Abstract: The concept of "dreams" as the core of American literature is recognized by most literary critics. The affirmation and apologetics of the "American dream", which is associated with the traditions of critical realism, remains the subject of discussion by both foreign and Russian researchers. Literary studies of the concept of the "American dream" encourage us to critically analyze the beliefs, experiences and aspirations underlying it, as well as its broader implications for society. The subject of this article is the concept of the "American dream", analyzed on the basis of Norman Mailer's novel "The American Dream" and the travelogue “O'key, an American Novel” by Boris Pilnyak. Using descriptive, hermeneutical, comparative, historical-literary and historical-cultural methods, the author examines the details of this concept that were not affected in previously published scientific works. The sources and prerequisites for the emergence of the phenomenon of the “American dream” in American literature are presented and its complex quintessences presented in the works of Mailer and Pilniak through the prism of different cultural contexts are revealed. The study showed that the failure of the American Dream project leads to its restructuring, which confirms its self-stabilizing nature and fundamental role in the process of personal self-determination of the character. Mailer, deeply rooted in American culture, criticizes the American dream from the inside, emphasizing individualism, social pressure and the pursuit of success. On the contrary, Pilniak offers us a different view of the "American dream". This is the view of a Soviet writer who emphasizes the relationship of the American dream with capitalism, democracy and social transformation. Conclusions. Despite the revealed differences in views, both authors encourage readers to take a critical look at the promises and pitfalls of the American dream, enriching our understanding of its universal appeal and enduring relevance.