lty of Americans because they are willing to resort to extreme measure to get or alter things to fit their ideals.In “The American Dream,” Albee also comments on the fact that American men have become emasculated and powerless in today’s society. Daddy is fighting a losing battle with Mommy in the argument of who makes the decisions in the household. He finds himself asking Mommy, “And masculine. Was I really masculine?” Throughout the beginning scene, Daddy is merely an underlying voice, he accepts what Mommy has to say and will not disagree with her. The weakening of men is also apparent when Mommy tells Daddy, “I have the right to live off you because I married you, and because I used to let you get on top of me and bump your uglies; and I have the right to all of your money when you die.” Albee states that American men have lost their identities in marriage and sex. In the play, Daddy is a portrayal of men’s need for woman’s reassurance and acceptance. A second example of the weakening of men’s power in society is illustrated in the portrayal of Mrs. Baker’s brother. Initially he is described as ambitious but then it is realized that he has fallen to “the chief exponent of woman love.” ...
