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Post by colleenstrohlein on Feb 6, 2016 3:48:24 GMT
Although not exactly a poem, House of Gold by Twenty One Pilots is a song that when analyzed discusses the obstacles in achieving the American dream today. Written in 2013, this song is fairly modern in its take on the value of a man's life. The theme of the song is nothing in life turns out as you expect it to be. While in the chorus the speaker wants to make the most of his life saying, "I'll put you on the map", the verses are less optimistic, because he comments "And since we know that dreams are dead/ And life turns plans upon their heads/ I will plan to be a bum/ So I just might become someone." This explains that dreams don't come true, destroying the idea of the "american dream' and saying even the best of plans aren't always successful. The rest of the verses continue to prove this same point, with lines like, "we'll make pretend that you and me/ live ever after happily," implying that there is no such thing as a happily ever after, and the american dream isn't real.
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annej
New Member
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Post by annej on Feb 7, 2016 5:28:24 GMT
This is a very interesting interpretation of the song, Colleen. The opposing tones of the optimistic chorus vs. the more negative verses can come to symbolize the differing views of the American dream that are present today. Some people feel as though, with hard work and determination, one can achieve anything they dream of, but others feel that, like you said, happily ever after's don't exist and the American dream is impossible to fulfill. With that being said, where do you think the majority of the views stand? Do you feel that in today's society more people still believe that achieving the American dream is possible?
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Post by reshmabelur on Feb 7, 2016 21:37:07 GMT
Anne, you bring up some great points! I think many the dreams people have today are not comparable to the age old notion of the American Dream. There are far fewer opportunities for youth's today- one could go to a prestigious school, get good grades, and work diligently and still end up among the many who are unemployed in America today. I believe that people in today's generation are not allowed the American Dream due to the perpetuation of poverty within families due to the lack of resources/proper education, the poor economy existent in America today, and the discrimination minorities experience in the work force.
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Post by ronaldrajan on Feb 8, 2016 0:13:10 GMT
Colleen, I think that your interpretation of the song "House of Gold" is a very unique one that is quite eye opening. I think that how said that the American Dream was dead could be true in some cases today. People don't really get equal opportunities anymore because of class divides and simply where an individual lives. The American Dream may only be possible for those who are blessed with wealth and knowledge at birth, versus hard work in some cases.
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