Analyse af J.D. Vances 'Hillbilly Elegy'

Hillbilly Elegy. A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

Summery

“Hillbilly Elegy. A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” is written by J.D Vance and published in 2017. The book explores Vance’s tangled way through life, where he despite all odds, was able to break free from his social inheritance and achieve academic success. Looking back, he reflects upon the struggles with his families’ addictions, and his journey from being in the white working class, to now being way above the people he used to call his family and friends. By incorporating his own experiences, he opens a broader conversation about the American dream in general, and whether it is living up to its promise of being equally available to everyone, if only they work hard enough.

Analytical essay

Building a successful life, having the perfect family, landing a well-paid job, and embracing the opportunities that come with it, is a universal dream. For decades America has been seen as the country where this dream can come true. That hard work would lead to success. This was also referred to as The American Dream. But, despite the promise of equal opportunity, only a few manage to climb the socioeconomic ladder and surpass the legacy of their parents. Whether this reflects a system failing its citizens, or individuals lacking the right work ethic, is the central conflict in J.D. Vance’s memoir Hillbilly Elegy. A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Through his own story of beating the odds and rising above poverty, Vance sheds light on where he believes the American Dream falls short.