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Persistence Yielding Results In The Great Gatsby

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Dylan McLoughlin American Literature Mrs. Saari 5 April 2024 The desire for social and financial stability fuels the aspiration to achieve the American Dream, as seen in The Great Gatsby through Gatsby's ambitious personality and need for success. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald describes Gatsby's life to convey the message that the past cannot be repeated, and one must move forward in life. Fitzgerald utilizes the theme of the struggle to achieve the American Dream to convey how hardships, persistence, and tenacity result in one's ability to succeed in life. Hardships are prevalent throughout The Great Gatsby, establishing it as the main theme of the story. The apparent divide between the rich and poor is evident when "Wilson's …show more content…

This is seen in the contrast of estates between the upper and lower class when Matthew says, "The juxtaposition of the white city with the black-and-grey Valley of Ashes, where Nick has just seen 'Mrs. Wilson, straining at the garage pump, heightens the contrast between the Wilsons' frustrated strivings and the seeming ease with which high finance creates for others the means of realizing dreams" (Matthew 6). The stark difference between those who own a big mansion and the working class living in the Ashes is revealed, illustrating the challenges faced by those with lower incomes. Despite the conditions of the lower class, Fitzgerald teaches that persistence is key and that, eventually, one will see the fruit of their labor. Gatsby's unshakable personality is prevalent when faced with a dilemma, as seen when Pidgeon states, "It is clear that Gatsby knows that Wilson will come to kill him. He probably can run away; however, he decides to stay since it is easier for him to die than to realize his dream isn't worth it" (Pidgeon 6). In this case, Gatsby is portrayed as someone who doesn’t give up and is ready to risk his life to fulfill his fantasy of attaining the perfect life. Although his life is in danger, Gatsby decides not to retreat, which signifies his errors in recognizing the pointlessness of his

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