SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  20
Télécharger pour lire hors ligne
The Great Gatsby and the American Dream
The Great Gatsby is an interesting and thought–provoking novel by the American writer F. Scott
Fitzgerald that sets to explore important and complex social themes such as the hollowness of the
upper class and the characteristics and decline of the American Dream during the prosperous years
preceding the Great Depression. The Great Gatsby is presented at the surface as a thwarted love story
between a man, Jay Gatsby, and a woman, Daisy Buchanan. However, the main theme of the novel
goes beyond this and comprises a larger, and indeed less romantic, social context. Furthermore,
despite the novel's setting in New York during the summer of 1922 it is still a representation of
America throughout the whole...show more content...
The sphere of this decade is dominated by cynicism, greed, and the empty pursuit of pleasure.
Fitzgerald seems to suggest that the reckless jubilance that created the opportunities for while
decadent parities and loud jazz music, similarly to Gatsby's parties every night, was the direct result
of this atmosphere. However, the pursuit of pleasure in such a manner did not bring happiness or
fulfillment but only brought about the corruption of the American Dream. This corruption of the
American Dream is due to the unrestrained desire for power and money, which surpassed any sense
of nobility in people's goals and motivations. To understand this presentation of the American Dream
one has to first comprehend the characteristics of this Dream. The American Dream encompasses
the myth of America's birth, a myth that is defined by a familiar phrase: The New World. The
establishment of the United States, the growth of the country and its power in such a short time,
and the sense of success felt across the nation as a result created the concept of the American
Dream. America was conceived originally as a new beginning, a new world, a second chance. It was
a world that contrasted with the Old World's structure and all its corruption, social divisions, tyranny,
and superficiality. On this basis is the American Dream founded. The key concepts that lie at the
heart of the American
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
The idea of American Dream as presented by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the Great Gatsby novel involves
rising from poverty or rags to richness and wealthy. The American Dream exemplifies that elements
such as race, gender, and ethnicity are valueless as they do not influence the ability of an individual
to rise to power and richness. This American Dream makes the assumption that concepts such as
xenophobia are non–existent in America a concept that is not true and shows vagueness of the
American Dream. In his novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the Great Gatsby to demonstrate the
overall idea of living the American dream. Gatsby leaves his small village of farmers and
manages to work his way up the ladder although some of the money he uses to climb the ladder is
associated with crime "He was a son of God and he must be about His Father's Business, the
service of a vast, vulgar and meretricious beauty" (Fitzgerald 6.7). This phrase shows that Gatsby
wasn't meant for a life similar to that of his father but rather destined for greatness. However, his
dream his short–lived and he doesn't make it to the top as Daisy who is a symbol of his wealthy
rejects her and a series of events transpire that result in his death before he could live his American
Dream alongside everyone else who was working up the ladder to live the American Dream. F.
Scott Fitzgerald proposes that the American Dream is corrupt and also a mediocrity that anyone in
America can rise from rags to riches as in the real
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay On The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby Essay The Great Gatsby has always been a great book, but have you ever
wondered what the meaning of "The American Dream" is..? To me the american dream... is
anyone and everyone can come here to american and achieve their goals, they can have better
lives here in the US, they can be more successful when they put their minds to it. Fitzgerald's was
making it seem that the rich or more money you have the happier you'll be, the better off you are
in life. He paints a picture making it seem money will buy their happiness forever. The american
dream is about success and dreams, not about money or wealth. The american dream from 2 very
different point of views. Fitzgerald made his point of view that with money your life is...show more
content...
He wanted to make his life better than what it was when he was younger. Gatsby didn't like how
his life was so he set a goal to achieve better and do better. When he was legal he changed his
name and got a clean slate. "Who is this gatsby anyhow...some big bootlegger." Gatsby was known
for having this big huge beautiful house, where he would throw these huge parties. Everyone in the
whole town that knew about the party would dress fancy and wear their expensive things, and have
a good time at the gatsby house. He made all this money and got wealthy by doing dirty work with
the mob. Fitzgerald made gatsby seem he was unhappy when he was poor, but when he changed his
name and started making money Jay Gatsby was happy and content with life.
The east egg has always been about bonds, and new companies. It was starting to become wealth
and sky rocket in businesses. It helps people make money and build the community. "I moved to
the east and learn about the bond business." the west side was becoming trashy and old looking
and was starting to look like the slums. Nick decides he would be better off on the east side to start
a new life event. He started learning about the bond business, everyone else in his family was in the
bond business so he started supporting it. He thought moving to the east would help him with
business and help him with money and would be better off in the east than the west. Since the west
was getting poor looking
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
"The loneliest moment in someone's life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and
all they can do is stare blankly."
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
The American Dream, a long standing ideal embodies the hope that one can achieve financial
success, political power, and everlasting love through dedication and hard work. During the Roaring
20s, people in America put up facades to mask who they truly were. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald
conveys that the American Dream is simply an illusion, that is idealist and unreal. In the novel,
Gatsby, a wealthy socialite pursues his dream, Daisy. In the process of pursuing Daisy, Gatsby
betrays his morals and destroys himself. Through the eyes of the narrator, Nick,...show more
content...
The green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams, an illusion that slowly possesses him;
specifically his American Dream, Daisy. Gatsby sees Daisy just as immigrants from foreign
countries once saw America; as a symbol of hope, the ideal life, and a future full of opportunity.
Gatsby lives solely for this green light, which that gives him a sense of identity and purpose.
Gatsby's dream is initially pure but in the process of pursuing it, the vision becomes tainted. His
American Dream slowly takes possession of Gatsby, warping his illusion and dreams into reality.
For five years, after meeting Daisy, he yearns and longs for her slowly changing her in his mind
into a god. Over time the real memories began to fade and his dreams of what she should be took
her place in his mind. When Gatsby finally wins her over, he expects too much of her, leading her
to feel distressed and pressured. The rope ultimately snaps when Gatsby pressures Daisy to say
that she never loved Tom, her husband, and only loved Gatsby. She wails and protests, that
Gatsby "wants too much" and that she can never live up to his dreams of her (134). Because
Gatsby had dreamed of her for so many years, he set an illusion of what Daisy should be like in his
eyes. The dreams are too difficult for Daisy to meet and she soon collapses under the
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Great Gatsby American Dream Essay
The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is about the struggle of achieving the American
dream, and how much a person is willing to do to reach it. The book's focus is on the obsession of
Gatsby, the protagonist, and his feelings for Daisy, a married woman who he was previously
involved with. The novel also focuses on Gatsby's determination to make her fall in love with him
by the glitz of money and power. Fitzgerald uses the symbols of wealth, superficiality and
irresponsibility to convey the idea that the American dream is unattainable. Wealth is a factor that
propels the actions of the characters in the novel. In the Great Gatsby, most of the characters are
wealthy and are able to do a lot because of their prosperity. Wealth...show more content...
Daisy is one of the most superficial characters in the novel. She shows her shallow ways by
treating her child as is she isn't even real, crooning "you absolute dream." After saying this, she
shoos her daughter away to the nurse and doesn't show any interest in seeing her again. Her
superficial attitude reached all the way to her vision of Gatsby. Daisy has the illusion of Gatsby
as "the advertisement of the man." She lives in a world where nothing is true and there are no
consequences. She is unable to be happy because she doesn't know what real happiness is. She is
unable to achieve her dreams because she doesn't know what to dream. Fitzgerald shows that
people of the upper class are superficial and cannot achieve their dreams. This is shown through
Gatsby's acceptance of an insincere invitation to Mr. Sloane's wife's house party. Tom Buchanan
criticizes Gatsby's misjudgment and says, "My God, I believe the man's coming... doesn't he
know she doesn't want him?" All the characters in the novel have had dreams during some point in
their lives. Their dreams were unsuccessful because of their inability to be true and honest to
people. To have a life of happiness, people need to be good to others to get something good back.
By being superficial in ones attitude and actions, Fitzgerald shows that the American dream cannot
be achieved. The characters are people who are delusional to the consequences of the actions and do
not take
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The American Dream can mean different things depending on who is asked. Some will answer it
is the freedom of religion, class or race, others will claim it is about the ability to choose where
they want to work, what they want to wear, or what's for breakfast the next day. For Jay Gatsby
and many others, the American Dream is about gaining wealth and material possessions in an
attempt to find happiness. Through his novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows how the
American Dream is only the concept of perfection, something that can never be acquired, but
always can be reached for. Daisy Buchanon was always mesmerized by wealth. Her dream is to have
a luxurious lifestyle filled splendor. Before the events of the...show more content...
Even though she is married to Tom, his wealth is not enough to satisfy her. When she sees the
shirts she is sad because Tom does not have the luxury of owning such a large collection of
clothing. She is blinded by wealth and always seeks more than she has. She cannot fully
appreciate what she has because her dream is to always have more, and she will only be happy
once she has the best, an unattainable goal that is there to tantalize. To Myrtle Wilson, the
American Dream is to become wealthy and high class. For her, this is impossible. She is married
to a working class man who owns an auto shop in a rundown part of New York. Myrtle is so
corrupted by money that she cheats on her hardworking, loving husband, in order to be with Tom
Buchanon's money. When describing her marriage, Myrtle said, "The only crazy I was was when
I married him. I knew right away I made a mistake. He borrowed somebody's best suit to get
married in . . . then I lay down and cried to beat the band all afternoon" (35). She was, of course,
talking about money issues. She thought her husband was wealthy, but when he had to borrow a
suit, she became depressed and she believed her life was ruined. Myrtles unhealthy fixation on
money ruined her marriage, and led to her becoming Tom's mistress. Tom can supply her with the
wealth she needs to feel happy. When given the chance, Tom will take Myrtle to parties just so she
can wear the fancy clothing that he gave her. This
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Great Gatsby And The American Dream Essay
Prior to the first World War, Americans had noble goals and pursued the dream of happiness. The
American Dream, described by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, differs from the original
dream. Instead of achieving actual happiness, Americans got caught up in a new dream motivated by
materialism and wealth. The novel emphasizes that having money does not imply happiness. Many
people fell short of this new dream, and even those with money at their disposal were still not
satisfied. Throughout The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses several characters to illustrate the perversion
of the American Dream ultimately responsible for their dissatisfaction and restlessness. Like many
Americans living in the 1920s, Tom Buchanan's life appears to be...show more content...
She put aside any feelings of real love because she thought Tom's money and materialistic things
would make her happy. Although Daisy loves Gatsby, love is not part of the American Dream
that she seeks. While Gatsby, as a poor soldier, was unable to provide for Daisy, Tom gives her the
sense of security she longs for. Daisy may covet the security of wealth, but her fulfillment of the
American Dream still leaves her wanting more. "'What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon?'
cried Daisy, 'and the day after that, and the next thirty years?'" (118). Daisy has achieved the
American Dream through her abundant riches, yet she is always dissatisfied. She never appreciates
what she has in the present, but instead, she always focuses on what comes next. Daisy could have
been happy with Gatsby, but the corrupt American Dream leaves her dissatisfied and retreating
behind her wealth with Tom. Furthermore, Gatsby also exemplifies the discontent aroused by the
American Dream. During his five year pursuit of Daisy, Gatsby achieved the dream many
Americans seek their entire lives, but attaining wealth is only part of his overall goal. Simply
possessing money is not enough for Gatsby, since his actual dream is obtaining his fantasy life with
Daisy. Although possessing money was the 1920s American Dream, those who eventually reached
the upper class, like Gatsby, were dissatisfied because they still wanted more. Gatsby has enough
money to throw lavish parties every weekend; however,
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Great Gatsby American Dream Essay
The American Dream The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, presents a contrast
between the wealthy and the penurious. The novel was set in the early 1920s right after World
War I with a very prosperous economy. The novel began with the narrator, Nick, introducing the
idea of social class by talking about the difference between East Egg and West Egg. This
geographical barrier represented "old money" and "new money", later in the novel he introduced
the Valley of Ashes which symbolized "no money". Nick was cousins with Daisy, who was
married to Tom Buchanan, they represented old money and saw themselves as a higher class. Jay
Gatsby was neighbors with Nick and he symbolized new money as he came from a poor family and
worked for...show more content...
Secondly, people who were new to money, such as Gatsby, were looked down on as they had to
work for their money and they came from a necessitous background. The people who are
considered "old money" see "new money" as tasteless, and without class. Nick, who lived in West
Egg, and was a symbol of new money noted: "I lived at West Egg, the – well, the less fashionable of
the two, though this is a most superficial tag to express the bizarre and not a little sinister contrast
between them" (Fitzgerald 9). This quote highlights the fact that the two groups of people are
close in proximity and are both wealthy, living on the "new money" side is looked down on and
they will never be accepted by the people who grew up with money. Thirdly, the people with no
money, such as Myrtle and George were geographically separated by the Valley of Ashes. The
people who lived there worked hard and dirty jobs, such as George, who worked at a gas station
and was a mechanic. They would constantly admire things of greater value and they would dream
of being able to afford anything of greater value. Finally, there was a distinct elitism of people of
higher class, people were always comparing their wealth and tried to put others down. For example,
Tom, Nick, and Gatsby were in a restaurant and Tom implied that Gatsby and Nick were too poor to
be eating
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Perception and reality do not always align. Is true love really true love, or is it a farce, a self–created
mythical re–interpretation of the thing we hold so dear? In The Great Gatsby, is Gatsby really in
love with Daisy, or his vision of her? Does she feel the same way for him, or does she truly love
him? And what does the green light at the end of Daisy's dock mean to Gatsby?
As Gatsby falls in love with Daisy, Nick is slightly intrigued by this almost improbable match.
How can a determined, wealthy man fall in love with a woman so shallow that she wishes her
daughter to "be a fool ... a beautiful little fool." (p. 17)? To everyone else, it's obvious that Daisy is
extremely...show more content...
He's got the money, the big house, parties every Friday with hundreds of people, but all of this is for
the final piece of the pie: a girl. This is especially more impactful because his money (or lack
thereof) was the reason he never was able to get with Daisy in the first place.
This brings about another face of the argument: does this apply to Daisy as well? Daisy had been
pressured to reject Jay Gatsby back during the war since he was a soldier, and short of money.
Daisy came from old money, and didn't see Gatsby as a suitable mate for her solely on his monetary
status. But now that Gatsby's 'all grown up' and rich, Daisy's suddenly in love again.
Daisy falls for the same shallowness that Gatsby does. She doesn't love Gatsby for who he is–she
does like him for his personality, partly, but it's mostly because he has the money now, and is
therefore much more qualified to be with her. Daisy really doesn't want to be with Tom, for
example, "I'd never seen a girl so mad about her husband" (p. 76) Jordan says, on how Daisy felt
after marrying Tom. She wanted Gatsby. Or rather, she wanted to have a nice husband that would be
a caring, rich gentleman. And Gatsby fills that idea up perfectly.
Daisy is seeking her own version of the American Dream, and Gatsby just happens to be in it, just as
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
American Dream Gatsby
What is the American Dream? The American Dream is a common feeling felt by Americans that
symbolizes the journey of chasing one's wildest dreams and aspirations. The American Dream is
often associated with the desire for wealth, fame, spiritual improvement, or social status. The Great
Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald features Jay Gatsby, a man born into a blue collar family who rises up
the social ranks due to America's capitalist system. Many Americans relate to the desire of
experiencing a lavish lifestyle full of material luxury Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott
Fitzgerald stood as a symbol of the dangers of pursuing wealth and as an example of the economic
opportunities provided by America's Capitalist system.
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Great Gatsby Daisy
The American Dream itself varies among each individual. The American Dream can be the
aspirations of freedom, equality, or, more commonly, wealth. These "dreams" are what are associated
with America and its gifts to Americans. At youth, adults teach that the American Dream is
reachable through hard work, sacrifice, and sound virtue. Ingrained in every child's head is the belief
that in America, anything is possible. Television, newspapers, movies, cartoons, and sensational
stories reinforce these lessons. This projection of the American Dream is why thousands come to
America. The media and government, at times, make this dream seem so attainable, so real we give
our all to our dreams. In reality though, the American Dream essentially is just...show more content...
Gatsby sacrifices himself to fulfill his dream. In the end, his dream fails completely, and his life
finds an abrupt end. Growing up poverty, he had created a character that was rich and powerful.
To make his fantasy a reality he fervently, yet illegally, became rich. To complete his façade, he
wanted Daisy Buchannan. Knowing that she had wedded another Gatsby planned meticulously
how he was going to woo her. He dedicated five years of his life to winning her over. To him she
was the American Dream. She represented money, power, and prestige. All of the qualities he
desired in life. Symbolically, Daisy is the American Dream of wealth and Gatsby represents the
ambitious Americans. This is because Gatsby when he finally wooed Daisy he became
disappointed. This disappointment due to that Daisy "tumbled short of his dreams... because of the
colossal vitality of his illusion." Correlating that Americans' vision of wealth lacks the sparkle and
splendor of what is expected. To add bitterness to the disappointment, Gatsby does not get Daisy in
the end. Instead, for his zealous struggles he is compensated with a bullet. The lesson of the story
being that wealth lacks the splendor and glamour imagined. Although Gatsby's fate was the most
extreme of cases, being wealthy and championing wealth has a cost. Sometimes this cost results in
the destruction or relinquishing of self or the spirit of
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Great Gatsby American Dream Essay
The Great Gatsby is a novel that illustrates the society in the 1920's and the associated beliefs,
values and dreams of the American population at that time. These beliefs, values and dreams can be
summed up be what is termed the "American Dream", a dream of money, wealth, prosperity and the
happiness that supposedly came with the booming economy and get–rich–quick schemes that
formed the essential underworld of American upper–class society. This underworld infiltrated the
upper echelons and created such a moral decay within general society that paved the way for the
ruining of dreams and dashing of hopes as they were placed confidently in the chance for
opportunities that could be seized by one and all. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates the...show more content...
The transformation between James Gatz and Jay Gatsby is an example of how people can transform
themselves according to their ambition for wealth and prosperity. The use of illegal activities to gain
Gatsby's wealth is alluded to in the book, this shows the extent of how the American Dream
circumvented the moral revulsion and pushed people who were crazy about money into crime –
driving the moral standing of wealthier citizens into the ground. To Gatsby, his dream was
symbolised by Daisy, Gatsby even says that her voice sounds like money, a direct correlation
between Daisy and the wealth and happiness that Gatsby would supposedly enjoy if only he could
have married Daisy but could still enjoy if he had married her five years later. His pursuit of
happiness with Daisy was the ultimate cause of the degradation of Gatsby's morals and realistic
dreams. This is because he held an unrealistic view of life and how he could recreate the past. His
dreams had distorted reality to the point where when his rationality realised that the image of life
and of Daisy did not coincide with the real life version his mind did not grasp that perhaps the
dream had receded to the point of no return, consequently his dreams helped to
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a novel about the chase for love and the American dream
in which a man named Gatsby's quest for a girl named Daisy turns out to be much like the pursuit
of the American Dream. Both are made out to be better and more attainable than they are in reality
and end up falling short of these expectations. Gatsby builds up his perception of Daisy much like
the American dream is advocated for and supported by older generations. Instead of attaining what he
thought was his ultimate conquest and realizing his ideal of true success, Gatsby ends up alone,
dishonored and dead. If the American Dream is increasingly difficult to attain because it simply isn't
possible for the younger generation in the current economic,...show more content...
In this passage, "The flowers were unnecessary, for at two o'clock a greenhouse arrived from
Gatsby's, with innumerable receptacles to contain it" (Fitzgerald 89), Gatsby's outlandish display
shows how desperate he had become in his pursuit. It's much like the way that students are now
preparing to go to school and get a job which is what has been said leads to "the American
Dream." It's not uncommon to hear someone say "Well, it will look good on my transcript" or "I
need to take this class so I can get into a good college," when, in reality that may just be attempts to
make an impression but with little true passion or purpose. Are young people over doing themselves
just to achieve something that may not even exist
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Essay about Jay Gatsby and the American Dream
Men and women all around the world work countless hours of their lives to fulfill their dreams. In
America, many people strive to make the money necessary for them to be able to buy, what they
believe, will truly make them happy. In the majority of cases, this is known as the American Dream.
In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby is a man that comes up from nothing and
becomes involved in criminal activity to live out his version of the American Dream. Gatsby's case
is similar to Charlie Wales from "Babylon Revisited", in that he discovers that there is more to the
dream then the money and the dream is not always going to live up to the expectations he has for
his life. The American Dream is an ideal, a thing that is...show more content...
Gatsby fulfilled the dream in that he gained his wealth in an overwhelming amount. The narrator in "
The Great Gatsby", Nick Callaway, described Gatsby's home when he said, "The one on my right
was a colossal affair by any standard–it was a factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy,
with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming
pool and more than forty acres of lawn and garden," (9). In a trip inside the enormous closet in
Gatsby's house, Nick states, "He took out a pile of shirts and began throwing them one by one
before us, shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine flannel which lost their folds as they fell and
covered the table in many–colored disarray....shirts with stripes and scrolls and plaids in coral and
apple green and lavender and faint orange with the monograms of Indian Blue," (97–98). The vast
wealth of Gatsby was definite and he had also convinced himself that he found his true love, Daisy
Buchannan, who was married to another man. Nick mentions, at a time when Daisy and Gatsby
were together, "...she got up and went over to Gatsby, and pulled his face down kissing him on the
mouth. 'You know I love you,' she murmured," (123). At this time, Gatsby thought he had it all, but
this is actually when things began on a downward fall. Gatsby was not alone in assuming that having
a version of
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Great Gatsby Vs. The American Dream Essay
Great Gatsby vs. The American Dream/Materialism How do we define this ideology of the
American Dream? Society has formulated this idea over time. We as people have chosen to base
our lives around it and make it our goal to try and achieve something that in all honesty is just this
abstract idea that we as have chosen to believe and chase over time. Due to society following this
ideology, people have grown to believe that happiness can only be achieved after they have
reached the American Dream. You see these advertisements for products that make you think if
you don't own that specific product than you are not going to achieve the American Dream. Media
has managed to turn people into these materialistic beings that are just sitting there waiting to be
told what to buy next. For my paper I will be analyzing the film The Great and focus primarily on
this idea of materialism and more specifically how this American Dream myth and ideology plays
into it. Why does the media want us to believe that happiness is derived from the "stuff" we buy and
not the things we already have? Page twenty–four in the textbook says, "Book, films, and television
shows do not just spontaneously occur: all are created as products to be bought and sold in a greater
system of commodity exchange." (Ott. 24) The film The Great Gatsby is pretty much the epitome of
what the American Dream myth really is and expresses this notion of materialism throughout it.
Surprisingly the film's main protagonist is not
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Gatsby American Dream Essay
The American dream is defined as "an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through
hard work, determination, and initiative" (Google). There were many conflicts that interfered with
trying to reach each individual 's dream. Each character had their own meaning of their dream, Jay
Gatsby especially. He had a big impact in his life, Daisy, which led to failure in his own American
dream. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby almost lived out his American dream,
by finding the love of his life, and almost fulfilled the dream to be with her forever.
At the beginning, Jay Gatsby made a dream for himself, he would have possibly been able to
accomplish this dream if his life had not changed from going into the...show more content...
His wealth doesn 't help him with decision making and he doesn 't focus on the things he needs to
be aware of if he wants to achieve his goals. This lack of awareness makes him not seem as smart as
everyone thinks he is.
From this point, Daisy had impacted on Gatsby in a sensational way. He felt things that he had
never felt before. "He knew that Daisy was extraordinary, but he didn 't realize just how
extraordinary a 'nice' girl could be. She vanished into her rich house, into her rich, full life, leaving
Gatsby–nothing. He felt married to her, that was all" (Fitzgerald 149). Gatsby felt that he had
been married to Daisy, the love he felt for her was overpowering, even though they had only had a
short time together before he left for war. It broke his heart when he would see her living with her
lavish life, without him in it. It 's like they were in two separate worlds.
In the meantime, the love she made him feel and show, made him think differently. "'I can 't
describe to you how surprised I was to find out I love her, old sport. I even hoped for a while that
she 'd throw me over, but she didn 't because she was in love with me too. She thought I knew a
lot because I knew different things from her... Well, there I was, 'way off my ambitions, getting
deeper in love every minute, and all of the sudden I didn 't care. What was the use of doing great
things if I could have a better time telling her what I was going to do?'"
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The Great Gatsby American Dream
In the roaring years of the 1920's, America encountered a dramatic, (yet, exciting) social, cultural,
and politic change. The restrictions of the country's Victorian past were no longer a part of its society
and the rise of a consumer culture, the upsurge of mass entertainment, and the so–called "revolution
in morals and manners" became the new description of America. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great
Gatsby reflected on this decade, illustrating the ambition of one man trying to upscale in his life in
order to reach the "American Dream" and his despair of losing it.
Fitzgerald described the hardships that come when trying to obtain something unattainable and how
the intensity of that desire can blind people of their realistic outcomes. The
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
Gatsby American Dream Essay
The American Dream The great Gatsby is a classic novel in which money is centered around
everything. All Jay Gatsby wants to do is live the American dream. Some say Gatsby did live the
American dream. Though Gatsby made lots of money and threw tons of parties their was one thing
he was missing. The thing Gatsby was missing was a peaceful state of mind and a lover. In this
book written by Scott Fitzgerald called The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby finds out the American Dream
isn 't attainable by everyone.
The Great Gatsby is a book that shows how the American dream is attainable for many but can only
be grasped by few. Only few people get to live dream lives. Like in the book The Great Gatsby Jay
Gatsby is a...show more content...
So most the times Jay committed crimes multiple times to get money. The quote best examples
Gatsby by saying " Gatsby didn 't even achieve all of his wealth through hard work, like the
American dream would stipulate instead he earned money through crime." One of the crimes he
committed was that he would sell alcohol for some quick cash.
Gatsby has been at work for Daisy ever since he met her, but in the end Daisy always chose her
husband and not her lover. He would always try to win her over with expensive things. This quote
describes perfectly what Gatsby was doing, " his goal is galvanized for him early on when was a
poor young army lieutenant he is prevented from pursuing a relationship with Daisy." Gatsby still
trying his best efforts sent a love letter to Daisy on her wedding night. Daisy opened the letter, she
loved it but knew she had to marry Tom. When Gatsby is killed, Daisy forgets all about him and
moves on with her life. This quote describes Daisy and Gatsby 's relationship. " Possibly it had
occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to
the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost
touching her." When Daisy finally is won over by Jay Gatsby he dies and Daisy immediately runs
back to Tom just as she always has done in the past.
Jay lived a luxurious lifestyle but because of the people that
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
Although love should bring contentment to one's life, Fitzgerald shows that the desperation of
living with the American Dream of wealth and hope twists the relationship between Gatsby and
Daisy, creating unpromising and lost love.
Gatsby's love for Daisy began after they met at the Red Cross. After Gatsby was sent away to the
war, Daisy met Tom, a wealthy man. Daisy's biggest concern was to live the American Dream and
being with Tom was a great opportunity to live that dream. On Daisy's bridal dinner, Tom gave her
a string of pearls valued three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Later on, she was found very
drunk and holding a letter from Gatsby. "She wouldn't let go of the letter. She took it into the tub
with her and squeezed...show more content...
"There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams – not
through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her,
beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time,
decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire or freshness can
challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart."
The idea of love is twisted because Daisy's selfishness shows that she loves both Gatsby and Tom
but what she truly actually loves is money. She was also deceiving because she tried to make
Gatsby believe that she was never in love with Tom and that he was the only man she wanted. She
does this as a way to keep her relationships intact. Daisy is also a big flirt towards Gatsby. She tells
him that she loves him and that she wants to be with him but she eventually proves Gatsby wrong
when she doesn't leave
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
The ideal American Dream can be portrayed in many different ways, though generally based upon
the idea of opportunity for upward mobility within society. While people move to the top of
society, they accumulate the perceived good things in life: the perfect partner, high social status
and respect in the workplace to go along with the unlimited wealth and power. This idea is dated
all the way back to the beginning of American literature. In the past, Americans started with the
basic needs and only the things they needed to get by in life. Now families are transforming into a
life view filled with the perfect life, nice car, large house, and the ideal family. In The Great Gatsby
the main character Jay Gatsby was born into a family with no...show more content...
This lovely rich girl is known Daisy Buchanan, a women married to Tom Buchanan and also the love
of Jay Gatsby's life. The two met five years prior to her marriage, but were separated when Jay was
forced to go off to war. The root of his desire for wealth occurs back to when Daisy's parents did not
approve of Gatsby for their daughter due to the fact that he came from a poor family. Jay is once
again blinded, this time by the beauty and grace of Daisy and fails to see that Daisy is not who
she appears to once be. He craves her for the realization of his golden family in his perfect dream,
but really Daisy is far from that. Throughout the novel Fitzgerald shows that Daisy is self–centered
and careless at heart; she is a dreamer who fails to face reality. Continuing an affair with Gatsby
with no real intentions of leaving her husband eventually leads to the death of Gatsby. In return
she shows little to no concerns over the death of her "love" Gatsby and returns into the arms of her
corrupt husband. Tom, who is also unfaithful in their relationship has a mistress of his own who is
killed in a car accident while Daisy was driving. Tom as well shows no remorse in her death and
moves on like nothing ever happened. Daisy and Tom are the prime example of corruption in both
material success and with what wealth can bring; "They instinctively seek out each other because
each recognizes the other's strength in the corrupt
Get more content on HelpWriting.net

Contenu connexe

Plus de Paper Writer Service (20)

Research Essay Proposal Sample
Research Essay Proposal SampleResearch Essay Proposal Sample
Research Essay Proposal Sample
 
The World Is Flat Essay
The World Is Flat EssayThe World Is Flat Essay
The World Is Flat Essay
 
Essay Perfume
Essay PerfumeEssay Perfume
Essay Perfume
 
Montaigne Essays Summary
Montaigne Essays SummaryMontaigne Essays Summary
Montaigne Essays Summary
 
Tips On Writing A Good Narrative Essay
Tips On Writing A Good Narrative EssayTips On Writing A Good Narrative Essay
Tips On Writing A Good Narrative Essay
 
Essay On Jealousy
Essay On JealousyEssay On Jealousy
Essay On Jealousy
 
Essay On Einstein
Essay On EinsteinEssay On Einstein
Essay On Einstein
 
Sample Admission Essays
Sample Admission EssaysSample Admission Essays
Sample Admission Essays
 
Julius Caesar Essay Questions
Julius Caesar Essay QuestionsJulius Caesar Essay Questions
Julius Caesar Essay Questions
 
Good Leadership Essay
Good Leadership EssayGood Leadership Essay
Good Leadership Essay
 
I Need Help With My Essay
I Need Help With My EssayI Need Help With My Essay
I Need Help With My Essay
 
Mandala Essay Examples
Mandala Essay ExamplesMandala Essay Examples
Mandala Essay Examples
 
Essay On Disaster Management
Essay On Disaster ManagementEssay On Disaster Management
Essay On Disaster Management
 
Purchase Essay
Purchase EssayPurchase Essay
Purchase Essay
 
How To Do An Outline For An Essay
How To Do An Outline For An EssayHow To Do An Outline For An Essay
How To Do An Outline For An Essay
 
Decision Making Essays
Decision Making EssaysDecision Making Essays
Decision Making Essays
 
Essay About Cultural Diversity
Essay About Cultural DiversityEssay About Cultural Diversity
Essay About Cultural Diversity
 
Example Of An Essay Proposal
Example Of An Essay ProposalExample Of An Essay Proposal
Example Of An Essay Proposal
 
Essay Leadership
Essay LeadershipEssay Leadership
Essay Leadership
 
Essay On Andrew Carnegie
Essay On Andrew CarnegieEssay On Andrew Carnegie
Essay On Andrew Carnegie
 

Dernier

Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactdawncurless
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingTechSoup
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdfQucHHunhnh
 
The byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptx
The byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptxThe byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptx
The byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptxShobhayan Kirtania
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationnomboosow
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfciinovamais
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxVS Mahajan Coaching Centre
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactPECB
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...EduSkills OECD
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionSafetyChain Software
 
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxCARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxGaneshChakor2
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfsanyamsingh5019
 
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104misteraugie
 
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Sapana Sha
 
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...Sapna Thakur
 
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesSeparation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesFatimaKhan178732
 
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityParis 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityGeoBlogs
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeThiyagu K
 
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room servicediscovermytutordmt
 

Dernier (20)

Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
The byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptx
The byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptxThe byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptx
The byproduct of sericulture in different industries.pptx
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
 
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptxINDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
 
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptxCARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR..........pptx
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
Nutritional Needs Presentation - HLTH 104
 
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
 
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
 
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and ActinidesSeparation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
Separation of Lanthanides/ Lanthanides and Actinides
 
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activityParis 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
Paris 2024 Olympic Geographies - an activity
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
 

Gatsby American Dream Essay

  • 1. The Great Gatsby and the American Dream The Great Gatsby is an interesting and thought–provoking novel by the American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald that sets to explore important and complex social themes such as the hollowness of the upper class and the characteristics and decline of the American Dream during the prosperous years preceding the Great Depression. The Great Gatsby is presented at the surface as a thwarted love story between a man, Jay Gatsby, and a woman, Daisy Buchanan. However, the main theme of the novel goes beyond this and comprises a larger, and indeed less romantic, social context. Furthermore, despite the novel's setting in New York during the summer of 1922 it is still a representation of America throughout the whole...show more content... The sphere of this decade is dominated by cynicism, greed, and the empty pursuit of pleasure. Fitzgerald seems to suggest that the reckless jubilance that created the opportunities for while decadent parities and loud jazz music, similarly to Gatsby's parties every night, was the direct result of this atmosphere. However, the pursuit of pleasure in such a manner did not bring happiness or fulfillment but only brought about the corruption of the American Dream. This corruption of the American Dream is due to the unrestrained desire for power and money, which surpassed any sense of nobility in people's goals and motivations. To understand this presentation of the American Dream one has to first comprehend the characteristics of this Dream. The American Dream encompasses the myth of America's birth, a myth that is defined by a familiar phrase: The New World. The establishment of the United States, the growth of the country and its power in such a short time, and the sense of success felt across the nation as a result created the concept of the American Dream. America was conceived originally as a new beginning, a new world, a second chance. It was a world that contrasted with the Old World's structure and all its corruption, social divisions, tyranny, and superficiality. On this basis is the American Dream founded. The key concepts that lie at the heart of the American Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 2. The American Dream In The Great Gatsby The idea of American Dream as presented by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the Great Gatsby novel involves rising from poverty or rags to richness and wealthy. The American Dream exemplifies that elements such as race, gender, and ethnicity are valueless as they do not influence the ability of an individual to rise to power and richness. This American Dream makes the assumption that concepts such as xenophobia are non–existent in America a concept that is not true and shows vagueness of the American Dream. In his novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the Great Gatsby to demonstrate the overall idea of living the American dream. Gatsby leaves his small village of farmers and manages to work his way up the ladder although some of the money he uses to climb the ladder is associated with crime "He was a son of God and he must be about His Father's Business, the service of a vast, vulgar and meretricious beauty" (Fitzgerald 6.7). This phrase shows that Gatsby wasn't meant for a life similar to that of his father but rather destined for greatness. However, his dream his short–lived and he doesn't make it to the top as Daisy who is a symbol of his wealthy rejects her and a series of events transpire that result in his death before he could live his American Dream alongside everyone else who was working up the ladder to live the American Dream. F. Scott Fitzgerald proposes that the American Dream is corrupt and also a mediocrity that anyone in America can rise from rags to riches as in the real Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 3. Essay On The American Dream In The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby Essay The Great Gatsby has always been a great book, but have you ever wondered what the meaning of "The American Dream" is..? To me the american dream... is anyone and everyone can come here to american and achieve their goals, they can have better lives here in the US, they can be more successful when they put their minds to it. Fitzgerald's was making it seem that the rich or more money you have the happier you'll be, the better off you are in life. He paints a picture making it seem money will buy their happiness forever. The american dream is about success and dreams, not about money or wealth. The american dream from 2 very different point of views. Fitzgerald made his point of view that with money your life is...show more content... He wanted to make his life better than what it was when he was younger. Gatsby didn't like how his life was so he set a goal to achieve better and do better. When he was legal he changed his name and got a clean slate. "Who is this gatsby anyhow...some big bootlegger." Gatsby was known for having this big huge beautiful house, where he would throw these huge parties. Everyone in the whole town that knew about the party would dress fancy and wear their expensive things, and have a good time at the gatsby house. He made all this money and got wealthy by doing dirty work with the mob. Fitzgerald made gatsby seem he was unhappy when he was poor, but when he changed his name and started making money Jay Gatsby was happy and content with life. The east egg has always been about bonds, and new companies. It was starting to become wealth and sky rocket in businesses. It helps people make money and build the community. "I moved to the east and learn about the bond business." the west side was becoming trashy and old looking and was starting to look like the slums. Nick decides he would be better off on the east side to start a new life event. He started learning about the bond business, everyone else in his family was in the bond business so he started supporting it. He thought moving to the east would help him with business and help him with money and would be better off in the east than the west. Since the west was getting poor looking Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 4. "The loneliest moment in someone's life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly." ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby The American Dream, a long standing ideal embodies the hope that one can achieve financial success, political power, and everlasting love through dedication and hard work. During the Roaring 20s, people in America put up facades to mask who they truly were. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald conveys that the American Dream is simply an illusion, that is idealist and unreal. In the novel, Gatsby, a wealthy socialite pursues his dream, Daisy. In the process of pursuing Daisy, Gatsby betrays his morals and destroys himself. Through the eyes of the narrator, Nick,...show more content... The green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams, an illusion that slowly possesses him; specifically his American Dream, Daisy. Gatsby sees Daisy just as immigrants from foreign countries once saw America; as a symbol of hope, the ideal life, and a future full of opportunity. Gatsby lives solely for this green light, which that gives him a sense of identity and purpose. Gatsby's dream is initially pure but in the process of pursuing it, the vision becomes tainted. His American Dream slowly takes possession of Gatsby, warping his illusion and dreams into reality. For five years, after meeting Daisy, he yearns and longs for her slowly changing her in his mind into a god. Over time the real memories began to fade and his dreams of what she should be took her place in his mind. When Gatsby finally wins her over, he expects too much of her, leading her to feel distressed and pressured. The rope ultimately snaps when Gatsby pressures Daisy to say that she never loved Tom, her husband, and only loved Gatsby. She wails and protests, that Gatsby "wants too much" and that she can never live up to his dreams of her (134). Because Gatsby had dreamed of her for so many years, he set an illusion of what Daisy should be like in his eyes. The dreams are too difficult for Daisy to meet and she soon collapses under the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 5. Great Gatsby American Dream Essay The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is about the struggle of achieving the American dream, and how much a person is willing to do to reach it. The book's focus is on the obsession of Gatsby, the protagonist, and his feelings for Daisy, a married woman who he was previously involved with. The novel also focuses on Gatsby's determination to make her fall in love with him by the glitz of money and power. Fitzgerald uses the symbols of wealth, superficiality and irresponsibility to convey the idea that the American dream is unattainable. Wealth is a factor that propels the actions of the characters in the novel. In the Great Gatsby, most of the characters are wealthy and are able to do a lot because of their prosperity. Wealth...show more content... Daisy is one of the most superficial characters in the novel. She shows her shallow ways by treating her child as is she isn't even real, crooning "you absolute dream." After saying this, she shoos her daughter away to the nurse and doesn't show any interest in seeing her again. Her superficial attitude reached all the way to her vision of Gatsby. Daisy has the illusion of Gatsby as "the advertisement of the man." She lives in a world where nothing is true and there are no consequences. She is unable to be happy because she doesn't know what real happiness is. She is unable to achieve her dreams because she doesn't know what to dream. Fitzgerald shows that people of the upper class are superficial and cannot achieve their dreams. This is shown through Gatsby's acceptance of an insincere invitation to Mr. Sloane's wife's house party. Tom Buchanan criticizes Gatsby's misjudgment and says, "My God, I believe the man's coming... doesn't he know she doesn't want him?" All the characters in the novel have had dreams during some point in their lives. Their dreams were unsuccessful because of their inability to be true and honest to people. To have a life of happiness, people need to be good to others to get something good back. By being superficial in ones attitude and actions, Fitzgerald shows that the American dream cannot be achieved. The characters are people who are delusional to the consequences of the actions and do not take Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 6. The American Dream can mean different things depending on who is asked. Some will answer it is the freedom of religion, class or race, others will claim it is about the ability to choose where they want to work, what they want to wear, or what's for breakfast the next day. For Jay Gatsby and many others, the American Dream is about gaining wealth and material possessions in an attempt to find happiness. Through his novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows how the American Dream is only the concept of perfection, something that can never be acquired, but always can be reached for. Daisy Buchanon was always mesmerized by wealth. Her dream is to have a luxurious lifestyle filled splendor. Before the events of the...show more content... Even though she is married to Tom, his wealth is not enough to satisfy her. When she sees the shirts she is sad because Tom does not have the luxury of owning such a large collection of clothing. She is blinded by wealth and always seeks more than she has. She cannot fully appreciate what she has because her dream is to always have more, and she will only be happy once she has the best, an unattainable goal that is there to tantalize. To Myrtle Wilson, the American Dream is to become wealthy and high class. For her, this is impossible. She is married to a working class man who owns an auto shop in a rundown part of New York. Myrtle is so corrupted by money that she cheats on her hardworking, loving husband, in order to be with Tom Buchanon's money. When describing her marriage, Myrtle said, "The only crazy I was was when I married him. I knew right away I made a mistake. He borrowed somebody's best suit to get married in . . . then I lay down and cried to beat the band all afternoon" (35). She was, of course, talking about money issues. She thought her husband was wealthy, but when he had to borrow a suit, she became depressed and she believed her life was ruined. Myrtles unhealthy fixation on money ruined her marriage, and led to her becoming Tom's mistress. Tom can supply her with the wealth she needs to feel happy. When given the chance, Tom will take Myrtle to parties just so she can wear the fancy clothing that he gave her. This Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 7. The Great Gatsby And The American Dream Essay Prior to the first World War, Americans had noble goals and pursued the dream of happiness. The American Dream, described by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, differs from the original dream. Instead of achieving actual happiness, Americans got caught up in a new dream motivated by materialism and wealth. The novel emphasizes that having money does not imply happiness. Many people fell short of this new dream, and even those with money at their disposal were still not satisfied. Throughout The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses several characters to illustrate the perversion of the American Dream ultimately responsible for their dissatisfaction and restlessness. Like many Americans living in the 1920s, Tom Buchanan's life appears to be...show more content... She put aside any feelings of real love because she thought Tom's money and materialistic things would make her happy. Although Daisy loves Gatsby, love is not part of the American Dream that she seeks. While Gatsby, as a poor soldier, was unable to provide for Daisy, Tom gives her the sense of security she longs for. Daisy may covet the security of wealth, but her fulfillment of the American Dream still leaves her wanting more. "'What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon?' cried Daisy, 'and the day after that, and the next thirty years?'" (118). Daisy has achieved the American Dream through her abundant riches, yet she is always dissatisfied. She never appreciates what she has in the present, but instead, she always focuses on what comes next. Daisy could have been happy with Gatsby, but the corrupt American Dream leaves her dissatisfied and retreating behind her wealth with Tom. Furthermore, Gatsby also exemplifies the discontent aroused by the American Dream. During his five year pursuit of Daisy, Gatsby achieved the dream many Americans seek their entire lives, but attaining wealth is only part of his overall goal. Simply possessing money is not enough for Gatsby, since his actual dream is obtaining his fantasy life with Daisy. Although possessing money was the 1920s American Dream, those who eventually reached the upper class, like Gatsby, were dissatisfied because they still wanted more. Gatsby has enough money to throw lavish parties every weekend; however, Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 8. The Great Gatsby American Dream Essay The American Dream The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, presents a contrast between the wealthy and the penurious. The novel was set in the early 1920s right after World War I with a very prosperous economy. The novel began with the narrator, Nick, introducing the idea of social class by talking about the difference between East Egg and West Egg. This geographical barrier represented "old money" and "new money", later in the novel he introduced the Valley of Ashes which symbolized "no money". Nick was cousins with Daisy, who was married to Tom Buchanan, they represented old money and saw themselves as a higher class. Jay Gatsby was neighbors with Nick and he symbolized new money as he came from a poor family and worked for...show more content... Secondly, people who were new to money, such as Gatsby, were looked down on as they had to work for their money and they came from a necessitous background. The people who are considered "old money" see "new money" as tasteless, and without class. Nick, who lived in West Egg, and was a symbol of new money noted: "I lived at West Egg, the – well, the less fashionable of the two, though this is a most superficial tag to express the bizarre and not a little sinister contrast between them" (Fitzgerald 9). This quote highlights the fact that the two groups of people are close in proximity and are both wealthy, living on the "new money" side is looked down on and they will never be accepted by the people who grew up with money. Thirdly, the people with no money, such as Myrtle and George were geographically separated by the Valley of Ashes. The people who lived there worked hard and dirty jobs, such as George, who worked at a gas station and was a mechanic. They would constantly admire things of greater value and they would dream of being able to afford anything of greater value. Finally, there was a distinct elitism of people of higher class, people were always comparing their wealth and tried to put others down. For example, Tom, Nick, and Gatsby were in a restaurant and Tom implied that Gatsby and Nick were too poor to be eating Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 9. Perception and reality do not always align. Is true love really true love, or is it a farce, a self–created mythical re–interpretation of the thing we hold so dear? In The Great Gatsby, is Gatsby really in love with Daisy, or his vision of her? Does she feel the same way for him, or does she truly love him? And what does the green light at the end of Daisy's dock mean to Gatsby? As Gatsby falls in love with Daisy, Nick is slightly intrigued by this almost improbable match. How can a determined, wealthy man fall in love with a woman so shallow that she wishes her daughter to "be a fool ... a beautiful little fool." (p. 17)? To everyone else, it's obvious that Daisy is extremely...show more content... He's got the money, the big house, parties every Friday with hundreds of people, but all of this is for the final piece of the pie: a girl. This is especially more impactful because his money (or lack thereof) was the reason he never was able to get with Daisy in the first place. This brings about another face of the argument: does this apply to Daisy as well? Daisy had been pressured to reject Jay Gatsby back during the war since he was a soldier, and short of money. Daisy came from old money, and didn't see Gatsby as a suitable mate for her solely on his monetary status. But now that Gatsby's 'all grown up' and rich, Daisy's suddenly in love again. Daisy falls for the same shallowness that Gatsby does. She doesn't love Gatsby for who he is–she does like him for his personality, partly, but it's mostly because he has the money now, and is therefore much more qualified to be with her. Daisy really doesn't want to be with Tom, for example, "I'd never seen a girl so mad about her husband" (p. 76) Jordan says, on how Daisy felt after marrying Tom. She wanted Gatsby. Or rather, she wanted to have a nice husband that would be a caring, rich gentleman. And Gatsby fills that idea up perfectly. Daisy is seeking her own version of the American Dream, and Gatsby just happens to be in it, just as Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 10. American Dream Gatsby What is the American Dream? The American Dream is a common feeling felt by Americans that symbolizes the journey of chasing one's wildest dreams and aspirations. The American Dream is often associated with the desire for wealth, fame, spiritual improvement, or social status. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald features Jay Gatsby, a man born into a blue collar family who rises up the social ranks due to America's capitalist system. Many Americans relate to the desire of experiencing a lavish lifestyle full of material luxury Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald stood as a symbol of the dangers of pursuing wealth and as an example of the economic opportunities provided by America's Capitalist system. Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 11. The Great Gatsby Daisy The American Dream itself varies among each individual. The American Dream can be the aspirations of freedom, equality, or, more commonly, wealth. These "dreams" are what are associated with America and its gifts to Americans. At youth, adults teach that the American Dream is reachable through hard work, sacrifice, and sound virtue. Ingrained in every child's head is the belief that in America, anything is possible. Television, newspapers, movies, cartoons, and sensational stories reinforce these lessons. This projection of the American Dream is why thousands come to America. The media and government, at times, make this dream seem so attainable, so real we give our all to our dreams. In reality though, the American Dream essentially is just...show more content... Gatsby sacrifices himself to fulfill his dream. In the end, his dream fails completely, and his life finds an abrupt end. Growing up poverty, he had created a character that was rich and powerful. To make his fantasy a reality he fervently, yet illegally, became rich. To complete his faГ§ade, he wanted Daisy Buchannan. Knowing that she had wedded another Gatsby planned meticulously how he was going to woo her. He dedicated five years of his life to winning her over. To him she was the American Dream. She represented money, power, and prestige. All of the qualities he desired in life. Symbolically, Daisy is the American Dream of wealth and Gatsby represents the ambitious Americans. This is because Gatsby when he finally wooed Daisy he became disappointed. This disappointment due to that Daisy "tumbled short of his dreams... because of the colossal vitality of his illusion." Correlating that Americans' vision of wealth lacks the sparkle and splendor of what is expected. To add bitterness to the disappointment, Gatsby does not get Daisy in the end. Instead, for his zealous struggles he is compensated with a bullet. The lesson of the story being that wealth lacks the splendor and glamour imagined. Although Gatsby's fate was the most extreme of cases, being wealthy and championing wealth has a cost. Sometimes this cost results in the destruction or relinquishing of self or the spirit of Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 12. The Great Gatsby American Dream Essay The Great Gatsby is a novel that illustrates the society in the 1920's and the associated beliefs, values and dreams of the American population at that time. These beliefs, values and dreams can be summed up be what is termed the "American Dream", a dream of money, wealth, prosperity and the happiness that supposedly came with the booming economy and get–rich–quick schemes that formed the essential underworld of American upper–class society. This underworld infiltrated the upper echelons and created such a moral decay within general society that paved the way for the ruining of dreams and dashing of hopes as they were placed confidently in the chance for opportunities that could be seized by one and all. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates the...show more content... The transformation between James Gatz and Jay Gatsby is an example of how people can transform themselves according to their ambition for wealth and prosperity. The use of illegal activities to gain Gatsby's wealth is alluded to in the book, this shows the extent of how the American Dream circumvented the moral revulsion and pushed people who were crazy about money into crime – driving the moral standing of wealthier citizens into the ground. To Gatsby, his dream was symbolised by Daisy, Gatsby even says that her voice sounds like money, a direct correlation between Daisy and the wealth and happiness that Gatsby would supposedly enjoy if only he could have married Daisy but could still enjoy if he had married her five years later. His pursuit of happiness with Daisy was the ultimate cause of the degradation of Gatsby's morals and realistic dreams. This is because he held an unrealistic view of life and how he could recreate the past. His dreams had distorted reality to the point where when his rationality realised that the image of life and of Daisy did not coincide with the real life version his mind did not grasp that perhaps the dream had receded to the point of no return, consequently his dreams helped to Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 13. The American Dream In The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a novel about the chase for love and the American dream in which a man named Gatsby's quest for a girl named Daisy turns out to be much like the pursuit of the American Dream. Both are made out to be better and more attainable than they are in reality and end up falling short of these expectations. Gatsby builds up his perception of Daisy much like the American dream is advocated for and supported by older generations. Instead of attaining what he thought was his ultimate conquest and realizing his ideal of true success, Gatsby ends up alone, dishonored and dead. If the American Dream is increasingly difficult to attain because it simply isn't possible for the younger generation in the current economic,...show more content... In this passage, "The flowers were unnecessary, for at two o'clock a greenhouse arrived from Gatsby's, with innumerable receptacles to contain it" (Fitzgerald 89), Gatsby's outlandish display shows how desperate he had become in his pursuit. It's much like the way that students are now preparing to go to school and get a job which is what has been said leads to "the American Dream." It's not uncommon to hear someone say "Well, it will look good on my transcript" or "I need to take this class so I can get into a good college," when, in reality that may just be attempts to make an impression but with little true passion or purpose. Are young people over doing themselves just to achieve something that may not even exist Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 14. Essay about Jay Gatsby and the American Dream Men and women all around the world work countless hours of their lives to fulfill their dreams. In America, many people strive to make the money necessary for them to be able to buy, what they believe, will truly make them happy. In the majority of cases, this is known as the American Dream. In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby is a man that comes up from nothing and becomes involved in criminal activity to live out his version of the American Dream. Gatsby's case is similar to Charlie Wales from "Babylon Revisited", in that he discovers that there is more to the dream then the money and the dream is not always going to live up to the expectations he has for his life. The American Dream is an ideal, a thing that is...show more content... Gatsby fulfilled the dream in that he gained his wealth in an overwhelming amount. The narrator in " The Great Gatsby", Nick Callaway, described Gatsby's home when he said, "The one on my right was a colossal affair by any standard–it was a factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool and more than forty acres of lawn and garden," (9). In a trip inside the enormous closet in Gatsby's house, Nick states, "He took out a pile of shirts and began throwing them one by one before us, shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine flannel which lost their folds as they fell and covered the table in many–colored disarray....shirts with stripes and scrolls and plaids in coral and apple green and lavender and faint orange with the monograms of Indian Blue," (97–98). The vast wealth of Gatsby was definite and he had also convinced himself that he found his true love, Daisy Buchannan, who was married to another man. Nick mentions, at a time when Daisy and Gatsby were together, "...she got up and went over to Gatsby, and pulled his face down kissing him on the mouth. 'You know I love you,' she murmured," (123). At this time, Gatsby thought he had it all, but this is actually when things began on a downward fall. Gatsby was not alone in assuming that having a version of Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 15. Great Gatsby Vs. The American Dream Essay Great Gatsby vs. The American Dream/Materialism How do we define this ideology of the American Dream? Society has formulated this idea over time. We as people have chosen to base our lives around it and make it our goal to try and achieve something that in all honesty is just this abstract idea that we as have chosen to believe and chase over time. Due to society following this ideology, people have grown to believe that happiness can only be achieved after they have reached the American Dream. You see these advertisements for products that make you think if you don't own that specific product than you are not going to achieve the American Dream. Media has managed to turn people into these materialistic beings that are just sitting there waiting to be told what to buy next. For my paper I will be analyzing the film The Great and focus primarily on this idea of materialism and more specifically how this American Dream myth and ideology plays into it. Why does the media want us to believe that happiness is derived from the "stuff" we buy and not the things we already have? Page twenty–four in the textbook says, "Book, films, and television shows do not just spontaneously occur: all are created as products to be bought and sold in a greater system of commodity exchange." (Ott. 24) The film The Great Gatsby is pretty much the epitome of what the American Dream myth really is and expresses this notion of materialism throughout it. Surprisingly the film's main protagonist is not Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 16. Gatsby American Dream Essay The American dream is defined as "an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative" (Google). There were many conflicts that interfered with trying to reach each individual 's dream. Each character had their own meaning of their dream, Jay Gatsby especially. He had a big impact in his life, Daisy, which led to failure in his own American dream. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby almost lived out his American dream, by finding the love of his life, and almost fulfilled the dream to be with her forever. At the beginning, Jay Gatsby made a dream for himself, he would have possibly been able to accomplish this dream if his life had not changed from going into the...show more content... His wealth doesn 't help him with decision making and he doesn 't focus on the things he needs to be aware of if he wants to achieve his goals. This lack of awareness makes him not seem as smart as everyone thinks he is. From this point, Daisy had impacted on Gatsby in a sensational way. He felt things that he had never felt before. "He knew that Daisy was extraordinary, but he didn 't realize just how extraordinary a 'nice' girl could be. She vanished into her rich house, into her rich, full life, leaving Gatsby–nothing. He felt married to her, that was all" (Fitzgerald 149). Gatsby felt that he had been married to Daisy, the love he felt for her was overpowering, even though they had only had a short time together before he left for war. It broke his heart when he would see her living with her lavish life, without him in it. It 's like they were in two separate worlds. In the meantime, the love she made him feel and show, made him think differently. "'I can 't describe to you how surprised I was to find out I love her, old sport. I even hoped for a while that she 'd throw me over, but she didn 't because she was in love with me too. She thought I knew a lot because I knew different things from her... Well, there I was, 'way off my ambitions, getting deeper in love every minute, and all of the sudden I didn 't care. What was the use of doing great things if I could have a better time telling her what I was going to do?'" Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 17. The Great Gatsby American Dream In the roaring years of the 1920's, America encountered a dramatic, (yet, exciting) social, cultural, and politic change. The restrictions of the country's Victorian past were no longer a part of its society and the rise of a consumer culture, the upsurge of mass entertainment, and the so–called "revolution in morals and manners" became the new description of America. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby reflected on this decade, illustrating the ambition of one man trying to upscale in his life in order to reach the "American Dream" and his despair of losing it. Fitzgerald described the hardships that come when trying to obtain something unattainable and how the intensity of that desire can blind people of their realistic outcomes. The Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 18. Gatsby American Dream Essay The American Dream The great Gatsby is a classic novel in which money is centered around everything. All Jay Gatsby wants to do is live the American dream. Some say Gatsby did live the American dream. Though Gatsby made lots of money and threw tons of parties their was one thing he was missing. The thing Gatsby was missing was a peaceful state of mind and a lover. In this book written by Scott Fitzgerald called The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby finds out the American Dream isn 't attainable by everyone. The Great Gatsby is a book that shows how the American dream is attainable for many but can only be grasped by few. Only few people get to live dream lives. Like in the book The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby is a...show more content... So most the times Jay committed crimes multiple times to get money. The quote best examples Gatsby by saying " Gatsby didn 't even achieve all of his wealth through hard work, like the American dream would stipulate instead he earned money through crime." One of the crimes he committed was that he would sell alcohol for some quick cash. Gatsby has been at work for Daisy ever since he met her, but in the end Daisy always chose her husband and not her lover. He would always try to win her over with expensive things. This quote describes perfectly what Gatsby was doing, " his goal is galvanized for him early on when was a poor young army lieutenant he is prevented from pursuing a relationship with Daisy." Gatsby still trying his best efforts sent a love letter to Daisy on her wedding night. Daisy opened the letter, she loved it but knew she had to marry Tom. When Gatsby is killed, Daisy forgets all about him and moves on with her life. This quote describes Daisy and Gatsby 's relationship. " Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her." When Daisy finally is won over by Jay Gatsby he dies and Daisy immediately runs back to Tom just as she always has done in the past. Jay lived a luxurious lifestyle but because of the people that Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 19. The American Dream In The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby Although love should bring contentment to one's life, Fitzgerald shows that the desperation of living with the American Dream of wealth and hope twists the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, creating unpromising and lost love. Gatsby's love for Daisy began after they met at the Red Cross. After Gatsby was sent away to the war, Daisy met Tom, a wealthy man. Daisy's biggest concern was to live the American Dream and being with Tom was a great opportunity to live that dream. On Daisy's bridal dinner, Tom gave her a string of pearls valued three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Later on, she was found very drunk and holding a letter from Gatsby. "She wouldn't let go of the letter. She took it into the tub with her and squeezed...show more content... "There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams – not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart." The idea of love is twisted because Daisy's selfishness shows that she loves both Gatsby and Tom but what she truly actually loves is money. She was also deceiving because she tried to make Gatsby believe that she was never in love with Tom and that he was the only man she wanted. She does this as a way to keep her relationships intact. Daisy is also a big flirt towards Gatsby. She tells him that she loves him and that she wants to be with him but she eventually proves Gatsby wrong when she doesn't leave Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 20. The ideal American Dream can be portrayed in many different ways, though generally based upon the idea of opportunity for upward mobility within society. While people move to the top of society, they accumulate the perceived good things in life: the perfect partner, high social status and respect in the workplace to go along with the unlimited wealth and power. This idea is dated all the way back to the beginning of American literature. In the past, Americans started with the basic needs and only the things they needed to get by in life. Now families are transforming into a life view filled with the perfect life, nice car, large house, and the ideal family. In The Great Gatsby the main character Jay Gatsby was born into a family with no...show more content... This lovely rich girl is known Daisy Buchanan, a women married to Tom Buchanan and also the love of Jay Gatsby's life. The two met five years prior to her marriage, but were separated when Jay was forced to go off to war. The root of his desire for wealth occurs back to when Daisy's parents did not approve of Gatsby for their daughter due to the fact that he came from a poor family. Jay is once again blinded, this time by the beauty and grace of Daisy and fails to see that Daisy is not who she appears to once be. He craves her for the realization of his golden family in his perfect dream, but really Daisy is far from that. Throughout the novel Fitzgerald shows that Daisy is self–centered and careless at heart; she is a dreamer who fails to face reality. Continuing an affair with Gatsby with no real intentions of leaving her husband eventually leads to the death of Gatsby. In return she shows little to no concerns over the death of her "love" Gatsby and returns into the arms of her corrupt husband. Tom, who is also unfaithful in their relationship has a mistress of his own who is killed in a car accident while Daisy was driving. Tom as well shows no remorse in her death and moves on like nothing ever happened. Daisy and Tom are the prime example of corruption in both material success and with what wealth can bring; "They instinctively seek out each other because each recognizes the other's strength in the corrupt Get more content on HelpWriting.net