Sociological Analysis of Thoroughly Modern Millie Anonymous 11th Grade

New York: the place where one’s dreams come true. At least, this is how it appears to outsiders. However, upon a closer examination of New York, a harsher truth comes out. As seen in the play Thoroughly Modern Millie, the social class one is born into is typically the social class one will stay for one's entire life. The American Dream, the ability to achieve anything despite the social class one is born into, is unattainable through hard work; it is only achieved when one is born into a position of success or achieves success through unconventional ways.

No matter how much honest, hard work one puts in, one will not be able to move from their social class using normal methods. When Millie first arrives on the streets of New York, she expects a place where all her dreams can come true, where she is able to attain wealth through hard work and perseverance. Immediately, her hopes are crushed. After expressing all her hopes for her time in New York, she is robbed and loses her hat, scarf, purse, and shoe. Though she calls out for someone to help her, she does not receive any help until she trips Jimmy. From the lack of help she receives, it is obvious that no matter how desperate a person is for help, New Yorkers will not lend a...