Actuality Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby And Billy Wilder

Sharanya Agarwal

Ms. Ryan

English II HH

24 May 2023

The Actuality of the American Illusion

The concept of the American Dream has been spread far and wide, earning itself a reputation of utmost desirability. The United States has been presented as the land of opportunity where one can earn both material wealth and fame. The impact of this notion is explored in both F. Scott’s Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, and Billy Wilder’s movie, Sunset Boulevard, in which both the main characters, Jay Gatsby and Norma Desmond, and supporting characters are key examples of what the American Dream actually means. While one centers on the East Coast and the other on the West, they deconstruct a belief of the version of the American illusion that has

After living a life of fame, Norma is left alone in her secluded mansion, and she has burned out of the spotlight. When her house is described in the movie, it is shown to be deteriorating and old like a reflection of herself and her dreams. When Joe Gillis meets her, she is still deluded by her fame and past-life, refusing to accept its passing. He comments that he recognizes her as she used to be a big movie star to which she responds with “I am big. It's the pictures that got small” (Wilder). She lives trapped in her youth and idolizing the glory she dreams to relive. Her fleeting success represents the truth of the American Dream. While it, along with a life in Hollywood, is portrayed as a great and attainable idea, in truth it is difficult to maintain as the industry and society will easily move to the next person. Remaining both relevant and youthful is proven to be an impossible task in the long run for her. She is a prime example of the gilded American Dream. While it's appearance is shiny and attractive, in actuality it remains dark and dangerous. Her obsession over fame leads to a path of despair and madness representing the darker side of the American Illusion. She loses her own sense of identity and purpose, believing herself to only have value insofar as she is famous. Through her story, Wilder is able to provide a caveat to his viewers of the flaws and dangers that can consume oneself in their chase for the American Dream. Her pursuit of superficial success only leads to her own desolation. Her delusion even affects her relationship with Joe, the narrator, another example of the darker side of Hollywood. As a failing writer, he too represents the lack of certainty and stability in the life that comes through embracing the arts and trying to strike it big in American society.