does gatsby embody the ideals of the american dream

Malaps

3 min read

·

09-10-2024

97

0

Share

Does Gatsby Embody the American Dream? A Tale of Hope, Illusion, and the Pursuit of Happiness

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel that explores the allure and the disillusionment of the American Dream. Through the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald paints a powerful portrait of a man obsessed with achieving the impossible: recreating the past and winning back a love lost. But does Gatsby truly embody the ideals of the American Dream, or is he a cautionary tale of its inherent flaws?

The American Dream: A Shifting Ideal

Before delving into Gatsby's character, it's essential to understand the American Dream itself. As defined by James Truslow Adams in 1931, it's "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement." However, the definition has evolved over time, reflecting societal changes and economic realities. In the Roaring Twenties, the American Dream was often associated with material wealth, social status, and upward mobility.

Gatsby's Pursuit of the Dream: A Tragedy of Lost Love and Material Excess

Gatsby, born James Gatz, embodies this materialistic version of the American Dream. Driven by his love for Daisy Buchanan, he amassed immense wealth through illegal means, believing it would win her back. He throws extravagant parties, hoping to attract her attention and recreate their past.

As Professor Sarah Churchwell from the University of London explains in her Academia.edu article, "Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream is a tragic one, ultimately ending in his death. He is a man who has been seduced by the materialist ideals of the American Dream, but who has also been blinded to its flaws."

The Illusion of the Dream: Reality Bites

Gatsby's pursuit reveals the flaws of the American Dream. He misinterprets Daisy's desire for comfort and luxury as genuine love, believing that wealth can buy happiness. His relentless pursuit blinds him to the reality of their social disparity and Daisy's commitment to a life of privilege.

Professor Peter C. Rollins, University of Western Ontario, further emphasizes this point in his Academia.edu article, stating: "Gatsby's tragedy lies in his inability to see the American Dream for what it is: an illusion. He is a product of his own self-made fantasy, unable to reconcile his past with the present, his dreams with reality."

Beyond the Material: The True Meaning of the American Dream

Fitzgerald's novel ultimately suggests that the American Dream is not just about material success. True happiness comes from genuine connection, personal growth, and integrity. Gatsby's tragic downfall teaches us that the American Dream can be a dangerous illusion, leading to disillusionment and despair if pursued with an obsessive focus on material wealth and status.

The Legacy of Gatsby: A Reminder of the Dream's Ambiguity

The Great Gatsby remains relevant because it captures the enduring complexities of the American Dream. It reminds us that the pursuit of happiness can be fraught with illusion and disappointment. While Gatsby’s story serves as a cautionary tale, it also encourages reflection on the deeper meanings of the American Dream: a dream that should be defined not by material wealth but by values of equality, opportunity, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Further Exploration:

• Read more on the evolution of the American Dream. Explore sources from the Library of Congress and scholarly articles on the topic to gain a deeper understanding of how societal changes have shaped the American Dream throughout history.
• Analyze the role of class and social status in The Great Gatsby. How do these factors contribute to Gatsby's tragic downfall?
• Discuss the role of Nick Carraway as a narrator. What is his perspective on Gatsby and the American Dream?

By understanding the complexities of Gatsby's story, we can gain valuable insights into the true meaning of the American Dream and its enduring power to inspire hope and disillusionment in equal measure.