Top 100 Literature Essay Topics - 2023

The theme of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" is a classic work of American literature that explores the elusive concept of the American Dream. The story takes place during the 1920s, a time of great prosperity and social change in America, and follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws lavish parties in hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Through Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream, Fitzgerald examines the corruption and moral decay of the society that surrounds him, and ultimately questions the very possibility of achieving the American Dream.

One of the most prominent themes in "The Great Gatsby" is the idea of the American Dream. The American Dream is the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, regardless of their background or social class. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald presents a critique of this ideal, portraying it as a shallow and ultimately unattainable goal. The characters in the novel are all chasing their own versions of the American Dream, but each one ultimately fails to find the happiness and fulfillment they desire.

One of the key motifs that Fitzgerald uses to explore the theme of the American Dream is the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. This symbol represents Gatsby's longing for the past and his hope for the future, and serves as a metaphor for the unattainable nature of the American Dream. Despite his wealth and success, Gatsby is unable to win back Daisy and ultimately dies alone and unfulfilled, suggesting that the American Dream is a hollow ideal that can never be fully realized.

Another important motif in the novel is the use of cars and driving. The characters in the novel are constantly on the move, traveling between the city and the suburbs in their cars. This symbolizes the restless nature of American society during the 1920s, as people sought to escape the constraints of traditional society and forge their own paths. However, the constant movement and pursuit of wealth and status ultimately leads to moral decay and corruption, as seen in the actions of characters like Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson.

Fitzgerald also uses the character of Nick Carraway to explore the theme of the American Dream. Nick is initially drawn to Gatsby's wealth and glamour, but ultimately becomes disillusioned with the shallow and materialistic world he has entered. Through Nick's eyes, Fitzgerald portrays the corruption and moral decay of the society that surrounds him, and questions whether the American Dream is truly worth pursuing.

In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a powerful critique of the American Dream, exploring the idea that success and prosperity are not enough to bring happiness and fulfillment. Through the use of motifs such as the green light and cars, as well as the character of Nick Carraway, Fitzgerald portrays the shallow and materialistic nature of American society during the 1920s, and questions the very possibility of achieving the American Dream. Despite its bleak message, "The Great Gatsby" remains a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.