The American Dream, a captivating concept that promises prosperity and success, takes centre stage in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s renowned novel, ‘The Great Gatsby.’ With its glittering parties, lavish lifestyles, and the pursuit of wealth and social status, the characters in this iconic tale find themselves entangled in a web of illusions. This essay will delve into the illusionary nature of the American Dream as depicted in ‘The Great Gatsby’ and explore the stark reality beneath its surface. As we peel back the layers of illusion and examine the consequences of pursuing this elusive dream, we will uncover the profound critique Fitzgerald offers on the human condition and the fragility of the American Dream. Join us on this journey as we navigate the illusions and realities of the American Dream in ‘The Great Gatsby’ and discover the deeper truths hidden within its pages.
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Defining the American Dream in the Novel
Before we unravel the illusions and realities, let’s clearly understand what the American Dream represents. Essentially, the American Dream embodies the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and material success. It is the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of background through hard work, determination, and equal opportunities. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, ‘The Great Gatsby,’ delves deep into this idealized notion and challenges its core.
As the narrator, Nick Carraway, observes,
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow, we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning—So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past” (Fitzgerald, 180).
Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and his fixation on his past love, Daisy Buchanan, exemplify the illusory nature of the American Dream. He embodies the hope and ambition that drives individuals to strive for a better life, yet his pursuit is ultimately hollow and unattainable.
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the American Dream in ‘The Great Gatsby’ goes beyond the superficial trappings of wealth and success. It delves into the underlying disillusionment and the darker realities accompanying this dream’s pursuit. As Nick reflects,
“I couldn’t forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confusing. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated into their money, their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made” (Fitzgerald, 187).
This quote highlights the moral bankruptcy and lack of accountability within the characters who have achieved the American Dream. It exposes that material success does not equate to happiness or fulfilment.
Illusions of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby
Fitzgerald skillfully portrays the seductive illusions that the characters in ‘The Great Gatsby chase in pursuing the American Dream. The enigmatic figure of Jay Gatsby embodies the epitome of illusion. His extravagant parties, lavish mansion, and ostentatious display of wealth create an illusion of success and happiness. However, as Nick Carraway observes,
“There was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away” (Fitzgerald, 2).
Gatsby’s persona, carefully crafted to impress others and win back Daisy Buchanan, masks the truth of his humble origins and the emptiness beneath the facade.
The extravagant parties Gatsby hosts serve as a symbol of the illusory nature of the American Dream. As Nick marvels at the spectacle, he describes the scenes:
“There was music from my neighbour’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars” (Fitzgerald, 43).
These lavish gatherings, filled with revelry and excess, create an illusion of grandeur and prosperity. However, they are hollow beneath the surface and devoid of genuine human connection. The parties are merely a facade to attract Daisy and convince her of Gatsby’s wealth and status.
Within the intricate web of illusions that envelops ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the character of Myrtle Wilson is a prime example of the worldly pursuit often associated with the idea of the American Dream. Myrtle, the mistress of Tom Buchanan, becomes infatuated with the allure of wealth and social status, viewing it as a means to escape her humble background. She yearns for material possessions and a glamorous lifestyle, symbolising her twisted interpretation of the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby vividly portrays Myrtle’s relentless pursuit of this dream, ultimately leading to her tragic demise. Her character serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences that arise when one becomes consumed by the shallow and materialistic aspects of the American Dream.
The Harsh Reality Behind Achieving the American Dream
Beneath the shimmering surface of the American Dream in ‘The Great Gatsby’ lies a darker and more profound reality. Fitzgerald masterfully exposes the corrupt and morally bankrupt nature of the characters who have attained wealth and success. Tom and Daisy Buchanan, for instance, represent the epitome of this reality. Despite their material abundance, they are trapped in a cycle of carelessness and indifference. Nick Carraway observes,
“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together” (Fitzgerald, 187).
The pursuit of the American Dream has made them callous and detached, showing that wealth and success do not guarantee happiness or moral integrity.
Fitzgerald also highlights the disillusionment of characters like George Wilson, who cannot achieve the American Dream. An impoverished mechanic, George believes wealth and success will bring him happiness and elevate his social standing. However, his dreams are shattered, and he becomes a tragic figure consumed by desperation. As he contemplates the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, George realizes the harsh reality of his situation. Fitzgerald writes,
“He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way… and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock” (Fitzgerald, 153).
This moment encapsulates the futility and unattainability of the American Dream for individuals like George, reinforcing the notion that the pursuit of wealth and success can lead to despair and hopelessness.
Critique of the Illusionary American Dream
In ‘ The Great Gatsby, ‘ Fitzgerald presents a scathing critique of the illusory American Dream and its detrimental effects on individuals and society. Through the experiences of his characters, he exposes the emptiness and hollowness that accompany the relentless pursuit of wealth and social status. The characters in the novel become ensnared in a world of superficiality, where genuine human connections and moral values are sacrificed at the altar of material success. As Nick Carraway reflects on the extravagant parties hosted by Gatsby, he remarks,
“I began to like New York, the racy, adventurous feel of it at night and the satisfaction that the constant flicker of men and women and machines gives to the restless eye” (Fitzgerald, 57).
This quote encapsulates the allure and excitement of the illusory American Dream, but it also hints at the superficiality and transience that permeate this world.
Fitzgerald highlights the tragic consequences of blindly chasing the American Dream without considering the cost. In pursuing Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby becomes consumed by his illusions and loses sight of reality. Nick narrates,
“He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him” (Fitzgerald, 180).
Gatsby’s tragic end is a cautionary tale, revealing the destructive consequences of clinging to an illusionary dream. Fitzgerald’s critique extends beyond individual characters, encompassing society at large. He portrays a world where moral values are compromised, and the pursuit of wealth leads to moral decay, indifference, and the erosion of genuine human connections.
Conclusion
Through the lens of illusion and reality, ‘The Great Gatsby serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to question the true nature of our aspirations and the price we are willing to pay to achieve them. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece profoundly critiques the illusory American Dream, unravelling the superficiality, moral decay, and disillusionment often accompanying the pursuit of wealth and social status. As we navigate the complexities of the character’s lives and their world, we are confronted with the harsh realities beneath the glittering surface. ‘The Great Gatsby’ serves as a mirror, reflecting the consequences of unchecked ambition and the consequences of sacrificing morality and genuine human connections to pursue an elusive dream. It is a poignant reminder to reassess our aspirations and strive to understand what truly brings fulfilment and happiness. So, as we close the book of ‘The Great Gatsby,’ let us carry its lessons with us, challenging the allure of illusion and embracing the realities that shape our lives.
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FAQ
Q1: How does The Great Gatsby show the American Dream essay?
A1: ‘The Great Gatsby’ vividly illustrates the American Dream by presenting characters driven by the pursuit of wealth, social status, and happiness. Through lavish parties, extravagant lifestyles, and the relentless quest for material success, F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the allure and seductive nature of the American Dream. However, the novel also exposes the illusions and harsh realities beneath this dream, highlighting the moral decay, disillusionment, and emptiness accompanying the relentless pursuit of wealth and status.
Q2: What exactly is the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?
A2: In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the American Dream represents the idealized belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve their dreams through hard work, determination, and equal opportunities. It encompasses the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and material success. However, the novel challenges the notion that the American Dream is solely about achieving wealth and social status. It delves into the deeper complexities of the dream, exploring the consequences of its illusionary nature and the moral compromises individuals make in their pursuit of it.
Q3: Is the American Dream attainable in The Great Gatsby?
A3: In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the attainment of the American Dream is depicted as elusive and often unattainable. The characters, driven by their aspirations, are entangled in a world of illusions, where the pursuit of wealth and success often leads to disillusionment and despair. While some characters, like Jay Gatsby, strive relentlessly to achieve their version of the American Dream, the novel suggests that true happiness and fulfilment cannot be found solely through material success. Fitzgerald critiques the idea that the American Dream is easily attainable, emphasizing the moral and emotional costs that can come with its pursuit.
Q4: What is the conclusion of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?
A4: The conclusion of the American Dream in ‘The Great Gatsby’ is one of disillusionment and a profound critique of its illusory nature. F. Scott Fitzgerald exposes the moral decay, indifference, and emptiness that can accompany the relentless pursuit of wealth and social status. The novel challenges the belief that the American Dream guarantees happiness and fulfilment, revealing material success’s fragile and transient nature. The conclusion suggests that the true essence of the American Dream lies beyond the superficial trappings, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connections, moral integrity, and a deeper understanding of what truly brings happiness and meaning in life.
Cite This Page
APA
Bentley, S. (2023, May 19). Pursuit of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby Essay. Essay Freelance Writers. https://essayfreelancewriters.com/blog/pursuit-of-the-american-dream-in-the-great-gatsby-essay
MLA
Bentley, Sarah. “Pursuit of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby Essay.” Essay Freelance Writers, 19 May 2023, essayfreelancewriters.com/blog/pursuit-of-the-american-dream-in-the-great-gatsby-essay.
Harvard
Bentley, S. (2023) Pursuit of the American Dream in the Great Gatsby Essay, Essay Freelance Writers. Available at: https://essayfreelancewriters.com/blog/pursuit-of-the-american-dream-in-the-great-gatsby-essay (Accessed: 19 May 2023).
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