The Great Gatsby American Dream Essay

In the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the idea of the American dream in the 1920’s is portrayed by all of the characters. The American dream is defined as the hope that anyone can earn success if they work hard enough. One character that illustrates the pro of the American dream is Jay Gatsby, and Nick Carraway shows the con. For many people the idea of achieving the American dream gives them the motivation to work hard so that they can succeed at their goals. Jay Gatbsy is shown as a character who benefited from the American dream. His dream is to lead a future with the woman he loves, Daisy. His desire to impress Daisy gives him the determination to become one of the most prosperous people in Long Island. Jay Gatsby comes from a poor family, meanwhile, Daisy’s husband Tom comes from extremely wealthy roots. Due to this, Gatsby gets the motivation he needed to become extremely successful and wealthy. He becomes the richest man in the West Egg, and continues to rise up in social status. He owns a big mansion, and every weekend Gatsby throws extensive and luxury parties. This conveys that Jay Gatbsby is a character that profited from the American dream, and that he symbolizes the pro of the

Nick Carraway is a character that has an American dream but couldn't achieve it. Nick moved from Minnesota to the West Egg to become a rich, upper class, successful man like the rest of the characters. He graduates from Yale and becomes a bond salesman. Nick works really hard to try and reach his dream. He becomes friends with Gatsby, hoping he could help him attain his goal, but in the process, he ends up becoming obsessed with him and almost forgets about his own goals and dreams which causes him to reach his goal. This indicates that Nick Carraway’s goal of becoming a wealthy man was unachievable, he symbolizes the con on the American