Jordan+mckinnon+and+Lauren+Elliott+Great+Gatsby

-What is the American Dream? --How does Gatsby represent this dream? --Does the novel praise or condemn Gatsby's dream? -- Has the American dream changed



The American dream in this novel would be money and your stature in this society, like Nick thought Gatsby was this great figure all because of his house and his mysteriousness. His wild parties include many glamorous people, some with many different women on their arms, a duke attended and some military soldiers. Also the many rumors contribute to his baffling life. Rumors like that he is a bootlegger that he hunted for rubies and that he even killed someone, and all the stories of Gatsby’s past come out at unexpected times. Gatsby very obviously eludes this dream by having the ravishing parties and the intense stories of his past. The novel definitely praises this dream, with the continuous talk of parties and drinking, also the different relationships that are referenced show the extravagance of the lives during this time.

Another example of this would be towards the end of chapter seven going into eight, when Gatsby reveals his and Daisy's past before he left for war and wasn't in the wealthy class yet. During this time their love for each other was strong, but because Gatsby was not as fortunate as Tom Buchanan, he had lost Daisy due to Tom's social standings and her parents’ approval of Tom. In the novel Daisy represents the greed for wealth and how she shows it off. It was more convenient to go for Tom, with his extravagant lifestyle and the fact that he was not at war compared to Gatsby, who was a poor war general. Even though her love for Gatsby stayed with her throughout most of her life, the new luxurious life with Tom made her forget those feelings. Even the love for her daughter turned into a wealthy competition.



The power of wealth repels friends of Gatsby to avoid his funeral after his death, which shows their drives for parties and drinking were the main priority. Throughout his life he tried to make all those around him happy, starting with Dan Cody by watching his drinking problems and that was beginning of him thinking wealth was so glamorous. Then meeting Daisy and noticing that he still was not wealthy enough drove his motivation even more. To reach that goal bootlegging was part of the fortune he made. His whole life chasing a woman and attempting to please people led him nowhere with no one and inevitably alone.



Even today this dream still exists, driven by the materialistic objects let people forget what is truly important. The American dream seems to never change from the glorious view of being able to have whatever you want and the idea of achieving things to your own benefit. Having the freedom and rights to help guide you make it easier.

Works Cited:
 * Fitzgerald, F. Scott. //The Great Gatsby//. New York: Scribner, 2004. Print.
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