What Is The Theme Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

In â€Å"The Great Gatsby†, F. Scott Fitzgerald suggests that the American Dream is illusory and can never be fulfilled. He suggests this concept through Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, and Myrtle Wilson. When these people try to purse this unfulfilling dream, only sadness and failure is left for them to feel. In the 1920’s, everyone was following a never ending train of disappointment and failure know as the American Dream. The American Dream was the belief that through hard work, determination and initiative, every citizen of the United States would be flourishing with money and expensive things. This may have been true, but no matter how hard anyone worked they were always looking for the next best thing leaving†¦show more content†¦In chapter three, readers are introduced to the lavish world of Jay Gatsby. All through the week Gatsby throws extravagant parties at his mansion in West Egg. Anyone from anywhere attends to bask in the w orld of Gatsby. There are tremendous amounts of alcohol, music, shows, and games all to be enjoyed. The day before the party, Nick Carraway receives an invitation to the party. Nick willingly goes in hopes to meet Mr. Gatsby. As Nick arrives at the party he starts his hunt to find him and thank him for the invitation. As Nick shuffles from rooms to gardens asking if anyone has seen Mr. Gatsby, Nick figures out nobody really knows him. Late into the evening Nick is finally introduced to Gatsby. The two talk for a few minutes, but then Gatsby takes a phone call. Later Nick then watches Gatsby from a distance and notices Gatsby doesn’t drink. Gatsby stands from a distance away from his guests and just watches. Gatsby watches and doesn’t participate in his own party because he’s keeping himself together incase a certain guest might arrive. In chapter four you learn of Gatsby’s quest of the American Dream. Before Daisy Buchanan married Tom she was in love with Jay Gatsby and he was in love with her. Their relationship ended when Gatsby went to war. Gatsby begged Daisy to wait for him, but Daisy chose wealth over him by marring Tom. In this chapter readers find out that from Jordan Baker that Gatsby moved to West Egg to be closeShow MoreRelatedScott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath1720 Words   |  7 PagesScott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby and John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath In the novels The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, the authors present similar ideas, but use different methods to portray them. Similarities in themes can be made between the two texts; these include the pursuit of the American Dream and the use and misuse of wealth. Other themes are also central to each novel, the strength in unity and the influenceRead MoreThe Importance Of The Great Gatsby Essay1687 Words   |  7 Pagesincorporate themes that are understandable and relatable to a high school student’s life. 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