How Did The American Dream Lead To The Downfall Of The Great Gatsby

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There are several reasons why "The Great Gatsby" could be considered beneficial for high school students to read.
First, In "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald portrays the American Dream as an illusion, as the pursuit of wealth and success does not bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. The character of Jay Gatsby represents the American Dream, as he is a self-made man who becomes wealthy through illegal means. Gatsby's wealth allows him to pursue his dream of winning back Daisy Buchanan, but his pursuit of the American Dream ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is unable to attain lasting happiness and fulfillment. The corruption and decadence of the wealthy elite in "The Great Gatsby" also suggests the emptiness of the American Dream. The wealthy characters in the novel, such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, are corrupt and selfish, and their …show more content…

These characters represent the hollowness of the American Dream, as they are unable to find meaning or fulfillment in their lives.The tragic ending of "The Great Gatsby" reinforces the idea that the American Dream is an illusion. Gatsby's death serves as a tragic reminder of the futility of the American Dream, and the characters' reactions to his death further illustrate the emptiness of the American Dream, as they are unable to find meaning or fulfillment in their own lives. The ending of the novel suggests that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found through the pursuit of the American Dream. Some reasons why to keep teaching it is ,First, "The Great Gatsby" is a classic work of American literature that explores timeless themes such as the pursuit of the American Dream, the corruption of wealth, and the dangers of excess. These themes are still relevant today and can provide a rich source of material for class discussions and written assignments.Second, "The Great Gatsby" is a complex and