Daisy's Ambition In The Great Gatsby

853 Words4 Pages

Chloe Holstad

Mrs. Arvay

English 3

16 May 2023

Jay Gatsby’s American Dream

In a world where success and wealth are often equated with happiness and fulfillment, Jay Gatsby’s story serves as a as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the American Dream. Throughout the Great Gatsby, his pursuit of wealth and success is closely tied to his desire for Daisy. His parties and extravagant lifestyle are all a part of his attempt to win her back. His belief in the American Dream fuels his ambition. However, despite this wealth and power, Gatsby is unable to achieve these dreams and his tragic flaw leads to his downfall.

Jay Gatsby’s American Dream is the idea that anyone, regardless of their social background can achieve success, wealth, …show more content…

“He is truly great by virtue of his capacity to commit himself to his aspirations” (Fitzgerald 10). He worked extremely hard to accumulate a fortune through illegal activities such as bootlegging. Gatsby’s actions are motivated by his desire to win back Daisy. He becomes obsessive with this idea and uses his new wealth to try and impress her. “There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams—not through her own fault but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion…No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart” …show more content…

He believed that if he could just win her back, he would be happy and fulfilled. “He confuses the American Dream, he’s betrayed by it”(Fitzgerald 10). However, his dreams were unattainable. As Daisy was already married and would not leave her husband Tom. His obsession blinded him to the reality of the situation, he was unable to let go of this dream and move on in his life. Gatsby’s involvement in illegal activities and organized crime eventually caught up with him, leading to his downfall. Describe his tragic flaw. How his past and association with criminal activity contributed to his