How Does Fitzgerald Present The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

The concept of the American Dream is a central theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby". Set in the roaring 1920s, the story depicts the pursuit of the American Dream, which promises the possibility of upward social mobility and material prosperity through hard work and determination. The characters in the novel are driven by this ideal, striving to achieve success and fulfillment, often at the cost of their own morality and relationships. However, as the story unfolds, Fitzgerald portrays the American Dream as elusive and unattainable, highlighting the corruption and decay of society in the pursuit of this ideal. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald revolves the novel around New York’s elite, the characters’ lives

The characters in the novel seem to be more concerned with their extravagant parties and unusually lavish lifestyles than their relationships with the people in their lives. A prime example of this would be the arrogant and excessively wealthy Tom Buchanan. Tom’s storyline revolves mostly around him and his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Tom blatantly cheats on his wife Daisy and shows little to no remorse for his actions despite them being married and having a daughter. Tom says to Nick “I want you to meet my girl”, referring to Myrtle, Tom later talks about his relationship with Daisy, “once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time” (Fitzgerald 24). Tom refuses to acknowledge that his actions can have repercussions and believes that his wealth entitles him to do whatever he wants, including cheating on his wife. Although not as outwardly immoral as Tom, Jay Gatsby also displays the moral decay of the elite. Gatsby’s character evolves throughout the novel as Fitzgerald reveals more about him and his upbringing. As the story progresses, Gatsby tells the

Everything he has worked for becomes less and less significant as he feels Daisy slipping away from. Even with Nick's reminders, Gatsby tells Nick “Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!” (Fitzgerald 79). Gatsby becomes entangled in webs of lies and deceit, his tragic fate is summed up by Nick who conveys that “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us,” as “we beat on, boats against the current borne back ceaselessly into the past” (Fitzgerald ADD). Gatsby’s devastating character adds another layer to the lives of the upper class who seem to have it all. While most would think that people like Jay Gatsby resemble the glorified “American Dream”, Fitzgerald shows the elites shallow tragedies caused by their never ending