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

How does F. Scott Fitzgerald depict the illusion of the American Dream in “The Last Tycoon”?

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's posthumously published novel, "The Last Tycoon," the author delves into the illusion of the American Dream, exposing the shimmering mirage that captivated the hearts and minds of countless individuals during the Roaring Twenties. Through his intricate characterizations, evocative prose, and astute social observations, Fitzgerald unravels the facade of success, wealth, and power, revealing the fragility and transience of the so-called dream.

At the heart of Fitzgerald's exploration lies the character of Monroe Stahr, a Hollywood studio executive who embodies the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. Stahr, a charismatic and enigmatic figure, epitomizes the glamorous allure and vast potential that lured countless individuals to the silver screen. Yet, as Fitzgerald meticulously dissects the world of Hollywood, he exposes the illusions that lie beneath its glittering surface. Stahr, for all his power and influence, is haunted by personal tragedy and a profound sense of emptiness, ultimately realizing that the dream he once believed in is nothing more than a tantalizing illusion.

Through Stahr's interactions with other characters, Fitzgerald unveils the inherent corruption and moral decay that pervade the world of entertainment and business. The illusion of the American Dream is perpetuated by ruthless individuals who exploit the dreams and aspirations of others for personal gain. Fitzgerald's narrative lays bare the cutthroat nature of the industry, where success is measured by box office receipts and the power to shape public opinion. In this world of illusion, the pursuit of the American Dream becomes a charade, as authenticity and genuine artistic expression are sacrificed on the altar of profit and fame.

Furthermore, Fitzgerald uses vivid symbolism to underscore the illusionary nature of the American Dream. The film industry itself serves as a potent symbol of the manufactured reality that captivates audiences. Movies, with their carefully constructed narratives and glamorous stars, present a fantasy world that seduces viewers into believing in a reality that exists only on the silver screen. Fitzgerald exposes the artifice and artful manipulation that lie at the heart of the industry, reminding readers of the thin line between illusion and truth.

The novel's backdrop, the glitzy and extravagant world of Hollywood in the 1930s, provides a fertile ground for Fitzgerald's exploration of the illusion of the American Dream. The opulence and excess that define this era act as a deceptive veil, masking the underlying discontent, moral degradation, and shattered dreams. As Fitzgerald paints a vivid portrait of this gilded society, he peels back the layers of illusion, revealing the hollowness and transience that lie beneath the surface.

Moreover, Fitzgerald examines the personal cost of chasing the American Dream, highlighting the toll it takes on individuals and their relationships. Stahr's personal life is marked by tragic loss, unfulfilled desires, and the inability to form genuine connections amidst the relentless pursuit of success. Fitzgerald emphasizes that the dream, while promising riches and happiness, exacts a heavy price, leaving its pursuers emotionally bankrupt and disillusioned.

"The Last Tycoon" stands as a scathing critique of the illusion of the American Dream, exposing the inherent flaws and deceptive nature of a society obsessed with material success and superficial glamour. Fitzgerald's evocative prose and penetrating insights force readers to question the values and ideals that underpin this illusory dream, reminding us that true fulfillment lies beyond the trappings of wealth and power.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Last Tycoon" deconstructs the illusion of the American Dream, peeling back the layers of deception and glamour to reveal a world of hollowness and moral decay. Through his complex characterizations, symbolic imagery, and incisive social commentary, Fitzgerald exposes the ephemeral nature of success, power, and fame. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to look beyond the illusion and seek genuine meaning and fulfillment in our lives, rather than succumbing to the seductive allure of the illusory dream.