# The American Dream and Hardship in Stover at Yale

> Theme guide for Stover at Yale by Owen Johnson.

Characters like Tom Regan embody the struggle for upward mobility through hard work and self-reliance, highlighting the contrast between privilege and the grit required to overcome economic and social barriers.

## Where it surfaces

- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xv): Swazey's story of earning his way from age twelve, working odd jobs across the country, and building a business embodies the American Dream.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/themes/the_american_dream_and_hardship
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/stover_at_yale_se/themes