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Revisiting The American (Youth) Dream in Matt Haig’s ‘The Midnight Library’

ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities · Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026) · pp. 363–371

DOI
10.34050/els-jish.v9i2.50847
ISSN
2621-0835, 2621-0843
Published
2026-06-09
Publisher
Hasanuddin University
Language
en
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

Abstract

This study examines the evolving representation of the American Dream in contemporary literature, emphasizing its relevance to youth perspectives in modern society. In The Midnight Library, the American Dream is portrayed as a shifting and negotiated concept, where younger generations move beyond traditional ideals of material success, social status, and externally defined achievements. The present study interprets Nora Seed’s actions as a representation of a negotiated version of the American Dream. The study aims to describe the behaviors and decisions that reflect the pursuit of the American Dream from a youth perspective, as well as to contextualize these actions as part of a broader redefinition of the concept itself. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on the analysis of non-numeric data derived from the narrative to generate interpretative insights. The findings reveal that contemporary youth redefine success by valuing small achievements, emotional and psychological well-being, and personal passions as meaningful sources of satisfaction, rather than adhering to traditional measures of success. In conclusion, The Midnight Library demonstrates that the concept of the American Dream has significantly evolved in contemporary society, reflecting changing values that emphasize individuality, authenticity, and inner fulfillment.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

4 authors · 3 co-authorship links

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  • State University of Semarang
  • Different organisations
  • Same organisation
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Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Maulana Aden SaladinState University of Semarang1
Adilla Tazkya PutriState University of Semarang1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish/oai, first harvested 3 Nov 2026, last seen 8 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">Revisiting The American (Youth) Dream in Matt Haig’s ‘The Midnight Library’</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Siagian, Chrisna Aditya</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Anam, Zuhrul</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Representation</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">The Midnight Library</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Stuart Hall</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">The American Dream</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">This study examines the evolving representation of the American Dream in contemporary literature, emphasizing its relevance to youth perspectives in modern society. In The Midnight Library, the American Dream is portrayed as a shifting and negotiated concept, where younger generations move beyond traditional ideals of material success, social status, and externally defined achievements. The present study interprets Nora Seed’s actions as a representation of a negotiated version of the American Dream. The study aims to describe the behaviors and decisions that reflect the pursuit of the American Dream from a youth perspective, as well as to contextualize these actions as part of a broader redefinition of the concept itself. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on the analysis of non-numeric data derived from the narrative to generate interpretative insights. The findings reveal that contemporary youth redefine success by valuing small achievements, emotional and psychological well-being, and personal passions as meaningful sources of satisfaction, rather than adhering to traditional measures of success. In conclusion, The Midnight Library demonstrates that the concept of the American Dream has significantly evolved in contemporary society, reflecting changing values that emphasize individuality, authenticity, and inner fulfillment.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Hasanuddin University</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2026-06-09</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish/article/view/50847</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.34050/els-jish.v9i2.50847</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">ELS Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities; Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): JUNE; 363-371</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2621-0835</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2621-0843</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.34050/els-jish.v9i2</dc:source>
	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/jish/article/view/50847/14511</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2026 Chrisna Aditya Siagian, Zuhrul Anam</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0</dc:rights>
</oai_dc:dc>