One of the main motifs in the story is the American Dream. Many may disagree if they have only basic knowledge of the novel. Someone may ask, how could a story full of drugs, hallucinations, and destruction even come close to being about the "American Dream" ? In Thompson's book, Las Vegas is symbolic of the true ugliness of American mainstream. Raoul even states at the beginning that their trip will be a "gross, physical salute to the fantastic possibilities of life in this country." The drugs they use, in a sense, allow them to see the flaws in such a traditionally "fantastic" place. Raoul and Dr. Gonzo essentially go out of their way to destruct clear-cut examples of excess-- all while coming to the subconscious realization that the American Dream does not really exist.
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