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Great Gatsby Essay

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The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, is a novel that explores the decadence of the Roaring Twenties, a decade of economic growth, technological advances, and cultural change. As a whole, the novel represents the American Dream, the good and the bad, as a set of ideals and desires that have defined the national identity of the United States. The American Dream is often described as the belief that anyone can achieve success and happiness through hard work and determination. To most, the American dream is seen as the pursuit of success and satisfaction in order to achieve true happiness. “The American dream represents individual freedom, personal responsibility, and a better life. The dream is a chance at success and fulfillment,” …show more content…

Despite his wealth and power, Gatsby is unable to attain the acceptance and love of the upper class, represented by Daisy and her social circle. The roaring 20s was a decade of extreme. While lots got to enjoy the American Dream and live happily with their family and large house, others fell far short. Only some were able to achieve their ideal lifestyle and some questioned if it was obtainable. “…the idea of the prosperous American worker. Not all of those employed in the 20s benefited equally--many fell even further behind,” (Arnesen). While many worked hard toward their success, the world cannot give everyone an equal opportunity to succeed. The American Dream became a beacon of inspiration instead of a realistically obtainable lifestyle. Throughout all of his hard work and determination Gatsby's dream evidently fails, as Daisy is revealed to be shallow and not what he truly expected. “He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him,” (Fitzgerald 180). Unfortunately for Gatsby, he was so busy chasing his dream that he started making up one in his head. Daisy fell short of his expectations and in the end, it got him killed. Unlike most others, Gatsby was fortunate enough to have great success in his life but he got caught up in obtaining what he considered true happiness. While many chase this goal, the American Dream is rarely

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