Comparing Gatsby And Adams's The Epic Of America

Success: the immediate and overwhelming drive of work ethic in America. Created by the Protestant Ethic, the American Dream has been a part of American citizen’s lifestyle since its beginning. The definition of the American Dream is said to have been originally defined by James Truslow Adams, in his book The Epic of America, which was written in 1931. Adam’s definition of the definition can be summarized where “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone”, that opportunity should be allowed for all, no matter their circumstance, and that everyone should be able to reach “the fullest stature of which they are innately capable” (214-215). Although the definition is clearly stated, the world is littered with people striving to find the keys to success to allow for equal footing. Benjamin Franklin became so popular because he highlighted the ways in which he became successful and how other common folk would be able to as well. Franklin, in his

Both characters started on very similar levels, rising up almost parallel to each other until Gatsby decides to implement more wealth by stealing. Gatsby even has the same charismatic and respectful personality as Dick’s, and therefore was able to succeed in life. In contrast to Ragged Dick ending graciously with Dick starting his new career and being deemed respected, Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is killed. It’s impossible to say whether coincidence or hard work are the only contributors, especially when using almost solely fictionally stories.
At the end of the day, Alger frames his story, Ragged Dick, on Dick’s success in being mostly chalked up to his humility, sincerity, justly behavior, and his hard work. He creates this idea that success is through good character majorly to teach the youth of today how to behave. Alger wishes to relay his story into a life lesson that children all learn from, but not something necessarily to live