The Great Gatsby and the American Dream

Definition

The Great Gatsby is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that critiques the American Dream, exploring themes of wealth, social status, and the pursuit of happiness in 1920s America. The story follows Jay Gatsby's extravagant lifestyle and his unattainable desire for Daisy Buchanan, illustrating how the American Dream can lead to disillusionment and moral decay.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby in 1925, during the Jazz Age, a period marked by cultural upheaval and economic prosperity.
2. The character of Jay Gatsby symbolizes the idealistic pursuit of the American Dream but ultimately faces tragic consequences due to his relentless quest for wealth and status.
3. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future, as well as the unattainable nature of the American Dream.
4. The novel critiques materialism by showcasing the emptiness of wealth through characters who are wealthy yet morally corrupt and unfulfilled.
5. The Great Gatsby illustrates the disparity between social classes in America, highlighting how wealth does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment.

Review Questions

• How does The Great Gatsby portray the relationship between wealth and happiness?
  • In The Great Gatsby, wealth is depicted as a double-edged sword. While characters like Jay Gatsby believe that acquiring riches will bring them happiness and social acceptance, Fitzgerald shows that true contentment eludes them. Gatsby's opulent parties and luxurious lifestyle fail to fill the emotional void in his life, particularly in his unrequited love for Daisy. This highlights the notion that material success does not equate to genuine happiness.
• Discuss the significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby in relation to the American Dream.
  • The green light at the end of Daisy's dock serves as a powerful symbol in The Great Gatsby, representing Gatsby's aspirations and dreams for a future with Daisy. It embodies both hope and longing, illustrating how the American Dream can be a tantalizing yet elusive goal. As Gatsby reaches for this light, it signifies his relentless pursuit of an ideal that remains just out of reach, emphasizing the theme of disillusionment with the American Dream.
• Evaluate how The Great Gatsby reflects societal changes in 1920s America and critiques the concept of the American Dream.
  • The Great Gatsby reflects significant societal changes in 1920s America, including shifting social norms and an increasing focus on consumerism. Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by illustrating how it has become corrupted by materialism and shallow pursuits. Through characters like Tom Buchanan, who represent old money privilege, and Gatsby, who symbolizes new money ambition, the novel reveals a society where moral values have deteriorated. This critique serves as a commentary on the broader implications of chasing an unattainable dream, ultimately leading to disillusionment and tragedy.

Related terms

American Dream: A cultural belief that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity in life.

Jazz Age: A term used to describe the 1920s in America, characterized by cultural dynamism, social change, and the rise of jazz music.

Materialism: A focus on material wealth and possessions as a measure of success and happiness, often critiqued in literary works like The Great Gatsby.