The Downfall Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

1.-The Downfall of an American Dream The American Dream is defined as the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American, allowing the highest aspirations and goals to be achieved. James Gatz’s idea of the American Dream is far different from anyone else’s of the time. James Gatz, a young man who comes from nothing and bases his entire life’s purpose around his dream girl, Daisy Fay. Daisy is the epitome of class in the eyes of most. When Gatz gets shipped off in war, they lose contact for nearly five years, so Daisy weakens in her resolve to wait for Gatz and decides to marry Tom Buchanan, an arrogant, selfish brute. Daisy’s cousin, Nick Carraway, comes to New York, where Tom and Daisy currently live, is befriended by

Formerly known as James Gatz, Gatsby changes his whole identity to achieve his dream. His ambition drives him to reinvent himself, going from the son of a poor farmer to a self made millionaire. Years ago in Gatsby’s adolescence, he crosses paths with a rich man named Dan Cody. Cody, drunk on his yacht and unaware of the storm coming, is saved by young Gatsby and enchanted by his smile. Employed by Cody, Gatsby begins to look up to him, hoping to be left his fortune. Gatsby changes his entire identity to become more like Cody, striving for wealth and status. By changing his name, Gatsby takes the first step towards his American Dream. Gatsby’s business partner and friend, Meyer Wolfsheim, proves how ambitious he is from a young age, “‘First time I saw him was when he come into Winebrenner’s poolroom at Forty-third Street and asked for a job. He hadn’t eat anything for a couple of days’” (Fitzgerald 130). Wolfshiem’s words prove that, as a young man, Gatsby had to work diligently just to get by. The fact that he goes beyond this to become a millionaire shows his ambition. Dan Cody also notices Gatsby’s determination, as Nick explains, “I suppose he smiled at Cody — he had probably discovered that people liked him when he smiled. At any rate Cody asked him a few questions (one of them elicited the brand new name) and found that he was quick and extravagantly ambitious” (Fitzgerald 75). Cody realizes

Gatsby is persistent in his chase for Daisy. Through all stages of his life, he returns to Daisy. It is clear how deep Gatsby’s infatuation with Daisy is by this quote “‘I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night,’ went on Jordan” (Fitzgerald 60). This conversation takes place nearly five years after Gatsby first met Daisy, which suggests Gatsby has been throwing lavish parties for years, all for Daisy. When Gatsby firs kisses Daisy, Nick explains, “He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God” (Fitzgerald 83). Even before the parties, Gatsby knew he would develop and obsession with Daisy. Upon kissing her for the first time, years ago, Gatsby was immediately enthralled with her, she became everything he would strive for. These qualities will form a deadly combination for