Why Is The American Dream Important In The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby exemplifies the wealth, people, and the American dream in the 1920s. This novel, with its characters, shows how materialistic people were during this era. By introducing Nick Carraway as the narrator, readers see how a normal person, that is not living that opulent, exuberant lifestyle, views people like Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. Throughout the novel we experience the 1920s, with all of its luxury, wealth, passion, and importance of the American dream. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss not only the characters of The Great Gatsby, but the wealth and the American dream that is constantly revealed throughout the novel. F. Scott Fitzgerald had many difficulties in his life including in his career and personal life. "Many of his books failed and weren't getting enough sales. He eventually had to pull them off the shelves" (Epstein). Another challenge was when he had to drop out of Princeton because of his low grades. As well as these difficult failures, Fitz had problems in

Throughout the novel, we see how Daisy married Tom and stayed with him because of his wealth and luxurious lifestyle. Myrtle Wilson desired to be with Tom Buchanan not only because of his luxurious lifestyle, but also because of the advantages she would get by being with him. Myrtle's social status would rise and she would earn more privileges by being with Tom Buchanan. Jay Gatsby yearns for Daisy, treating her as if she is a prize to behold. In Chapter 7, Gatsby says, "Her voice is full of money," he said suddenly. That was it. I'd never understood before. It was full of money – that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals' song of it… high in a white palace the king's daughter, the golden girl […] " (Fitzgerald 111) Nick Carraway, as he narrates the story, gives a sense of criticism and cynicism about