What is the American Dream? For some, the answer to this question is obvious. However, author Hunter S. Thompson believed that the American Dream was not something that could be understood without experiencing it firsthand. In his fictional autobiography Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Thompson (using the name Raoul Duke) and his lawyer, Dr. Gonzo went on a trip to Las Vegas in 1971 to write an article about a race called the Mint 400. Instead the duo is far more concerned with their own quest to find the American Dream as they speed through Las Vegas in a drug-fueled rampage. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is an interesting and unique story because it is about the author's pursuit of the American Dream. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the first mentions of the American Dream comes soon after Duke calls his superiors to request money to finance the trip. They only manage to get $300 dollars, which is not enough to please Doctor Gonzo. Duke says before then they had no money and no plans. Now suddenly, with the help of the American dream and almost no effort on their part, they head to Las Vegas with $300 in their hands. This gives us an idea of ​​what Thompson thinks the American dream is. It definitely has to do with opportunity, since all of this was caused by the fact that he was given the opportunity to go to Las Vegas and cover the Mint 400. He was given the assignment to do something spontaneously and he jumped at the chance, perhaps because he thinks the American dream favors those who take risks. This would be the first of many amazing opportunities presented to Thompson throughout this journey. One of the first examples of the American Dream at work came at midnight on a Saturday following the Mint 400. Duke and his lawyer ended up getting into an argument on Debbie Reynolds' live show without having to pay anything simply by saying they know her personally. This is a unique experience, being able to claim association with fame and be treated differently without anyone checking their story or even questioning them. In a city like Las Vegas where there are famous people everywhere performing all the time, how could they keep track of who knows who? Besides, why risk angering someone who might have the power to cause him a lot of trouble? They are able to take advantage of this unique opportunity given to them by where they are located. However, after only a few minutes they are kicked out for causing a scene and go to find a place more welcoming to drunken patrons. The duo ended up at Circus-Circus, a 4-story circus-themed casino complete with live shows and entertainment. . They walked around a bit to take in all the sights, when Duke noted that the atmosphere is not good for someone in their fragile state of mind, even comparing it to the “Sixth Reich” (Thompson 28). When they arrive at a spinning bar, Dukes' lawyer has a sudden desire to leave town. Duke reminded him, “We came here to find the American dream, and now that we're in the vortex you want to get out” (Thompson 29). By then they are both heavily drunk. His lawyer was showing signs of extreme distress and Duke even believes an attack may be imminent, so they left. Despite this obstacle, he has found the “main nerve” of the American dream in Las Vegas and, before his story ends, he will return there. The next time Duke writes about Circus-Circus his lawyer is gone, having returned to California after finishing his journalistic duties. Duke goes there to meet his friend Bruce Innes,.