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Exploring Themes In The Great Gatsby

1058 Words5 Pages

Daniel Wallace
Mrs. K. Bongaardt
Advanced Placement English IV
19 August 2015
“Exploring Themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby” Those born in America or those who seek citizenship in America all aim to achieve the coveted American Dream. The American Dream conveys the idea that with determination and perseverance, he or she can lead a successful life earning prosperity, wealth, or fame. Set during the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby saw the United States in a time of economic prosperity for many, with the thought of the American Dream just on the horizon. The Great Gatsby explores numerous themes though none are more prevalent than those of the of the diminishing American Dream and the socioeconomic differences of the “old-money” …show more content…

Tom comes off as vulgar and obscene whereas Gatsby acts with class and dignity. Always having money allowed Tom to hold himself higher than others while working for his money allowed Gatsby to be courteous and well-mannered. Tom uses his large physical presence as a means of intimidation, unlike Gatsby who is shy and reclusive at his parties. An arrogant bigot, Tom shows to be discriminative in nature while Gatsby is shown to be open-minded towards racial and economic equality likely due to his working class background. All in all, Tom has what Gatsby wants and he would die to rekindle the flame he lost five years …show more content…

Gatsby transforms from the child of poor Midwestern farmers to the apprentice of the wealthy Dan Cody. It is not known for sure how Gatsby made his fortune although it can be assumed that it was through some sort of criminal activity, most likely through bootlegging. The American Dream becomes problematic when you can create an illegal business and turn yourself a new life. Sure, Gatsby may have all the money he needs but the money is not he needed. Gatsby saw attaining great wealth as the only way to win back Daisy. The only problem that arose was that Gatsby was just short of achieving his dream, his real American

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The notoriously known American Dream takes dedication and perseverance to accomplish. Gatsby shows determination throughout this novel; however, his circumstances play a toll on his ability to obtain his dream. In Gatsby’s case, he is trying to accomplish the impossible; he has a visionary outlook on the American Dream. Gatsby is unsuccessful in his effort to obtain his American Dream in the sense of love; however, he successfully obtains his American Dream in the sense of wealth. Gatsby’s partial failure does not mean the American Dream is impossible to accomplish.

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