Great Gatsby and The American Dream
"Throughout American history the idea of progress had persisted as a national destiny and a personal dream." In this way Ruth Sidel, author of On Her Own, simply defines "The American Dream." Throughout the novel, The Great Gatsby, the main character, Jay Gatsby, relentlessly strives to achieve this surreal and unattainable dream. The "American Dream," is full of hope that the past can be left behind and that a new world can be born. Stories of "rags-to-riches" provide optimism, and are a favorite among the young and aspiring. The American dream involves acquiring material wealth, cars, and admiration of others. In the dream, prosperity will bring happiness, fulfillment, and power. For the most part, Gatsby has already achieved the majority of a classic "American Dream" when the novel starts. The only thing he lacks is the warmth of a wife who loves him and adoring children to come home to. The American dream includes both financial success and a cozy hearth at home. In spite of his success, Gatsby's one true desire, the attainment of Daisy Buchanan, has not yet been fulfilled. Aware of this major shortcoming, Gatsby becomes recklessly obsessed and single-mindedly determined to acqui
His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one. The light however does not always bring hope and optimism to Gatsby. " The obviousness of both Daisy and Gatsby's selfish existence, and the reality that only genuine love truly brings happiness in life, gradually dawn on Nick as the book progresses. He becomes willing to sacrifice anything in hopes of conquering the one thing which he cannot have. Gatsby's obsession begins to drive him akjdfhksmdhfsdkjhway from reality as Daisy becomes more and more a desire of his greedy heart. The fact that he had it all, except for the one thing that he truly wanted, drove him to misery. Perhaps on a subconscious level he sees that the dream truly is far better than reality. Instead he begins to see that this very aspiration is that which lead to their unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life. He had not only constructed a completely fresh persona for himself, but had also been extremely successful in achieving wealth and high ranking social status. He recognizes that he has created an ideal for Daisy to live up to. As history shows the American Dream very rarely becomes a reality. Gatsby remains fully committed to his aspirations, and is completely devastated by the reality that no matter what he does, Daisy will never be one of his belongings. Now it was again a green light on a dock.
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