The American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”

Books and movies have long played a significant role in shaping societal perceptions and ideals. Among these influential works, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925) stands out as a poignant critique of the American Dream. This essay examines both the novel and its 2013 film adaptation, directed by Baz Luhrmann, which stars Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Carey Mulligan, among others. While there are many differences and similarities between the two versions, they both fundamentally explore the same narrative. At the heart of this story is the complex interplay between class distinctions and the pursuit of the American Dream, set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties.

This essay will argue that Fitzgerald uses the characters’ experiences to demonstrate the illusory and often unattainable nature of the American Dream.

Class Distinctions and the American Dream

One of the central themes in both the book and the film is the sharp contrast between different social classes: the working class, the old money aristocracy, and the newly wealthy. These distinctions are not merely background details; they are crucial to understanding the novel's critique of the American Dream. In the 1920s, America experienced a time of economic prosperity, which led to a materialistic culture and the belief that anyone could achieve wealth and success. This idea is embodied in the character of Jay Gatsby, who transforms himself from a poor farm boy into a wealthy, enigmatic figure. However, his wealth is acquired through dubious means, highlighting the moral ambiguity that often accompanies the pursuit of the American Dream.

The working-class characters, including Nick Carraway, Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson, are depicted as individuals striving for a better life. Nick moves to New York with aspirations of becoming a successful bondsman, while Myrtle seeks a better life through her affair with Tom Buchanan. George Wilson, on the other hand, is constantly seeking opportunities to improve his financial situation. These characters illustrate the pervasive desire for upward mobility, a key component of the American Dream. Yet, their efforts also underscore the inherent difficulties and moral compromises often involved in such pursuits.

Gatsby’s Imaginary Pursuit

Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan serves as a metaphor for the illusory nature of the American Dream. His obsession with Daisy is symbolized by the green light at the end of her dock, which he watches longingly from across the bay. This green light represents not only his desire for Daisy but also the larger dream of achieving an idealized version of success and happiness. Gatsby's meticulous planning to rekindle his romance with Daisy, without considering her feelings or desires, mirrors the often unrealistic expectations associated with the American Dream. His belief that wealth and status can buy love and acceptance reflects the flawed notion that material success equates to personal fulfillment.

Fitzgerald also illustrates the unattainability of the American Dream through the complex dynamics between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom. Gatsby's demand that Daisy declare she never loved Tom is an attempt to erase the past and secure an impossible future. Daisy's hesitation and ultimate betrayal signify the insurmountable barriers that class differences and personal choices create. This tension reaches its climax when Daisy accidentally kills Myrtle, and Gatsby takes the blame, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice everything for a dream that was never within reach.

The Unattainable Ideal

The tragic conclusion of The Great Gatsby further emphasizes the futility of Gatsby's dreams and the superficial nature of the American elite. Gatsby's death at the hands of George Wilson, who is manipulated by Tom Buchanan, underscores the destructiveness of false ideals and misplaced loyalties. Despite Gatsby's wealth and influence, he remains an outsider to the old money society that Daisy and Tom represent. Their indifference to his death and their quick retreat into their privileged world highlight the moral emptiness of the American aristocracy, which Fitzgerald critiques as being devoid of true values or empathy.

In essence, Fitzgerald's narrative suggests that while the American Dream is an alluring concept, it is often fraught with unattainable expectations and ethical compromises. The novel portrays a society where the dream is corrupted by materialism and moral decay, leaving individuals like Gatsby to fall victim to their own illusions. As such, The Great Gatsby remains a timeless exploration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream.

By expanding on these themes and providing a more nuanced analysis of the characters and their motivations, this essay aims to offer a deeper understanding of the central ideas in Fitzgerald's work. Through a closer examination of the social and historical context, the text reveals how the American Dream is not only a personal aspiration but also a reflection of broader societal dynamics. Ultimately, the novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbridled ambition and the hollow pursuit of wealth and status.

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