Breaking Bad follows Walter White’s journey from a timid high school chemistry professor into a feared drug lord.
Breaking Bad, a critically acclaimed television series is not just a narrative about crime and its consequences; it’s also a profound commentary on the American Dream.
This article explores how the show uses its characters and plot to reflect on this quintessential American ideal.
The Embodiment of a Flawed Dream
Walter White’s Descent
At the heart of Breaking Bad is Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer.
Initially, Walter’s motive for breaking bad – securing his family’s financial future after being diagnosed with terminal cancer – appears to align with the American Dream: the pursuit of prosperity and success.
However, as the series progresses, his journey mirrors the darker aspects of this dream – greed, corruption, and the loss of moral compass.
The Illusion of Control and Power
The Lure of Wealth
Walter’s foray into the drug world brings him immense wealth, which he initially sees as a means to an end.
However, this wealth becomes a symbol of power and control, corrupting his original intent and highlighting the corrupting potential of the American Dream.
The show portrays how the pursuit of wealth can lead to a destructive path, challenging the notion that financial success equates to fulfillment.
The Cost of Ambition
Family and Moral Decay
Breaking Bad also delves into the costs of blind ambition. Walter’s pursuit of the American Dream leads to the disintegration of his family life and moral values.
The show questions the sacrifices made in the name of success and whether they are worth the ultimate price paid.
This aspect of the series serves as a critique of the American Dream’s more materialistic aspects and the consequences of valuing success over ethical integrity.
The Dichotomy of Success and Failure
Jesse Pinkman’s Journey
Jesse Pinkman, Walter’s former student and business partner, represents another side of the American Dream – that of failure and redemption.
Jesse’s character arc explores themes of regret, redemption, and the desire for a better life, providing a contrast to Walter’s relentless pursuit of power.
Through Jesse, Breaking Bad offers a more humanized perspective on the struggles to achieve personal success.
The Social Commentary
A Reflection of Society
Beyond its characters, Breaking Bad serves as a commentary on broader social issues tied to the American Dream.
The series touches on healthcare inadequacies, the failure of educational systems, and the economic disparities that drive individuals to desperate measures.
It portrays a society where the traditional pathways to the American Dream are obstructed, leading characters to seek alternative, often illicit, means.
Conclusion
Breaking Bad, through its complex characters and intricate storytelling, offers a nuanced critique of the American Dream.
It portrays the dream not just as a pursuit of wealth and success, but also as a journey that can lead to moral decay and societal consequences.
The series challenges viewers to reconsider the traditional interpretation of the American Dream and the real cost of achieving it.
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