From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Analyze the theme of disillusionment, the decline of traditional values, and the pursuit of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald's “The Great Gatsby”

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a masterpiece of literary artistry that delves into the intricacies of human existence, unveiling the profound themes of disillusionment, the decline of traditional values, and the relentless pursuit of the elusive American Dream. Fitzgerald, with his evocative prose and profound insights, crafts a narrative that explores the depths of human desires and the tragic consequences of a society intoxicated by materialism and hollow aspirations.

Central to the tapestry of disillusionment in "The Great Gatsby" is the pervasive disillusionment that pervades the lives of the characters. Through the trials and tribulations of Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic embodiment of the American Dream, Fitzgerald confronts us with the profound disillusionment that arises from the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Gatsby, with his humble origins and relentless ambition, constructs a façade of opulence and grandeur, driven by his desire to win the love of the enchanting Daisy Buchanan. Yet, his pursuit is tainted by an illusory belief that wealth and social status hold the key to happiness and the realization of his dreams. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the disintegration of Gatsby's hopes and aspirations, ultimately culminating in his tragic demise. This disillusionment serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to question the ephemeral nature of the dreams we so ardently pursue.

Moreover, "The Great Gatsby" exposes the gradual decline of traditional values in the backdrop of the Jazz Age, a period marked by hedonism, excess, and moral decadence. Fitzgerald skillfully juxtaposes the extravagance and superficiality of the upper class against the backdrop of a society grappling with the erosion of moral foundations. The characters in the novel embody this moral decline, as they become entangled in a web of deceit, infidelity, and corruption. Daisy Buchanan, for instance, represents the decay of traditional values as she succumbs to the allure of material wealth and societal expectations, forsaking true love for the comfort and security of an unfulfilling marriage. Similarly, Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, personifies the moral decay inherent in a society intoxicated by its own power and privilege. Fitzgerald's portrayal of these characters serves as a scathing critique of the erosion of traditional values, exposing the emptiness and moral bankruptcy that lie beneath the gilded surface.

The pursuit of the American Dream looms large in the narrative, interwoven with the themes of disillusionment and the decline of traditional values. The American Dream, a notion rooted in the ideals of individualism, opportunity, and upward social mobility, becomes an intoxicating force that drives the characters to great heights and, ultimately, their downfall. Gatsby, in particular, becomes a tragic figure consumed by the pursuit of wealth, status, and the love of Daisy. His relentless ambition and belief in the transformative power of material success mirror the broader societal obsession with the American Dream. Fitzgerald reveals the perils of this relentless pursuit, emphasizing the futility of seeking fulfillment and happiness through the acquisition of wealth and social status.

Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald employs powerful symbolism to underscore these themes. The metaphorical green light at the end of Daisy's dock serves as a haunting reminder of Gatsby's unattainable dreams, symbolizing the elusiveness of the American Dream itself. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, looming over the valley of ashes, stand as a potent symbol of moral decay and spiritual emptiness in a society that has forsaken its traditional values.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" offers a profound exploration of disillusionment, the decline of traditional values, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. Through his compelling characters and evocative prose, Fitzgerald invites us to reflect on the emptiness that lurks beneath the surface of a society captivated by material wealth and hollow aspirations. His cautionary tale serves as a poignant reminder that true fulfillment and happiness cannot be found in the pursuit of illusions, but rather in the preservation of genuine human connections, moral integrity, and the recognition of the limits of our own aspirations.