The American Dream, the ideal of upward social mobility and success, is a central theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby." However, the pursuit of this dream ultimately leads to destruction for many of the characters. The novel portrays the dangers of an unchecked desire for wealth and success, and the devastating consequences that result from the pursuit of the American Dream.
One of the clearest examples of the destructive nature of the American Dream is seen in the character of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby becomes obsessed with the idea of winning back his former love, Daisy, and believes that acquiring wealth and material possessions will make him worthy of her love. Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream leads him to amass a great
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Tom is a wealthy and successful man, but his pursuit of the American Dream leads him to engage in an affair with Myrtle Wilson, which ultimately results in her death. Tom's pursuit of the American Dream blinds him to the consequences of his actions, and his desire for success and pleasure ultimately leads to destruction.
Additionally, the character of Myrtle Wilson represents the destruction that can result from the pursuit of the American Dream. Myrtle is a woman who is unhappy with her life and believes that marrying a wealthy man will provide her with the happiness and success she desires. However, her pursuit of the American Dream leads her to engage in an affair with Tom, which ultimately results in her tragic death.
Finally, the character of George Wilson represents the ultimate destruction that can result from the pursuit of the American Dream. George is a hard-working man who desires success and financial stability for himself and his wife. However, his pursuit of the American Dream leads him to become obsessed with finding the driver of the car that killed his wife, ultimately leading him to kill Gatsby and then