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The concept of the American Dream has long been a central theme in American literature and culture. It represents the ideal that every U.S. citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. However, F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby," presents a critical perspective on the American Dream, portraying it as an illusion that can never be fully realized. This essay explores how various aspects of the novel, such as Daisy's personification of the American Dream, her choice of Tom over Gatsby, Myrtle's tragic fate, and the enigmatic green light, collectively symbolize the unreliability and unattainability of the American Dream.
Daisy Buchanan, a pivotal character in "The Great Gatsby," embodies the unattainable nature of the American Dream. Gatsby's infatuation with Daisy dates back five years when their love was thwarted by Daisy's parents, who disapproved of Gatsby's lack of "pomp and circumstance." In response to this rejection, Gatsby embarked on a journey to remake himself into a financially successful man through his involvement in bootlegging.
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His hope was to win back Daisy, the personification of his American Dream.
The irony lies in Gatsby's ability to amass wealth for Daisy's sake, yet he remains unable to possess her, the object of his one true love and desire. Daisy's allure and charm, reflected in the statement that her "voice is full of money," embody the seductive nature of the American Dream. Gatsby is captivated by her voice, much like individuals are drawn to the promise of prosperity and success that the American Dream represents.
Yet, Daisy's voice also symbolizes deception, as it leads Gatsby to believe he can achieve the unattainable.
Jordan Baker, another character in the novel, observes that Daisy's voice carries a certain allure, even though she never genuinely sought love. This deceptive nature of Daisy's voice mirrors the illusion of the American Dream. It distracts Gatsby from the reality of his situation, allowing him to believe that he can achieve the unachievable.
The moment Daisy chooses Tom Buchanan over Jay Gatsby, the fragility and unattainability of the American Dream become evident. Daisy confesses that she cannot claim to have "never loved Tom," revealing Gatsby's inability to comprehend her true feelings. Daisy oscillates between Gatsby and Tom, yearning for the best of both worlds but unable to reconcile her desires with societal expectations and prestige.
Gatsby's meticulous planning, including the purchase of a house in West Egg, arranging secret meetings at Nick's house, and the complete transformation of his identity, all come to naught as Daisy's choice solidifies. Her decision underscores the harsh reality that not all can attain the American Dream. In a similar vein, Gatsby and Tom cannot both possess Daisy. The novel illustrates the impossibility of fulfilling every individual's dream when faced with competition, societal constraints, and the capricious nature of human desires.
Myrtle Wilson, in her own pursuit of the American Dream, becomes a tragic example of its unattainable nature. She is entangled in an affair with Tom Buchanan, believing that it will provide her with the social status and material wealth she desires. Myrtle's attempt to rise above her station by associating with Tom ultimately leads to her downfall.
Her affair with Tom offers a glimpse into the allure of the American Dream, where the promise of a better life can be found in the arms of the wealthy. However, Myrtle's tragic fate, marked by her accidental death in a hit-and-run incident, underscores the harsh consequences of reaching for an unattainable dream. Her pursuit of the American Dream ends in disillusionment and tragedy, highlighting the theme of unfulfilled aspirations.
The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a recurring symbol throughout the novel, representing Gatsby's distant and unattainable dream. The green light is situated across the bay from Gatsby's mansion, serving as a constant reminder of his unfulfilled desire to be with Daisy.
As Gatsby stares across the bay at the green light, he envisions it as a beacon of hope and possibility. The light represents the American Dream itself, always just out of reach but forever alluring. Gatsby's fixation on the green light mirrors his relentless pursuit of an idealized version of the American Dream that remains forever elusive.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" provides a nuanced exploration of the American Dream, portraying it as an illusion that can never be fully realized. Through the character of Daisy Buchanan, the choice she makes between Gatsby and Tom, the tragic fate of Myrtle Wilson, and the enigmatic green light, the novel conveys the unreliability and unattainability of this cherished ideal.
Daisy's embodiment of the American Dream and her eventual choice reveal the complexities of achieving one's dreams in a society marked by competition and social expectations. Myrtle's tragic end serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of pursuing an unattainable dream. The green light, a symbol of Gatsby's distant aspirations, symbolizes the perpetual allure of the American Dream, always just beyond one's grasp.
In the end, "The Great Gatsby" invites readers to reflect on the nature of the American Dream and its place in the complex tapestry of American society, challenging the notion that it can be easily achieved through wealth and status alone.
The Elusive American Dream in "The Great Gatsby". (2016, Aug 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/american-dream-in-the-great-gatsby-essay
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