Although the American Dream is an intangible, ambiguous idea, many works of American literature have tried to outline its meaning. It is often described as the possibility for anyone to achieve success, described historically as “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” However, the American Dream is frequently described in regards to financial and material gain. This description is no different in American literature such as the early text of “The Way to Wealth” by Benjamin Franklin and the more modern text of “White Noise” by Don Delillo. Both texts allude to the American Dream, but each follows a different route in which to achieve this and a different outlook on its success.

            In “White Noise” and “The Way to Wealth,” the way in which American happiness is achieved is through financial expenditures, however both authors disagree on the means in which this happiness is obtained. Benjamin Franklin provides proverbs of wisdom in which he relates his belief of frugality and thriftiness being the root of success. An example of this ideal is when Franklin says, “Women and wine, game and deceit, Make the wealth small and the wants great,” (Franklin 223). Franklin says that instant gratification through spending money will leave the spender with an empty wallet and an unfilled heart. In contrast of this idea, Delillo describes American culture as being one concerned with material goods and consumerism. In fact, his character, Murray, even justifies this consumerism by saying, “Flavorless packaging. It appeals to me. I feel I’m not only saving money but contributing to some kind of spiritual consensus. It’s like World War III,” (Delillo 19). Murray seems to find self-fulfillment in the act of buying products at the grocery store and also goes as far to say that it provides a feeling of solidarity amongst him and other Americans.

            Another aspect of the American Dream that the two texts differ on is the attainment of success through work. In “The Way to Wealth” Benjamin Franklin preaches that the only way to success is through hard work and dedication. His character, Poor Richard, explains that, “Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” (Franklin 222). Franklin suggests that happiness and success, and therefore the American Dream, can be obtained through work and little relaxation. In “White Noise,” however, relaxation and mindless activity even becomes a ritual for the Gladney family. In the book, Jack explains, “That night, a Friday, we ordered Chinese food and watched television together, the six of us. Babette had made it a rule,” (Delillo 16). The culture described in “White Noise” is one that is able to enjoy all the luxuries that capitalism has to offer. These two pieces of American literature show the difference in the perception of the American Dream and how it is obtained.

            Both texts address a way in which the American Dream is achieved, but they differ in the tone in which the idea is discussed. The advice in “The Way to Wealth” obviously leaves the reader hopeful by evoking feelings of patriotism and success. However, “White Noise” depicts the characters as being very unfulfilled. Both Jack and Babette are plagued with their fear of death, an issue that neither their trips to the grocery store nor the mall can fix. This alludes to Delillo’s outlook on the American Dream, which can superficially be obtained through the ownership of financial and material success but is not emotionally internalized. Through these two pieces, the American Dream takes on both a hopeful ideal and a superficial cover up for legitimate issues.