Gatsby and the American Dream
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby is a glimpse into the elite social circles of Long Island society during the prosperous period of the 1920’s. In this decade a class of "new rich" was born, and the class of "old rich" enjoyed continued prosperity. Gatsby showcases the conflict between the two groups, as the newly rich tried to carve a place for themselves in the exclusive social circles of those who inherited their wealth. The book concerns itself with Jay Gatsby’s attempt to transcend social boundaries and enter this exclusive circle, to live the American dream of betterment. Fitzgerald shows that this dream has been made corrupt and unattainable by the hunger for power and insecurities of the often immoral old rich. Despite living in such a prosperous time, it is impossible for Gatsby, originally a poor man from North Dakota, to be accepted in privileged society. In the first chapter of the novel the reader is introduced to the narrator Nick Carraway and to many of the story’s central characters, all of which come from privileged backgrounds. It is only at the end of the chapter that we meet Jay Gatsby. Nick observes him walking alone in the early evening: . . .
This is exemplified at his own funeral, where the boisterous throngs that attended his parties are nowhere to be found during his final tribute (182). At this point Nick finally realizes that "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back to their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made" (188). The same investigation occurs at Gatsby’s parties, where his own guests gossip and make monstrous assumptions on how he built his fortune, even while they are enjoying his hospitality. Fitzgerald seems to raise the question of whether it is possible for one to advance financially and socially while remaining virtuous. Jordan Baker excuses her horrid driving skills by saying "Well, other people are [careful]…They’ll keep out of my way…It takes two to make an accident" (63). The very social circle that Gatsby wishes to enter holds him in such contempt that it is clear he could never be part of them. He always had some resolves like this or something. Tom, who often raises the question of Gatsby’s character, is hardly moral in his own right. He throws lavish parties every weekend, and his wealth appears limitless. In a class of careless people and immorality, Gatsby’s illegal businesses seem inconsequential. Daisy represents not only love, but also the key Gatsby needs to enter the elite social circle he has spent his life aspiring to. "Her voice is full of money" (127) he tells Nick, illustrating the difference between working for one’s fortune, and inheriting it. The leisure class is often depicted in the novel as being extremely careless. At Gatsby’s party, there is a large car accident in the driveway as two drunk and completely careless drivers collide.
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