How The Great Gatsby is About the American Dream
Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel that explores the American Dream and the fallacies of achieving it. The story is set in the Roaring Twenties and follows Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who throws extravagant parties at his mansion to impress his former lover, Daisy Buchanan.
The American Dream
The American Dream is the idea that anyone, regardless of their social class, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. In The Great Gatsby, this dream is embodied by Jay Gatsby, who rises from humble beginnings to great wealth through illegal means.
Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by showing that despite his wealth and success, Gatsby is not truly happy. He is obsessed with winning back Daisy, his former lover, and believes that she is the key to his happiness. However, even when he does achieve his goal and rekindles his relationship with Daisy, he is still unfulfilled.
The Fallacies of the American Dream
The Great Gatsby also highlights the fallacies of the American Dream. While it is marketed as an equal opportunity for everyone, the reality is that wealth and success are often inherited and not earned through hard work.
The characters in the novel are all chasing after the American Dream in different ways. Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband, was born into wealth and never had to work for his success. Daisy, on the other hand, was born into wealth but married Tom for his money and security. Gatsby is the only character who truly embodies the American Dream, but he achieves it through illegal means by bootlegging alcohol and being involved in organized crime.
The Corruption of the American Dream
The Great Gatsby also shows how the pursuit of the American Dream can lead to corruption and immorality. Gatsby amasses his wealth through illegal activities and involvement in organized crime. His parties are filled with guests who are only there to use him for his money and connections. In the end, his pursuit of the American Dream leads to his downfall and tragic end.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale about the American Dream and the fallacies, corruption, and immorality that can come with it. Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream is still relevant today as people continue to chase after success and wealth without considering the toll it can take on their morality and well-being.
As Gatsby himself says, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” The American Dream may continue to be a driving force for many, but The Great Gatsby reminds us that there may be a cost too high to pay for its pursuit.
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