In the novel Maggie: A Girl of the Streets by Stephen Crane, one of the main characters, Maggie, falls hopelessly in love with Pete, a working class man. Her fall from a life in the slums to prostitution and her eventual death stem from her romantic hope of leaving the social classes with Pete's help. His actions highlight the danger of believing in the myth of social mobility within the American dream. Currently, many working-class individuals in the United States view college as a way to magically improve their social status. Although these individuals are strongly encouraged to attend college and improve their lives, it is not the most appropriate choice for everyone. One of the major themes of Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is that it is dangerous for people to rely on escape with their lives. social classes as a means of improving their lives. At the beginning of the novel, the reader learns about the harsh and unfavorable lifestyle of Maggie's family. In an effort to escape her cruel reality, she gets a job in a sweatshop (956???). However, as she explores working-class hobbies with Pete, she discovers that it may not be the right choice for her. Maggie “…imagined herself, in a maddening future, as a skinny woman with an eternal grievance” (963). She realizes that her small attempt to escape her situation will not quickly get her to where she wants to be in life. As she is captivated by all that Pete and the working-class lifestyle could offer her, she thinks back to the sweatshop and all the other women who work there. This image is enough to make Maggie decide that she must find another way to escape the slums, which soon causes her to quit her job and...... middle of paper ..... .what working class individuals should consider when considering going to university. As I was exposed to the theme of how dangerous it is to believe in the myth of social mobility that surrounds the American dream, I wondered why I ended up in college. While I believe it is in my best interest to be here, I think more people need to understand that it really isn't for everyone. Even though I'm here to get a degree so I can get a job I love, other people may not have the same aspirations as me. Because we all have different goals in life, I believe that young adults, especially those from working class backgrounds, should not feel as much pressure to go to college. We all have different goals and passions and if college doesn't help someone achieve theirs, they should be able to stay where they are and not be chastised by society..