The American Dream is a concept that has been central to the national identity of the United States for centuries. It is the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and ambition. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” the characters all strive for their own vision of the American Dream, with varying degrees of success.
What is the American Dream?
The American Dream is not a fixed concept- it means different things to different people. Generally, however, it is the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and ambition. The original version of the American Dream was rooted in the notion of the “self-made man,” who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps and created a better life for himself through his own efforts.
The Pursuit of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”
In “The Great Gatsby,” almost all of the characters are in pursuit of some version of the American Dream. For Jay Gatsby, it is to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, and to be accepted into her world of wealth and privilege. For Nick Carraway, the protagonist and narrator of the novel, it is to reinvent himself and find success in the bustling metropolis of New York City. And for Tom and Daisy Buchanan, it is to maintain their social status and preserve their position of privilege.
Throughout the novel, the author shows how the pursuit of the American Dream can be both alluring and destructive. Gatsby and Nick both eventually realize that the world of the wealthy elite is not so different from the rest of society, and that even those at the top struggle with their own demons and fears. The novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing the American Dream at any cost, and the toll it can take on one’s values, relationships, and mental health.
Symbolism and Theme in “The Great Gatsby”
Fitzgerald uses powerful symbolism to reinforce the theme of the American Dream. One of the most significant symbols in the novel is the green light at the end of the dock that Gatsby stares at every night, longing for Daisy’s love. The light symbolizes the hope and optimism that Gatsby has for his future, as well as his tragic inability to truly capture it. Another important symbol is the decay of the Valley of Ashes, which represents the emptiness and decay of the American Dream itself.
Class and the American Dream
Another important theme in “The Great Gatsby” is the role of class in the American Dream. The characters are all keenly aware of their own social status, and are constantly striving to improve it or maintain it. Gatsby’s obsession with winning back Daisy is partially motivated by a desire to be accepted into the world of the wealthy elite, and he goes to great lengths to make himself into a suitable candidate for her affections. The novel shows how the American Dream is often tied to upward social mobility, and how this can create tremendous pressure and anxiety for those who feel they are not living up to their own ambitions.
The Failure of the American Dream
Ultimately, “The Great Gatsby” is a tale of the failure of the American Dream. Nearly all of the characters in the novel experience some form of disillusionment or heartbreak, and the novel ends with a sense of loss and despair. As Nick reflects on the events of the story, he realizes that the pursuit of the American Dream can be a futile and destructive endeavor, and that perhaps it is better to simply accept one’s lot in life and find contentment in small pleasures.
Key Takeaways
- The American Dream is the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and ambition
- In “The Great Gatsby,” characters pursue their own visions of the American Dream, with varying degrees of success
- The novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing the American Dream at any cost
- Symbolism is an important tool used by Fitzgerald to reinforce the novel’s themes
- Class plays a significant role in the pursuit of the American Dream, and can create pressure and anxiety for those who feel they are not living up to societal expectations
- Ultimately, “The Great Gatsby” is a story of the failure of the American Dream, and the toll it can take on one’s values, relationships, and mental health.
FAQ
What is “The Great Gatsby” about?
“The Great Gatsby” is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that tells the story of a group of wealthy elite in the 1920s and their pursuit of the American Dream.
What is the American Dream?
The American Dream is the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and ambition.
How does “The Great Gatsby” explore the American Dream?
“The Great Gatsby” explores the American Dream through the perspectives of its characters, who all have their own vision of what it means to achieve success and prosperity. The novel shows the allure and the pitfalls of pursuing the American Dream, and ultimately suggests that it can be a destructive and ultimately futile endeavor.