Why Is The American Dream Important In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby has been called one of the best novels of all time several times since it was published. However, the novel was not immediately recognized for its success. It started to gain respect once readers realized the outspoken author's words actually had major significance to American culture during the 1920s, the time of the Great Depression. Gatsby represented the American dream that every man had equal opportunity to achieve economic success if they worked hard enough. He started poor and with little hope in the beginning. “THE RICH GET RICHER AND THE POOR GET— CHILDREN” (Great Gastby, #72). Even though Gastby defeated his stereotype, he ended up portraying a more realistic ideal that money doesn’t mean happiness. Although Gatsby surpassed his dreams of wealth, he never ended up with Daisey’s love. “I still might be a great man if I could only forget that I once lost Daisy” (Great Gatsby). Gatsby’s story also showed how the American dream can be one’s downfall as it can never be fulfilled because those attempting to achieve it, trust in

In reality, Gatsby started out like many others doing any job he could to survive like salmon fisher and clam digger. He came from very humble beginnings as his dad had to keep reminding him, “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (Great Gatsby, #2). However, Gatsby grew to become one of the few richer men after his work with millionaire Dan Cody. This life of the rich also isn’t everything the American dream is hyped up to be as even the wealthiest weren’t happy. “You see, I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me” (Great Gastby, # 51). The author consistently throughout the book showed the raw desperation of people during this time