How does Shepard rewrite the American Dream in Buried Child?

One of the directions that you might consider taking with
Shepard's view of the American Dream is his suggestion that there is a need to confront reality
within it. Shepard is not maligning the American Dream. I believe that his end message seems
happiness possible within the "American Dream." However, he is advocating that there has to be a
sense of open and honest communication present within this configuration. Individuals cannot
presume that the mere pursuit of the American Dream will automatically guarantee success and
happiness. Rather, Shepard seem to be suggesting that Vince's example of being acting in
asserting control and transparency within familial settings is necessary in order for happiness
to even have a fleeting chance of blossoming. seeking to bring out the need to confront reality
within it. The need to confront the difficulties in reality is a trait that makes Vince a
redemptive figure and the source of what Shepard believes is the hope present in "the American
Dream." Tilden also represents this in that he confronts what was done and does not seek to
escape his reality. He "digs up" what was buried and faces down his mistakes. As opposed to the
weight of family expectations of being "the star athlete" or the savior for the family, Shepard
composes Tilden's character as one who has to put right what was wrong. Shepard's view of the
American Dream is a reality where individuals must accept the pain of reality. As disfiguring as
it might be to the perceptions of "the American Dream," this is a workable condition than
pretending that all is well under the pursuit and invariable weight of the "the American
Dream."