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The Great Gatsby Research Paper

1304 Words6 Pages

“That’s why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it,” -George Carlin. In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays a theme known as the American Dream to develop the characters, specifically Gatsby. Gatsby grew up as an extremely poor man in North Dakota but believed he could be great; he believed he could achieve the American Dream. He left his old life behind him and chased his dream, not knowing the true reality of it. In short, Jay Gatsby demonstrates the corruption of the American Dream as evidenced by his need to acquire wealth, infatuation with Daisy, and obsession with his social status. Fitzgerald develops Gatsby's need to acquire wealth by demonstrating he will do anything to grow …show more content…

When Gatsby was younger, he developed an affection for Daisy, leading them into a quick fling; however, it made Gatsby feel married to her. Over time, Gatsby began to develop an obsession for Daisy, resulting in him building up his financial status to impress her and win her heart with all the wealth and luxury he could offer. Fitzgerald demonstrated, “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay,” (Fitzgerald 52). He was so desperate to win over Daisy’s love that he couldn’t stand being apart from her, resulting in him buying the house across the bay. He felt that if he could be closer to her, Gatsby would be able to get her attention and make Daisy come over, allowing them to rekindle their old relationship. While Gatsby was building up his financial status for himself, he also did this to win Daisy, getting closer to achieving his American Dream. In addition, Gatsby started hosting extravagant, bright, and loud parties from his mansion. Gatsby wanted Daisy to see him and the changes he's made, such as his financial status. Fitzgerald revealed, “In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths.He expected her to wander into the parties,” (Fitzgerald 31–52). Gatsby threw such extravagant parties to hopefully get Daisy’s attention, causing him to spend so much of his life trying to prove to Daisy that he is financially capable of giving her the lifestyle she is expected to live. He is so infatuated with Daisy because he knows being with his soulmate is part of achieving that American Dream. However, Gatsby doesn’t realize all the time that has passed between them; he wants her love so desperately that Gatsby has lost sight of reality. In short, Gatsby is so caught up in his infatuation and desire for Daisy that he can’t see that his American Dream is

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