The American Dream from Immigrant Perspectives in Minari and The Pursuit of Happyness : A Comparative Literature Analysis

Abstract

This research aims to describe the American Dream from immigrant perspectives found on the main characters in Minari and The Pursuit of Happyness, and to find out the similarities and differences of American Dream values between the two main characters in Minari and The Pursuit of Happyness. This research used a qualitative descriptive method which was done by collecting, categorizing, and analyzing the research data. The data in this research were dialogues and screenshots of scenes related to the American Dream. Based on the data analysis, the writer found both of the main characters portrayed the American Dream values of hard work, preseverance, democracy, freedom, equality, and opportunity to reach their dreams. After analyzing the American Dream values, similarities and differences were found between the two main characters. The two main characters; Jacob and Chris, were similarly showed the American Dream values from their effort to reach their pursuit of better life. Jacob path lies in creating a successful farm, while Chris focused more on the corporate and urban life. Jacob is an Asian immigrant who moves his family to rural Arkansas and hopes to grow Korean produces. Meanwhile, Chris is an African-American lives in San Fransisco facing poverty and homelessness.