The American Dream symbolizes the hope and aspirations each individual has to reach his/her goals. Individuals are inspired and seek happiness in discovery and in the opportunity to strengthen their individualism. During the Roaring 20s, this ideology was soon replaced because of the vast growth in wealth and the success of the stock market, as many began focusing on increasing their financial wealth. Americans began to believe falsely that the degree of success and happiness belonged to one’s range of materialistic possessions and money; which ultimately led to the degradation of social and moral values in society. F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the most influential writers in the 20th century, eloquently displays this corruption of the American Dream and the false tie between happiness and wealth in his novel, The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald emphasizes the American Dream is based upon past memories and that it degrades the moral values within society because it causes people to possess an unrestrained desire for money and pleasure rather than seeking true happiness through noble goals.
Gatsby first becomes acquainted with Daisy while a lieutenant in the army. They fall deeply in love, but because of his low class background, she is not able to marry him, and for that reason she weds with Tom. After Gatsby returns from the Great War, he attempts to recreate his past with Daisy. As a result, he endeavors to become wealthy and prosperous to provide the materialistic possessions which characterize her lifestyle. He begins engaging in crime, participating in illegal business ventures, such as selling bootleg. Gatsby’s lust for greed and wealth is an example of the dilapidation of the moral values of the time as well: In order to succeed and make money, he is willing to turn his back against society and break the law. The foundation of his “dream” is based upon events that took place in the past; he believes he can acquire a former life merely by increasing his wealth. This is evident when he states: “Why of course you can repeat [the past]…I’m going to fix everything [with Daisy] just the way it was before” (116-7). The perception Gatsby possesses of Daisy is an illusion and dream as well. He believes Daisy to be the same girl before he left for the war, and he believes because of his wealth, he will be able to marry her. This promotes the idea that the American Dream is based upon past memories.
Daisy and Tom Buchanan are a married couple who live in prosperous area of East Egg, and although the couple is wealthy, neither individual loves one another. This is evident the night before their wedding, as Daisy begins to cry: ‘“Tell ’em all Daisy’s changed her mind. Say Daisy’s changed her mine [about marrying Tom]!’ (81). Daisy’s statement corroborates the idea that there was no mutual affection between her and Tom, and it further supports the idea that Tom married Daisy for financial reasons. In addition, Tom spends most of his time with his mistress, a woman by the name of Myrtle Wilson, who is also coincidently also married. According to Catherine, Myrtle Wilson’s sister: “[Tom cannot] stand the person… [he is] married to” (37). Tom only marries Daisy because of her rich financial background, and even though he is much happier with Myrtle Wilson, he refuses to marry her because she is of a lower social class. Tom sacrifices his own happiness for financial merit; this act proves the false tie between happiness and wealth. The promiscuous relationship between Tom and Myrtle also displays the moral depravity during this era, as both were married to different people, but would not remain loyal to their spouses.
Myrtle Wilson’s greed further indicts the corruption of the American Dream ideal. She is not of a wealthy background and completely shuns her husband because he fails to satisfy her lust for materialistic objects. For this reason, she forges a relationship with Tom because he can improve her situation financially and provide more luxuries. She does not love Tom, but rather adores him for his money. This is evident when she remains with Tom, even after he strikes her: “Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand [just for saying his wife’s name]” (41). Even though he treats her as an object of his desire, she remains with him, so she can feel financially secure.
Fitzgerald displays how the American Dream was founded on past events as well as how it contains corrupt ideology that money scales the quantity of happiness. Through the characters in his book, he shows the moral corruption in the American lifestyle, and the lack of a sense of morality. And with the death of Gatsby in the end of the book, he illustrates how riches do not guarantee contentment, and that is impossible to recreate a former life.
Can sombody please read my Great Gatsby Essay? I would really appreciate it.?
This is a very good essay. All I would say is for the last paragraph put [Thus, Fitzgerald]. You should try to put an although clause for the last sentence of the first paragraph. If you don't kno what that is or your teacher doesn't require it then forget that.
