The Great Gatsby Research Paper

The American dream of rags to riches is a dream for a reason - it is hard to achieve; were everyone to do it, it wouldn't be a dream but would rather be reality.”(Robert Fulton) The Great Gatsby is a book written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who is obsessed with trying to get his former love Daisy Buchanan so he can pursue the American Dream. Following Jay Gatsby’s love story, the American Dream is a hoax, proved by his obsession with wealth, the inability to rekindle his love for Daisy, and Gatsby living in the past.

Gatby’s obsession with wealth makes his strive for the American Dream unattainable. Gatsby throws parties almost every night in the summer. The parties are full of life, roaring,

After the party, Jordan tells Nick about the significance of Gatsby. A few days after the party Jordan tells Nick, “‘I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night’ went on Jordan ‘But she never did’ ” (Fitzgerald 50) Instead of going up to Daisy, Gatsby decides to throw parties and hope Daisy wanders into them out of luck. Gatsby’s restless pursuit of going after Daisy reflects on him never being able to achieve the American Dream without her. On a scorching hot day, the Buchanans, Nick, and Gatsby decide to go into town. Furthermore, as they’re in town Gatsby tells Daisy, “Just tell him the truth- that you never loved him and it’s all wiped out forever.” (Fitzgerald 82) Gatsby wants to relive his love, so badly that he manipulates Daisy to try to get her to say something she doesn’t want to say. Daisy’s love can not be rekindled by Gatsby. Gatsby lives in the past. After Gatsby’s second party, Nick and Gatsby walk down a desolate path to talk. In their conversation they say, “‘Can’t repeat the past?’ he cried incredulously. ’Why of course you can!’” (Fitzgerald 69) Gatsby wants to have what he has back. He is not moving on from his past. Following, on the same boiling day, “‘I can’t help what’s past.’ She began to sob helplessly. ‘I did love him once- but I loved you too,’” (Fitzgerald 82) Daisy has loved both them and she realizes that the past is the past. While Gatsby is stuck on, Daisy is