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Introduction
The American Dream, a cornerstone of American culture, represents the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success, happiness, and prosperity through hard work and determination. F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild" explore the concept of the American Dream from different angles, highlighting its complexities, pitfalls, and sometimes elusive nature. This essay will delve into how these two literary works present the American Dream, examining the characters' pursuits, the influence of society, and the ultimate consequences of their quests.
I. Pursuit of a Self-Defined American Dream
In "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald introduces readers to Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a symbol of wealth and status. Gatsby's journey reflects the traditional interpretation of the American Dream, where individuals strive for upward mobility and the realization of their desires. Similarly, in "Into the Wild," Christopher McCandless rejects societal norms and materialism, opting for a life of adventure and self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness.
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McCandless embodies a modern interpretation of the American Dream, wherein success is defined by personal fulfillment and authenticity rather than material gain.
II. The Influence of Society and Class
Both novels explore the impact of society and class on the characters' pursuit of the American Dream. In "The Great Gatsby," the Buchanans and their privileged circle represent the upper class, embodying a distorted version of the Dream that equates success with opulence. This societal pressure drives Gatsby to amass wealth and throw extravagant parties, all in the hope of winning Daisy's affection and fitting into her world.
McCandless, on the other hand, rejects societal expectations and deliberately chooses to detach himself from the confines of conventional life in "Into the Wild." His journey critiques the pursuit of wealth and status, revealing the emptiness they can bring.
III. The Elusiveness of the Dream
Both novels demonstrate the inherent elusiveness of the American Dream. Gatsby's tragic fate underscores the Dream's fragility, as his wealth and grandeur fail to secure his happiness or his place in Daisy's heart. Similarly, McCandless's journey ultimately leads to his demise, highlighting the dangers of pursuing the Dream in isolation without considering the consequences of one's actions. These characters' stories emphasize that the Dream can be a mirage, often leading to disillusionment when material success does not equate to personal fulfillment.
IV. Critique of Consumerism and Materialism
Fitzgerald and Krakauer use their works to critique the role of consumerism and materialism in distorting the American Dream. "The Great Gatsby" portrays the extravagant parties and displays of wealth as superficial attempts to buy happiness and acceptance. The rampant materialism of the era exposes the emptiness that can lie beneath the façade of success. In "Into the Wild," McCandless's rejection of material possessions critiques the suffocating grip of consumer culture. His pursuit of a simpler life aligns with the idea that true fulfillment can be found in experiences and connections rather than possessions.
V. Reflection of Socioeconomic Realities
Both novels reflect the socioeconomic realities of their respective eras. "The Great Gatsby" captures the excesses and disparities of the Roaring Twenties, a time of economic growth and social upheaval. Gatsby's rise and fall mirror the instability and eventual crash of the stock market, revealing the fragility of the American Dream in the face of economic volatility. "Into the Wild" portrays McCandless's rejection of his privileged background as a response to a consumer-driven society, touching on the growing disillusionment with mainstream values during the 1990s.
Conclusion
"The Great Gatsby" and "Into the Wild" present the American Dream as a multifaceted concept, encompassing both the pursuit of material success and the desire for personal authenticity. These novels emphasize the influence of society, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the ever-present possibility of disillusionment. While the characters' journeys take vastly different paths, they converge in their exploration of the complexities and challenges of the American Dream. Through these works, readers are reminded that the Dream, though alluring, can be a double-edged sword, capable of bestowing success and happiness but also leading to the downfall of those who grasp too tightly.
The American Dream in Into the Wild & Great Gatsby. (2023, Aug 16). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-american-dream-in-into-the-wild-great-gatsby-essay
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