In defiance to the laws of Creon, Antigone embodies a sense of heroic idealism by opposing the laws of the state in favor for higher powers and her personal moral beliefs. Her idealistic morals conflict with Creon's as she sacrifices her life in order to fight for her brother's burial. This demonstration of family loyalty and ideal moral laws show that her inner desires stem from her own projection of idealistic standards. Looking at the division between Antigone and Ismene in the play, her insistence on taking full responsibility for her defiance also connects to the heroic idealism as she fights for her brother's burial while understanding the consequences of these actions.

In the anarchist society of Anarres, their fundamental principles on collectivism and solidarity are present within their inhabitants such as Shevek. His voyage to Urras in order to further his physics theory in instantaneous communication across planets stems from his idealistic view that his work should be used for the greater of good of the universe rather for selfish and individual gain (Urras physicist's goal for prestige and advantage over other planets). Shevek's idealism are implemented into reality as he decides to pursue the journey to Urras. Even with the constraints of a capitalistic society such as Urras and his realizations of the shortcomings between the two worlds, Shevek is able to form his own potentials through the manifestation of his desires into reality as a result of his initial ideas.

As a book about the effects of colonialism and capitalism on a small island, the implications of materialism are present throughout the text. The financial situations of multiple families as they struggle through poverty demonstrate the materialistic desires that these individuals have in order to survive in their environment. In order for their small island to thrive, Kincaid focuses on the conflicts of self-accounting and sovereignty of Antiguans in opposition of the corruption within their government. Therefore, their reality has become a consequence of the decades of colonialism and destruction by foreigners on their land.

As a film adaptation to the book, A Small Place, the effects of materialism are seen once again through the eyes of the tourist. The films emphasis on the destructive tourism on Antigua thematizes the beauty and ugliness of its industry. The materialistic goals of pleasure and money through tourism destroy those of its inhabitants where they are forced to live under a corrupt government or their inability to sustain themselves because of globalization.

The Kim family's struggle with poverty becomes the motivation for their materialistic desires in pursuing the exploitation of the Park family's wealth. Their reality living in a rundown and semi-underground home reflects a family that is living in a state of desperation to survive in a capitalistic society. Fighting for a more financially stable life, the Kim family projects the material objects within the world of the rich in order to fulfill their idealistic life as part of the upper class. The family's reality derived by the poverty that they struggle under embeds the materialism present throughout their society and within their household.

The intertwinement of both idealism and materialism in each of the family member's desires aligns with their reality and views of their world. Looking at the effects of poverty on the Younger family, the existence of materialistic desires is greatest in Walter as the only way out of their financial struggles is through material gain. As an ambitious and driven character, Walter's belief that only materialistic goods will bring about comfort and happiness in his family stems from the physical objects of his upbringing and experiences in poverty. Here, the fulfillment of his desires are only accomplished through the material possessions.

In opposition to Walter's materialistic view of life, Beneatha represents how idealism can fulfill and motivate desire. Beneatha's goal to become a doctor in order to help society as a whole demonstrates the social idealism that plays a part in her life decisions. Her drive to help those in Africa and devote her life to the less fortunate opposes those of her brother's desires that come off as selfish and individualistic. Similarly, Mama's desires to improve her family's situation also comes from her familial values. Her idealism is grounded in her beliefs of the power of family and love rather than materialistic gain. In the play, Mama is consistently urging her son to become a better role model for Travis rather than focusing exclusively on material gain.

Changez's experience as an immigrant is stimulated by the opportunities and social status that he can gain by going to the United States. His attendance at Princeton, his job at Underwood Samson, his relationship with Erica, and his attempt to assimilate demonstrates his materialistic desires. The promise of wealth, respect, and prestige fuels Changez's motivation to stay in America during times of heightened racism towards Arab Americans and Asian Americans. Despite these experiences, the objects within Changez's world (i.e. money and a luxurious life) reflects the reality that he has set for himself by attending an Ivy League and admiration for the United States.

As Changez experiences the material comfort of his career and hard work, the aftermath of 9/11 opens the ugly history of the United States as its citizens begin to experience the xenophobic sentiments and racism of the public and government. The presence of idealism within The Reluctant Fundamentalist is evident within the mindset in which Changez views these occurrences. Despite the existence of soft racism that he experiences prior to 9/11, his idealistic views of the United States driven by his exceptional education and occupation allow him to continue loving his new country despite its downfalls. Therefore, his idealized view of the United States is what initially blinds Changez before the surge of racism that accompanies 9/11.

Flaubert constantly critiques the Romanticism within Emma's character, yet demonstrates this through a perspective that coincides with materialism. Throughout Emma's chase for a romantic illusion, her desires are often a result of the material objects in her real world. Her husband, her village, or her wealth contributes to dissatisfaction with life and becomes the reason why she is constantly bored with the present moment. Therefore, materialism can also be analyzed within Emma's life especially towards the end when monetary obsession becomes the consequences of her desires. Her obsession with money and living luxuriously through the decor of her home to the dresses she wears reveals the material goals that drive Emma into depression.

Emma Bovary is a representation of the consequences of Romanticism as her disillusionment of reality leads to her downfall. Her constant dissatisfaction with her life, her husband, or her environment is reflected in her desires to escape into her romantic illusions. These idealistic visions of what her perfect world looks like influences her reality affecting her physically. She is constantly fighting against illnesses that arise from constantly chasing these unrealistic goals. Her longing to have a romantic relationship while married to another man or to move off to Paris despite her financial situation reflects the idealism of Emma's mind. Emma lives through her imagination of the world and through an idealistic lens to find a life that allows her to experience the materialistic and romantic definitions of a good life.