The Great Gatsby Research Paper

Pursuit of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby The search for the “American Dream” provides endless inspiration in the theme of American Literature, which drives characters through the passages of their wishes in search of happiness. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, this pursuit is symbolized by Jay Gatsby’s constant chasing of his loved one, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby attempts to fix problems from the past to win Daisy’s affection, believing that wealth is the key to winning her acceptance of him. However, his failure to recognize the flaws in his dream lead to horrible consequences. Despite his genuine love for Daisy, Gatsby’s romantic vision crashes with the realities of his world. In spite of the failure of Gatsby’s dream,

The emphasis on material wealth maintains class inequality, as those who lack the ability to get such possessions are left behind or even destroyed by the wealthy. The chaotic scene at Gatsby’s funeral focuses on the loneliness and abandonment that go with the pursuit of the American Dream. When "Gatsby's abandonment is summed up by Nick at the funeral when he states, 'Nobody came’" (Pearson 642). The tragic consequences of Gatsby’s careless pursuit of the American Dream are heavily shown when, despite his relentless pursuit of love for Daisy, Gatsby remains unhappy. His inability to form genuine relationships with others focuses on the loneliness that can take over someone's mind when the pursuit is reduced to materialistic values. This illustrates how it leads to his isolation and abandonment, instead of the genuine connection that Jay Gatsby is seeking. Furthermore, Gatsby may have failed to reach his dream, but he still comes out of it having more moral values than other characters who allow their money to corrupt

His story about his past life is not only to impress Daisy but to also keep control over Daisy by keeping her involved with his wealth and status. Jay Gatsby went above and beyond just for Daisy to notice him. It points out that Gatsby has a very strong belief that wealth and material possessions could win over Daisy’s love, explained when, "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). The things that Gatsby would do for Daisy are crazy. He bought a mansion right across from her, just to be closer to her. He thinks this will help win Daisy back. By Gatsby buying the mansion, it symbolizes that Gatsby’s idea of wealth and material possessions can heal everything between him and Daisy. The distance from Gatsby’s mansion to Daisy’s mansion shows Gatsby’s desire to be as close to her as possible, physically and emotionally. Gatsby’s actions are seen as sad and desperate due to him going to lengths that many people would not pursue their dreams. When Gatsby makes sacrifices for Daisy without realizing that it is no longer worth it:, "The rejected and soon to be betrayed Gatsby stands alone under Daisy's window, keeping a vain vigil over his shattered dream" (Pearson