A Kaleidoscopic view of the American Dream
Through various literary works, the American dream has been regarded as a fluid concept that manifests a different meaning to its beholder. In essence, the American dream encapsulates the idea that anyone (disregarding socioeconomic backgrounds or ethnicity) can better themselves in American circumstances. To pursue this dream, millions of immigrants venture to America for a better life, a chance to attain success, and a prosperous future for their children.
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, captures one aspect of the American dream: to gain as much prestige and wealth as possible. Fitzgerald highlights the concept of “rags to riches” with the main hero of this story, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby came from a poor family in rural North Dakota, and through selling alcohol during the Prohibition Era, he gained one portion of the American dream: money. With this newly acquired wealth, Gatsby threw glamorous parties in his mansion, with the hope of gaining the attention of his lover. Sadly, Gatsby’s success was not enough to win over Daisy, who left Gatsby for Tom, an aristocrat with the safety of “old money.” Although some may argue that Gatsby had accomplished the American dream, the reality is that the dream Gatsby achieved was only superficial. Gatsby never gained true love, and even in the end, no one attended his funeral, “‘I’d like to come.’ ‘Well, come then.’ The hair in [Wolfsheim’s] nostrils quivered slightly, and as he shook his head his eyes filled with tears” (171). By elaborating on the struggles of Jay Gatsby, The Great Gatsby questions whether or not there even is an American dream.
The points of this blog are great. I certainly agree with the idea that the Great Gatsby questions the idea of the American dream. But I also believe that question is also somewhat answered. The sad end to Jay Gatsby is certainly indicative of it.
ReplyDeleteI loved the way you summarized the book as a whole. I really liked your introduction, and the style in which your explained your points was very clear and easy to understand. I also believe that the book really shows the true reality of wealth and greed instead of the glorious version we all wish happened.
ReplyDeleteis the title a reference to mr kisses final speech to us
ReplyDeleteWow Ray! Really interesting way to think about the American Dream. I think we love to classify the American Dream as achieving success and wealth but it isn't the same for everyone. Everybody has a different goalpost on what they want in life just like how Gatsby's dream is wealth. But I don't think the American Dream is achieving these desires. Rather, I believe that the American Dream is the opportunity to attempt to achieve these things. The main idea is that we have the privilege to be able to fight hard for what we want in this country and while we may not achieve it. We know that we could and did try.
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