobility, it is fraught with challenges that prevent many from achieving it. The paper delves into how these characters’ experiences reflect broader societal problems and critiques the sustainability of the American Dream in contemporary times.