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Unattainability Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

716 Words3 Pages

In the first passage, Fitzgerald explores the unattainability of the American dream through the portrayal of the elites, including Gatsby, and their wealthy lifestyle. Gatsby’s privilege is depicted when he wased a ‘white card from his wallet’ in front of a policeman to escape the consequences of his reckless driving. This exemplifies how the elites’ wealth and power allow them to be reckless without worrying about the consequences. This is highlighetd through Daisy and Tom’s careless and destructive nature, who retreat back into their wealth ‘let other people clean up’ their mess. As they leave New York, they leave behind the dead bodies of Tom’s mistress, the husband of mistress and Daisy’s ex-lover. The language Fitzgerald uses to describe …show more content…

This is supported by the usage of inclusive language where ‘us’ is used when relating Gatsby’s story to the human nature of desire. Carraway is able to summairse Gatsby’s life by expressing that Gatsby devoted his life to achieving Daisy’s love. Gatsby’s dream ‘seemed so close’ since Daisy leads him on and makes him believe they can have a happy future together but the dream ‘was already behind him’. Daisy moved on but Gatsby kept striving for this dream, chasing a dream he has idealised beyond realistic boundaries. Gatsby accumulated all of his wealth, moved across the bay from Daisy and thre wild parties for the sole reason of catching Daisy’s attention. Fitzgerald describes America when it was first discovered as a ‘fresh, green breast’, this can be compared to the ‘green light’ which Gatsby is so enchanted by. Green symbolises hope (and the orgastic future) in the novel as they both ignite ‘wonder’. Both of these green things ‘pandered’ to the greatest of human dreams, with Gatsby’s dream being to win over Daisy. Nick imagines the Ameircan dream was born when Dutch dailors first discovered America, which is now dead due to the death of Gatsby. Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy also carries him back ‘into the past’, which is what Gatsby wants to return to, to

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