In the novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, death plays an important
role in the destruction of the American Dream. We see how the narrator, Nick Carraway,
deals with high society and how they destroy the idea of the American Dream into a race for
fame, wealth, and power. Jay Gatsby represents the American Dream in this novel. F. Scott
Fitzgerald unfolds every step that leads up to the destruction of the American Dream though the
course of Gatsby’s life.
The American Dream was originally an idea of perseverance and hope. Fitzgerald
demonstrates hope through Gatsby’s desire to win Daisy Buchanan’s heart. Gatsby’s
determination for Daisy leads him to the dock where Nick sees him and says, “…Involuntarily I
glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single
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The green light is a symbol for hope that
Daisy will be his and that his life will be complete. The green light also demonstrates our
constant search to reach the American Dream. Gatsby’s ambition to be a successful, true
American sets him apart from the rest of the upper class. His constant chase of being with Daisy
is present from the moment at the dock to his final days on Earth, even thought she has already
moved on. His hopefulness, hard work, and perseverance, all display the original traits of a true
American hero, but lost them through the challenges he is faced with.
The destruction of the American Dream is shown through the transition of Jay
Gatsby’s morals to those of the upper class. His corruption is shown through Jay’s use of
illegal practices, underground connections to increase his wealth, lavish parties, huge
mansion, and expensive clothing. His privileged status is shown when the police officer
ignores Gatsby’s traffic violation. The worst victims of the ignorant high class are shown
through Daisy and Tom Buchanan. They live without any hopes, morals, and regrets, because