How Does Tom Buchanan Represent The Corruption Of The American Dream

The American Dream is often seen as a goal for many people in the United States, with the idea that it can lead to a more fulfilling, richer, and happier life. This concept is rooted in the early days of the country and the belief that "all men are created equal," meaning that the American Dream is meant to be a clear path to success for all Americans regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, political beliefs, or religion. However, upon further examination, it becomes clear that the true American Dream has not been fully achieved. Despite the promise of equality and opportunity, there are still barriers and inequalities that prevent certain groups from achieving the same level of success as others. This suggests that the American Dream,

Tom demonstrates his extravagance when he shows off his "chickens" to Nick and Gatsby, saying: "I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything." "Sophisticated—hell, I'm sophisticated" (Fitzgerald, 22). This quote shows how Tom flaunts his wealth and experiences to impress others, further emphasizing his entitlement and lack of humility. Additionally, Tom's lack of morality is evident in his treatment of others, particularly his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. When Nick, Gatsby, and Tom are driving through the valley of ashes, Tom "slapped" Myrtle "in the face" and "broke her nose" (Fitzgerald, 45). This violent and abusive behavior towards a woman he is supposedly in a relationship with reveals Tom's lack of regard for others and his willingness to harm those around him to suit his desires. To continue, Tom's pursuit of pleasure and wealth at any cost ultimately leads to his downfall. His involvement in Myrtle Wilson's death and the subsequent unraveling of his marriage to Daisy shows how the corruption of the American Dream can lead to self-destructive and destructive behavior. As Fitzgerald writes, "Tom's got some woman in New York," and Daisy realizes "it's all been a terrible mistake" (Fitzgerald, 136). Tom's infidelity and disregard for the consequences of his actions ultimately lead to the demise of

Gatsby becomes wealthy through illegal means, such as bootlegging and dealing in stolen securities, as shown in the following passage: "It was a memorable day to Gatsby, for it marked the beginning of the one thing he had been working for since he was a young man… It was the fulfillment of a dream, a single dream that Gatsby had been pursuing for years, and now it seemed within his grasp" (Fitzgerald, 89). Gatsby's willingness to engage in criminal activities and his desire for wealth and status reveal the corrupt nature of his pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby uses his wealth to try to win back Daisy, the love of his life, as demonstrated in the following passage: "Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams, that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men" (Fitzgerald, 182). Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is ultimately empty and meaningless, as he cannot buy genuine happiness or fulfillment. His inability to confront the truth about his past and his misguided belief that wealth and status can bring him true love and happiness reveal the self-destructive nature of his pursuit of the American Dream. Through Gatsby's character, Fitzgerald illustrates how the corruption of the American Dream can lead to moral decay and, ultimately,