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

What is the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?

The American Dream, an enduring and enigmatic concept, lies at the very heart of F. Scott Fitzgerald's magnum opus, "The Great Gatsby." In this brilliant exploration of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties, Fitzgerald weaves a tapestry of hopes, aspirations, and disillusionments, delving deep into the elusive nature of the American Dream and the seductive allure of wealth, success, and social status.

Set against the backdrop of opulent mansions, extravagant parties, and the shimmering lights of the Long Island Sound, the novel presents a scathing critique of the distorted ideals and moral decay that underlie the pursuit of the American Dream. Through the eyes of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire consumed by his love for the beautiful but unattainable Daisy Buchanan, Fitzgerald explores the intricate web of desire, ambition, and self-invention that characterizes the American Dream.

The American Dream, as portrayed in "The Great Gatsby," is a tantalizing promise of upward mobility, individual achievement, and the attainment of material wealth. It represents the belief that anyone, regardless of their social background, can rise to the top through hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of success. Gatsby himself embodies this ideal, having transformed himself from a humble, impoverished background into a figure of extraordinary wealth and glamour.

However, Fitzgerald skillfully unveils the dark underbelly of this dream, exposing its hollowness and the moral compromises it necessitates. The pursuit of wealth and social status, rather than leading to fulfillment and happiness, often leads to spiritual bankruptcy and a loss of moral compass. The characters in the novel, driven by their insatiable desires and the intoxicating allure of material excess, are trapped in a cycle of emptiness and disillusionment.

Moreover, the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby" is intrinsically tied to the notion of the self-made man, a figure who rises above his circumstances and reinvents himself to achieve social and financial success. Gatsby, with his extravagant parties and ostentatious displays of wealth, becomes the embodiment of this ideal. Yet, his wealth is built on questionable foundations, perpetuating a sense of superficiality and illusion. His obsession with Daisy, a symbol of the privileged elite, exposes the inherent limitations of the American Dream, where success is often measured by one's proximity to wealth and social standing.

Through the juxtaposition of Gatsby's extraordinary wealth and the corruption that permeates the world of the novel, Fitzgerald underscores the inherent flaws of the American Dream. He reveals how the pursuit of material wealth can lead to moral decay, the erosion of personal relationships, and the sacrifice of genuine human connection. The characters in the novel, driven by their pursuit of the American Dream, become entangled in a web of deceit, infidelity, and moral compromise.

Furthermore, the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby" is intimately tied to the theme of social class and the illusion of social mobility. Despite Gatsby's immense wealth and his relentless attempts to integrate into the upper echelons of society, he is ultimately excluded and rejected by the old money aristocracy. This serves as a stark reminder of the entrenched social hierarchies and the limitations imposed by one's social background, undermining the ideal of equal opportunity that lies at the core of the American Dream.

"The Great Gatsby" presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of the American Dream, exploring its seductive appeal and the devastating consequences of its pursuit. Fitzgerald deftly exposes the moral corruption, spiritual bankruptcy, and inherent inequality that underlie the quest for material success. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, challenging the myth of the American Dream and urging readers to reassess their values and priorities in the face of its illusory promises.