Question

Read the excerpt from the song, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” They used to tell me I was building a dream, And so I followed the mob— When there was earth to plow, or guns to bear I was always there—right on the job. Which best restates the main idea of these lines? A mob of men built the dream, farmed the earth, and fought in the war. The average American will always work when there is work to be completed. The heroic men standing in line for food were used to build and fight for the American dream. The Great Depression is the most difficult challenge the American public ever endured.

Answer 1

"The heroic men standing in line for food were used to build and fight for the American Dream." This statement best restates the main idea of these lines from the song: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"

The narrator refers to the economic situation caused by the Great Depression in 1930's in the U.S. Unemployment was the most serious problem at the time. In fact, the narrator was unemployed and he begged for money. In spite of the fact he had helped to build up the American nation, the nation made him be unemployed. The Nation had sent him out into the street. He was jobless, hungry and with no money.

Answer 2

Which best restates the main idea of these lines?

C) The heroic men standing in line for food were used to build and fight for the American dream.

The lyrics state how many people believed they were going to reach an idyllic life if they dedicated to dutifully serve the country. Many followed this belief, fell into its claws and delivered their souls and bodies to America, for the sake of achieving what their hearts desired the most: the American Dream. Nevertheless, once they served the country and weren't required anymore, they were forgotten and they fulfilled someone else's American Dream.