An American Dream is a play on the well-worn idea of the American Dream.
As perfectly illustrated by the theme song to The Jeffersons, the American Dream is all about moving on up. Americans are driven by the idea that hard work pays off, and that everyone has a chance of rising up the social ladder. You might be poor now, but if you work hard enough, your children might end up living in some deluxe apartment in the sky—or at least the suburbs.
Simply put, An American Dream is about waking up to a harsh reality. On the surface, Stephen Rojack has done it all: risen from humble beginnings, served his country with honor, and eventually become wealthy and famous. As we watch Rojack unleash his repressed feelings, however, we come to realize that his dream came with a price. If anything, Rojack's journey shows just how it's possible for the pursuit of the American Dream to turn into an American Nightmare.