Writers Blog Post paraphrasing, summaries, and quotes

Mad Men: Stillbirth of the American Dream

Summary:

Using examples from the popular TV show Mad Men, Heather Havrilesky gives her input on what the modern day American dream is compared to what it used to be. She states that much like the characters in the show, people in the real world always want more then they had before.

Paraphrase:

In the analysis of Mad Men: Stillbirth of the American dream, television critic Heather Havrilesky examines and concludes how the TV show Mad Men models the modern day view of the American dream that “. . . Americans are constantly in search of an upgrade. . .” (paragraph 1). She explains that the show takes place in the advertising age of the 60’s and that this point in time marked the beginning of America’s cupidity that still stands today.

The characters Don and Peggy always seem to be on the edge of happiness. There is always that one missing thing that needs to be satisfied for them to be comfortable and they will pursue that satisfaction no matter what the cost. This is much like modern America in the way that we are always looking for something bigger and better. Havrilesky continues through her analysis describing other characters’ appearances and personalities. They accurately depict the 1960’s and the events that led to the more greedy America that we live in today.

Quote:

“. . . the birth of the advertising age coincides directly with the birth of our discontent as a nation. . .”