The American Dream Analysis

The American Dream:
Author: Edward Albee is a part of the Theater of the Absurd movement, consisting of authors believing human existence has no meaning or purpose. He uses his play to ridicule the contemporary notion of the American Dream.
Characters:
Mommy - She is a dominating figure who is the head of the household. She has a sadistic streak and is the one to mutilate the bumble. She marries Daddy for his money.
Daddy - He is Mommy's subordinate,a dramatic reversal of the typical American family. He has "tubes" where he used to be "tracts", emphasizing the both physical and social aspect of the gender switching theme.
Grandma - Grandma appears senile in the beginning of the play. However it becomes clear that she is the most "normal" character of the play, and ironically comments on the plot.
The Young Man - He symbolizes the American Dream, and his early mutilation that left him as a shell is representative of Albee's argument about the state of the American Dream.
Mrs. Barker  - Mrs. Barker represents the authority of society, and brings an outside perspective to the crazy household.

Point of view: Albee holds a cynical point of view to the status of the American Dream. He uses absurdist themes to point out how absurd the contemporary idea of the American Dream is.
Tone :  Albee uses an absurdist, comic tone to reveal the ludicrous nature of the American Dream.
Imagery
Symbolism: The wheat colored hat, the mutilation of the American Dream, all the characters represent a part of American society.
Quotes: "I no longer have the capacity to feel anything. I have no emotions. I have been drained, torn asunder disemboweled." This is spoken by the young man, regarding his hollow existence. The audience knows of his physical mutilation that occurred as a baby, at the hands of Mommy. This shows the emotional significance of the harm caused by Mommy on the character that represents the American Dream.
Theme:
Discussion