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Inequality In The Great Gatsby Essay

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The American Dream is an idea that has been deep-rooted into American culture since the beginning of time. The American Dream refers to the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or characteristics, can achieve success and wealth through hard work and determination. However, ideologies that have been passed down from generations, such as gender roles, racial discrimination, etc., prevent certain groups from attaining the American Dream. The novel The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, highlights the negative impact inequality makes on individuals and society. Fitzgerald uses characters, Daisy and Gatsby, who are driven by materialism, greed, and social status to emphasize this issue. In both the United States …show more content…

Migrating can allow access to better jobs, education, and can lead to exposure to new cultures and ideas. Finding the expense to move might be difficult, but there are many solutions to this. For instance, saving up money, downsizing current living situations, taking out a loan, and etc. According to a 2023 article by NBER ( National Bureau of Economic Research) when children of color “gained 0.8 years of schooling (12 percent) by moving from the South to the North.” These children are now one step closer to gaining the American Dream of economic success. With a more intense education, these children will be able to secure higher paying jobs. The article states that “opportunities for black children were greater in places with more schooling investment, stronger labor market opportunities for black adults, more social capital, and less crime.” In other words, migrating from weaker districts to stronger districts will help improve someone’s lifestyle greatly. For instance, in the novel The Great Gatsby this issue is depicted through Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby. For reference, the American Dream at this time still remains the same as the 20th century, money and opportunity. Nick Carraway migrated from the midwest to the West Egg, a wealthy preserve of Long Island. He moves there to increase his opportunity to learn about business and seize for better education. Having a higher education level, Nick will be capable of capturing a stronger hold of the American Dream. In the same sense, Jay Gatsby is portrayed as a self-made man who has achieved the American Dream through hard work and determination. He is a symbol of the wealthy and glamorous lifestyle of the 1920s and his success is a result of his ability to capitalize the booming stock market. His mansion and parties are a testament to his success and the lifestyle he has achieved as a result of his financial

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