Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works, grade: 2,0, University of Constance, course: Proseminar, language: English, abstract: Many literary works deal with the positive and negative aspects of the American dream. One of these literary works which deals with the negative aspects of the American dream is "Tortilla Flat" by John Steinbeck. The book is about a group of societal marginal figures, which do not have any interest in becoming rich and famous and they take their life as it comes. For them, friendship and freedom are more important than wealth and therefore they represent the counterpart of the American dream. But there are also characters in the book, which believe in the American dream and who strive for wealth and reputation. That is why "Tortilla Flat" provides a good contrast of the proponents and opponents of the American dream.In this research paper I will analyse the main characters of Tortilla Flat and compare them to the American dream. First of all I will explain what the American dream really is. Afterwards I will give a short summary of the plot of the book and an overview of the historical background. Then I will show the western frontier in the book, which is also part of the American dream. After that I will analyse the main characters of "Tortilla Flat": Women, Torelli and the paisanos. Finally I will give a short conclusion.