How Does Religion Affect The Great Gatsby

America has long been known as a stronghold of democracy in which anyone from any background can achieve success through hard work. This idea, in fact, was given a distinctive name in 1931 when John Truslow Adams coined the term, “The American Dream". Much earlier, Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville observed the social nuances in 1830’s America and commented on this very phenomenon. And later, acclaimed novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald explored the idea in his classic Jazz Age Novel, The Great Gatsby. However, while Tocqueville’s Democracy in America seems to argue that the pursuit of material goods, or the “American Dream,” is beneficial to both society and the individual, through the ultimate failure of his jaded millionaire, Jay Gatsby, F. Scott

He wrote that religion provided a sense of morality which enabled citizens to practice moderation and self-discipline and prevented the development of extreme ideological positions. At the same time, democracy weakened religious authority and encouraged citizens to prioritize personal freedom and economic prosperity over social and spiritual well-being. As Tocqueville explained, these two elements had a profound effect on the American Dream, limiting the nation's ability to achieve its

Gatsby is a character that embodies the idea of the American Dream, as he works hard to achieve wealth, success and love. Gatsby was born into a poor family and was determined to attain the same wealth and social status he saw around him in the East Egg. In his pursuit for the American Dream, Gatsby moves to the East Egg and begins to live the life of luxury, throwing lavish parties and buying expensive cars. Though the reader is initially sympathetic to Gatsby, they soon come to realize the corrupt nature of the American Dream, as Gatsby represents the idea that wealth can buy “happiness”. As Fitzgerald writes, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (Fitzgerald, 98). This quote demonstrates how Gatsby is consumed by the idea of the American Dream, as he holds on to the false hope that money can buy him happiness. As the novel progresses, the reader is exposed to Gatsby’s futility, as he is unable to reunite with Daisy and all his hard work still does not bring him the “happiness” he desires. Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald argues that the American Dream is futile, as it is impossible to buy “happiness” and wealth does not necessarily bring one true