American Lifestyle in Coming to America by Byron - Essay Example

In “Coming to America”, Byron has discussed his journey from Ireland to America. Byron immigrated to America from Ireland in 1901. That was a time when people used to travel by ship. Byron starts with a discussion of the poor lifestyle he had in Ireland before he resolved to immigrate to America. He had less to eat and no good place to live in. He spent the life of a poor man. Then he decided to immigrate to America as he saw it as a means to enhance his standard of living. After a three-week journey on the ship, he arrived in America and got settled in New York. With due effort and uninterrupted search, Byron managed to find a job in one of the largest trucking operations in the world; the REA Express. Byron worked in this company for 46 years. During these years, Byron got married to an American lady, Mary Hardy, and raised five children; three of his own and two of his sister who had passed away. “The reason I wanted to come to America was that America gave me the opportunity to make my own home, make a living, have freedom of speech, and many, many more wonderful things that only exist here” (Byron).

Saigon has narrated the American Dream using examples of the opportunities America has to offer.

“Come everyone, come and share

the American Dream

name what you want and it’s there

the American Dream

spend and have money to spare

the American Dream

live like you haven’t a care

the American Dream

what other place can compare

the American Dream

come and get more than you share

the American Dream” (Saigon).

Both authors share multiple aspects in their assessment of America as a land of opportunities. Both authors see America as a place that has to offer a lot of opportunities in terms of employment and a high standard of living. The strongest words that both the authors have made use of to emphasize the opulence which can be enjoyed in America are that in addition to naming particular things that can be acquired in America, they have given this aspect an infinite dimension in these words, “many, many more” (Byron) and “more than you share” (Saigon).