Dreams and Practical Responsibilities

The Sun is Also a Star

Samuel, Daniel, and Natasha test competing beliefs about security and passion, learning that neither dreams nor practicality can make choices harmless.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Samuel’s Dream Samuel’s Dream from "The Sun is Also a Star". Acting as Destiny A Calling Imagined Samuel believes his talent means he is meant to become a famous actor.

Samuel’s Dream from "The Sun is Also a Star". Acting as Destiny A Calling Imagined Samuel believes his talent means he is meant to become a famous actor.

Acting as Destiny A Calling Imagined Samuel believes his talent means he is meant to become a famous actor. Family Included He persuades Patricia that acting will eventually provide the security and fulfillment they need.

The Dream’s Cost The Dream’s Cost from "The Sun is Also a Star". Ambition Without Movement Rejection Accumulates Samuel’s acting hopes meet fatigue, rejection, and limited opportunity.

The Dream’s Cost from "The Sun is Also a Star". Ambition Without Movement Rejection Accumulates Samuel’s acting hopes meet fatigue, rejection, and limited opportunity.

Ambition Without Movement Rejection Accumulates Samuel’s acting hopes meet fatigue, rejection, and limited opportunity. Others Carry the Burden Patricia works more while Natasha gradually learns that a dream can become an excuse when it displaces responsibility.

Daniel’s Practical Track Daniel’s Practical Track from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Secure Future Prescribed Parental Reasoning Dae Hyun presents medicine as a route to money, respect, and choice.

Daniel’s Practical Track from "The Sun is Also a Star". A Secure Future Prescribed Parental Reasoning Dae Hyun presents medicine as a route to money, respect, and choice.

A Secure Future Prescribed Parental Reasoning Dae Hyun presents medicine as a route to money, respect, and choice. Daniel’s Doubt Daniel recognizes that security obtained by surrendering his preferences may not feel like a life he chose.

Natasha’s Cautious Strategy Natasha’s Cautious Strategy from "The Sun is Also a Star". Planning Without Passion Research and Choice Natasha selects data science after researching growing fields, not because she sees it as fate.

Natasha’s Cautious Strategy from "The Sun is Also a Star". Planning Without Passion Research and Choice Natasha selects data science after researching growing fields, not because she sees it as fate.

Planning Without Passion Research and Choice Natasha selects data science after researching growing fields, not because she sees it as fate. Fear of Repetition Her practical outlook reflects what she has watched happen to Samuel’s artistic ambitions.

A Changed Recommendation A Changed Recommendation from "The Sun is Also a Star". Practicality Reconsidered Natasha Challenges Daniel She tells him not to become a doctor merely because it is expected.

A Changed Recommendation from "The Sun is Also a Star". Practicality Reconsidered Natasha Challenges Daniel She tells him not to become a doctor merely because it is expected.

Practicality Reconsidered Natasha Challenges Daniel She tells him not to become a doctor merely because it is expected. Passion Becomes Possible She also wonders whether she might seek something she loves, showing that each has changed without finding a complete answer.

before and during the family’s move to America

the years after Samuel’s prospects decline

the morning of his Yale interview

late morning, while she and Daniel discuss careers

during the final cab ride to the airport