Examples Of The Pursuit Of Happiness In The Great Gatsby

The Pursuit of Happiness

Throughout the course of the school year, I have learned quite a lot about the pursuit of happiness through our exploration of American literature. However there are a few stories we read in particular that I feel are the strongest examples of a man and his pursuit of happiness. One of these being The Great Gatsby, the second, Of Mice Of Men, and the third and final, Walden. All three of these stories provide great examples of the pursuit of happiness, but some are greater than others. The Great Gatsby to me, is absolutely the strongest example of a man and his pursuit of happiness. Mainly because in today's society the wealthy are often portrayed as the most happy. They have the nicest homes, the nicest cars, the newest gadgets, the best clothes, etc. We are lead to believe that because of these lavish lifestyles, such as Gatsby’s, that one is only able to achieve happiness through gross wealth and materialism. “I don’t really like parties” The Great Gatsby (Chapter 3). “I’m afraid I’m not a very good host.” The Great Gatsby (Chapter 3). In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby has everything a man could ever want. He is handsome, he has a mansion, a swimming pool, servants, and even a Rolls Royce. Yet, he is not complete. There is a void that needs

Lenny has a disadvantage and so his pursuit of happiness may be just to find someone who loves and appreciates him for who he is. George’s idea of happiness is more than likely much more complex, he may want to be very wealthy and successful and to win the approval of the town’s people. George is consumed by his self image and is very selfish. It would take a lot more to please George if it would even be possible to do so. With this in mind, Of Mice and Men has taught me some very important lessons about a man and his pursuit of