Answers to: "Mad Men: Stillbirth of the American Dream"

1.       Heather Havrilesky’s main insight about Mad Men is that it represents the human race’s constant desire for more. It also signifies that the American dream developed into something unattainable that is centered on consumer goods.  This seems to be a reoccurring subject in Heather’s analysis. This was also presented in the thesis. “Americans are constantly in search of an upgrade.”  And on paragraph 2 of page 174 she says, “…it strains to capture the transformation of the American dream into a commodity that can be bought and sold…”

2.       I think that Heather establishes her authority by referencing characters and events from the show.  She gives credit to the source material and uses it to support her opinions.

3.       She appeals to the reader’s emotions by using vivid detail. For example:  “Bourbon glistens among ice cubes in immaculate glasses, fire engine red lipstick frames heartbreakingly white teeth,  fingers tap perkily on typewriters as young men amble by, their slumped shoulders hidden behind the heroic cut of their tailored suits.” She also discusses the topic of the modern American dream, something that most Americans can relate to now.

4.       I haven’t heard of AMC’s Mad Men until now. I find the era that the show is set in very interesting. I am willing to try this show one day, but I am unsure if it will become one of my favorites. I personally enjoy shows that take me away from the real world. This show seems interesting and thought provoking to an extent that it show promise to me.