Squidward, in "Naughty Nautical Neighbors", ruins a fun game between Patrick and SpongeBob and manages to pit them against each other. Squidward's meddling makes him a somewhat devious and unsympathetic character. He's a fun crusher, and this characterization is maintained throughout the episodes. Squidward's rude attitude is a reflection of his own discontent. Squidward works as a cashier at the Krusty Krab, but the life he dreams of involves luxuries he couldn't afford on his current salary. He is unhappy with his rudimentary career and lower-class life. His internal dilemma is illustrated most clearly in "Squillium Returns". After leaving the Krusty Krab one night, Squidward sees Squillium Fancyson, his main rival. Squillium Fancyson is famous and "made millions doing everything [Squidward] wished [he] could do", as Mr. Krabs puts it. Squidward is caught off guard and frantically hides his Krusty Krab hat in a trash can because he doesn't want Squillium to know that he isn't as successful as he is. Squidward is thus portrayed as an individual concerned about his appearance, he wishes to be rich because it conveys more prestige and class. Squidward is obsessed with the class and fame aspect of the American dream. So much so that Squidward lies to Squillium and says he owns a five-star restaurant. Squillium says he's going to come check out Squidwards Restaurant and bring his entourage to eat. Squidward is freaking out because he doesn't own a five-star restaurant and he feels like he "really needs to impress Squillium." Squidward possesses an obsession with class advancement and prestige. He wants to impress others with wealth and power that he does not have. The show conveys this aspect of the American dream as a pr...... middle of paper ......send-off pieces of criticism. As soon as SpongeBob learns that he's done an incredible job, he says "Well, let's get back to work" and modestly returns to his post behind the grill. Krabs, for his part, changes the name of the restaurant to "Crusty Sponge" and capitalizes on everyone's love of SpongeBob. While Squidward problematizes associations of class and fame with the American dream, Mr. Krabs presents aspirations for financial gain as potentially immoral and undeserved. SpongeBob, however, creates a new type of American dream, much like the dream described by Sandage. A business in which success is not a defining characteristic. Instead, SpongeBob presents the dream of working to please yourself and those you serve. SpongeBob works passionately and enjoys his career, hoping to improve his customers' lives with his burger-making skills..