What Did Gatsby Do to Achieve the American Dream?

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby” is set in the Roaring Twenties in the United States. The novel is a commentary on the American Dream and the true meaning of success. The main character of the novel, Jay Gatsby, is an idealistic young man who comes from a humble background. He became wealthy and was determined to achieve his personal dream of winning back his former love, Daisy Buchanan. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Gatsby did to achieve the American Dream.

1. Hard Work and Perseverance

Jay Gatsby was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He grew up in poverty and his parents were “shiftless and unsuccessful farm people.” Despite his humble beginnings, Gatsby worked hard and persevered to become a wealthy man. He became a successful bootlegger and businessman, allowing him to gain the wealth and status he needed to pursue his dream of winning back Daisy.

2. Belief in the American Dream

The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of their background or social class, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Gatsby wholeheartedly believed in the American Dream and was determined to make it a reality for himself.

3. Investing in Himself

Gatsby also invested in himself, both physically and mentally. He meticulously crafted his image and persona to fit in with the upper class. He also read extensively to improve his knowledge and education, which helped him to hold his own in conversations with the wealthy and elite.

4. Taking Risks

Gatsby was not afraid to take risks to achieve his goals. For example, he took the risk of buying his mansion in West Egg to be near Daisy, and he was willing to commit crimes through his involvement in the bootlegging business. These risks ultimately paid off for Gatsby, as he was able to achieve his dream of being reunited with Daisy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jay Gatsby’s success in achieving the American Dream was due to his hard work, belief in the American Dream, investment in himself, and willingness to take risks. However, Fitzgerald’s novel also suggests that the pursuit of wealth and success can come at a great cost, and ultimately Gatsby’s dreams and efforts to win back Daisy ultimately ended in tragedy. “The Great Gatsby” serves as a reminder of the complexities and illusions often associated with the American Dream, and the disillusionment that can come with it.

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