Exploring the selected American texts through Marxism and Foucauldian Discourse: American Dream Fulfilled or a Failure

This study examines the ways in which four significant American essays Walt Whitman's "Preface to Leaves of Grass", Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance", Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", and Thomas Jefferson's "Declaration of Independence" express potent concepts of equality, justice, freedom, and revolt. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, content analysis, and closely analyzes these writings using Marxist literary theory and Michel Foucault's discourse theory. The research reveals how each article argues for change and confronts unfair authority by carefully choosing and examining significant passages. Emerson's work encourages individual freedom and self-confidence, Jefferson's publication asserts for independence and human rights, Paine's writing advocates for political rebellion towards monarchy, and Whitman's introduction honors equality, unity, and the dignity of common people. Hence, the study demonstrates the significance and relevance of these writings for freedom and justice in the modern world.