Great Gatsby Dbq

Veena Modha

Mrs. Stele

AP Language and Composition

03/08/23

The American Dream and The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is similar to how today’s society persuades the American Dream. The view of success has not changed since the 1920s. For generations, the American Dream has embodied the idea that with enough hard work and perseverance, anyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can achieve their goals and improve their standard of living. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby examines the luxurious lifestyle and societal excesses of the rich elite in 1920s America. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is comparable to today’s ideals of the American Dream; similarly, there are many threads that span over 100 years.

Individualism

For instance, Tom's wealth allows him to maintain his affair with Myrtle and use his power over both Myrtle and Daisy (Source A). The novel shows characters like Gatsby and Tom Buchanan using their wealth to assert their power and control over others. This demonstrates how money is important to have or earn while achieving this concept. Source E emphasizes the centrality of material success to the American Dream, with wealth seen as a means of achieving the "good life" and social mobility. The power of money in both The Great Gatsby and the American Dream reflects the broader cultural focus on materialism and consumerism during the Roaring Twenties. This matters because. Some may believe that money plays a significant role in both The Great Gatsby and the American Dream. But, it is essential to recognize that the novel and the concept of the American Dream are not only focused on material

Gatsby's rise from poverty to wealth was created by his hard work and determination. In The Great Gatsby, the characters are constantly seeking an increase in social mobility, hoping to better their humble beginnings and achieve a life of wealth and luxury. In Source E, it notes that social mobility is a key part of the American Dream, with many Americans believing they can achieve a better life through education, hard work, and determination. As stated in the article, many Americans believe that through education, hard work, and determination, they can overcome adversity and achieve a better life for themselves and their families, regardless of their social or economic background. Nevertheless, as demonstrated by the Tulsa Race Massacre discussed in the History article, social mobility was often restricted for people of color and other marginalized