Keira Laws
Mr. Klim
English 3
3/6/23
In the book, “The Great Gatsby '' written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby almost achieved the American dream. This is shown through the past of Jay Gatsby, and the things he owned and worked for. In addition, it is also shown through the things he did not accomplish that is essential in living the true American dream. Although Gatsby got very close in achieving the American dream, missing this key factor held him back from accomplishing, to its fullest, the American dream. The American dream is seen in many different ways. The dictionary defines it as, “the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved.”(Dictionary.com). This states the American dream is something that every person can achieve with equal opportunities leading to success according to each individual. According to others though, The American dream is buying a house, being successful in your business, and having a family. Some believe the American Dream is being happy. Applying that to Gatsby’s life, we can see he was three fourths of the way there.
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Gatsby was born on a small farm in North Dakota. He came from a poor family, so in order to have a good suture Gatsby joined the military. When Gatsby finished his time in the military, he attended Oxford. But after the first five months he dropped out because he needed a job in order to get Daisy. He worked with Dan Cody. Later though, Gatsby earned his money illegally. He owned drug stores that sold illegal alcohol. In addition to the illegal alcohol, he also earned his money through fake stocks. Gatsby did not make his money the way an average citizen of the United States would. Dishonesty and illegal business is wrong and in some ways “cheating” in order to achieve the American Dream. But still, he accomplished great financial success and a high social