Which work contrasts the American aristocracy with European upper classes, reflecting the American dream?

The work that effectively contrasts the American aristocracy with European upper classes while reflecting the American dream is "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton. This novel explores the lives of the New York elite in the 1870s, showcasing the rigid social structures and moral codes of American high society. Wharton delves into the intricacies of class and the expectations placed upon individuals within the upper crust of American society, exemplifying the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.

The comparison to European aristocracy is evident as Wharton highlights the different values that underpin American and European aristocracies. American society, with its emphasis on individuality and the potential for social mobility, stands in contrast to the hereditary privileges and entrenched class distinctions present in European societies.

By focusing on the notion of the American dream—where prosperity and success are achievable through hard work—Wharton critiques not only the constraints of New York's elite but also the idealized concept of advancement that defines American culture. The interactions between characters from different social standings further underscore the novel’s exploration of these themes.

In contrast, "The House of Mirth," while also dealing with social stratification, does not frame its narrative in comparison to European upper classes in the same way. The