In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald paints the American Dream as an elusive goal through Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy, a corrupting influence by Tom and his manipulative power, and a flawed ideal by Myrtle and her failure to achieve it.
Fitzgerald portrays the American dream as a seductive illusion that ultimately leads to failure. Jay Gatsby, Mr. "The Great" himself, is a self-made millionaire who has achieved great wealth and success but is still unable to be happy or fulfilled. Gatsby's obsession with the past and his pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan are a reflection of the American Dream, which promises happiness and fulfillment through the attainment of wealth and status. Nick Carraway, the narrator, reflects on Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy when he says, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the optimistic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning, so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" (Fitzgerald 180). This quote represents the belief that the American Dream is an elusive goal that can never be fully realized. Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy represents the pursuit of the American Dream, and his inability to achieve true happiness and fulfillment in his
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The characters in the novel are consumed by their desire for wealth, power, and status, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. This is exemplified by Tom Buchanan, who represents the wealthy elite in American society. He is portrayed as a selfish and arrogant man who uses his wealth and power to manipulate and control those around him. He has no regard for anyone but himself and is willing to destroy the lives of others to maintain his status and power; this represents the corrupt pursuit of the American