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The Great Gatsby Essay

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In the wake of World War I, America found itself in an era of economic prosperity known as the Roaring Twenties. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is set during this time, where it is characterized as dazzling, economic prosperity, social upheaval, and a profound shift in American cultural norms. Fitzgerald takes on a plethora of narrative elements to construct a critique of modern American society. The novel unfolds in the summer of 1922, with the portrayal of lavish parties and the illusion of boundless opportunity. We see the story through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his quest to win back Daisy Buchanan, in a world of new change. Through the various characters and settings, Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream, the wealthy being selfish, and society's lack of …show more content…

As shown, George talks about his dream, which remains forever out of reach. In the end, Wilson’s desire to move West echoes the American pursuit of a better life. Yet in Fitzgerald’s case, he becomes a symbol of hope. Another example is after the car accident with Myrtle, Gatsby tells Nick more about his past. Nick explains the flashback by saying, “... Gatsby was overwhelmingly aware of the youth and mystery that wealth imprisons and preserves, of the freshness of many clothes and of Daisy, gleaming like silver, safe and proud above the hot struggles of the poor,” (Fitzgerald 157). This relentless pursuit, of Daisy and Wealth seems unattainable. This plagues Gatsby as no matter the ideal life he yearns for with Daisy is simply an illusion, just out of reach. No matter the ideal life people wish for, it is merely a mirage as it is impossible to obtain for some. Secondly, Fitzgerald’s depiction of the well-off in The Great Gatsby reeks of selfishness, a trait given specifically to his characters as a reflection of people in American

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