Gracie Smith Alicia Maggert English III 18 April 2023 The Great Gatsby The luxuries of wealth and success will not guarantee you happiness. In the Novel “The Great Gatsby”, written by F. Scott Fitsgerald, is a representation of the ideal “American Dream” sought for in the 1920’s. If raised from birth in a wealthy society, there lacks a perspective of hardship in a man’s character. This includes having everything handed down without the obstacle of reaching for it. A man can lose the sense of purpose one feels when striving for something better or above where they are. The materialistic views of upper class society also affect the seriousness of relationships with others, causing no real connections between anyone a part of the culture. The main character, Nick Carraway, was raised …show more content…
In “The Great Gatsby” Fitzgerald writes, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past” (Chapter 9, page 110) explaining the struggle in the life of Nick Carraway despite his wealth and success. This metaphor indicates a common thought process found even among those who do not obtain wealth. Everyone must strive to push through obstacles and daily challenges in an attempt to avoid turning back or looking to the past. The more you push towards your goals the faster you will reach them. If the plan goes wrong then change the plan but not the goal. Love is a very fragile and rare thing to find. It must be hard to find when you cannot trust anyone who is a part of your own society. Yet, it's hard to find anyone lower than your class due to the fear they would be using you. Nick Carraway says, “Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.” (Chapter 9, Page 108) showing his heart wanted something his mind couldn’t allow him to have. This leads to a lonely, yet longing life among those who have so much and no one to share it