Analysis of The American Dream in The Great Gatsby

Analysis of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby
Written from the perspective of a dedicated student deeply enthralled by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is frequently described as one of the most resonant critiques of the American Dream in American literature. Set against the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, the novel follows the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who seems at first to epitomize the idea of rising from humble origins to immense wealth. Yet, through Fitzgerald’s skillful storytelling, it becomes evident that this superficial dream of success is both precarious and deeply unfulfilling. In my view, The Great Gatsby highlights not just the ambition embedded in the American Dream, but also the emptiness behind it when divorced from authenticity and moral grounding.

Framing the American Dream

To understand The Great Gatsby, we should first clarify what the American Dream entails. At its core, this dream suggests that hard work, determination, and ingenuity can ensure social mobility and personal achievement. Traditionally, it has been interpreted as the promise of forging one’s destiny, free from the constraints of old European aristocracy. Within Fitzgerald’s novel, however, we see a dramatic tension between this hopeful myth and the novel’s underlying reality.

Key Elements of the American Dream

1. Upward Mobility – The belief that any individual can ascend the social ladder through diligence and talent.
2. Material Success – The tendency to equate prosperity with the acquisition of wealth and possessions.
3. Moral Tenets – The expectation that such success will also bring personal fulfillment and happiness.

Gatsby as the Embodiment of Idealism—and Its Downfall

On the surface, Gatsby’s life story appears to confirm the American Dream’s promise of self-made success. Raised from humble circumstances, he accumulates a fortune so vast that he can throw legendary parties in West Egg. As Nick Carraway observes, Gatsby has an “extraordinary gift for hope,” which fuels his lavish pursuits. Yet, several factors expose the hollowness of his triumph:

1. Illicit Sources of Wealth – His mansion and parties are financed by questionable business dealings, hinting that this wealth isn’t the product of honest labor.
2. Obsessive Devotion to Daisy – Gatsby’s ultimate goal is not merely riches, but to win back Daisy Buchanan—an aspiration more rooted in nostalgia than genuine love.

The novel famously describes how he stretches “out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way,” referring to the green light on Daisy’s dock. This luminous symbol encapsulates his longing, suggesting that his aspirations remain perpetually out of reach.

Other Characters and the Fragility of the Dream

The Great Gatsby does not only revolve around Gatsby’s fate; several other characters shed light on the broader critique of the American Dream.

Tom and Daisy, who appear at first to have achieved every imaginable social advantage, reveal a profound emptiness beneath their privileged lifestyle. Myrtle yearns for an escape from her lower-class status by latching onto Tom, yet she tragically discovers that wealth and prestige are not easily (or safely) attained. Even Nick, who enters the East Coast’s high society somewhat naively, eventually moves back to the Midwest, discouraged by the cynicism he witnesses.

The Tragic Nature of Gatsby’s Dreams

One of the novel’s most famous lines, uttered by Nick, concludes the story:

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

This metaphor powerfully illustrates the impossible nature of Gatsby’s ambitions: no matter how diligently one strives, the tide of reality perpetually resists such grand illusions. Gatsby believes wholeheartedly in a golden, romantic future with Daisy, but the novel suggests that his past—along with societal barriers—ensures that his dream remains unattainable.

Another evocative quote from Nick remarks on Tom and Daisy’s carelessness:

“They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness...”

This observation demonstrates that for the Buchanans, wealth has effectively shielded them from repercussions, allowing them to shirk responsibility. The American Dream, in their case, warps into complacency and moral indifference, clashing with the ideal of an honorable pursuit of happiness.

A Closer Look at Gatsby’s Motivations

Some readers might claim that Gatsby’s quest represents unwavering optimism. Yet the novel indicates that his optimism is tragically misplaced—he directs it toward reclaiming a version of Daisy who no longer exists. This underscores a central paradox: while the American Dream is often about progress and forward-looking ambition, Gatsby is stuck trying to recreate an illusion of the past. His downfall illustrates that dreams anchored to material accomplishments or nostalgic visions ultimately disintegrate under the weight of reality.

Bullet Points: Key Takeaways

• Gatsby’s wealth stems from dubious sources, undermining the idea of a purely merit-based success.
• His longing for Daisy is less about genuine connection than recapturing an idealized moment he cannot relive.
• The richest characters—Tom and Daisy—are morally hollow, challenging the assumption that wealth equates to fulfillment.

Conclusion

By weaving together the stories of Gatsby, Tom, Daisy, Myrtle, and Nick, Fitzgerald intricately reveals the hollowness at the core of a purely materialistic and status-driven interpretation of the American Dream. The Great Gatsby does not dismiss ambition outright—Gatsby’s relentlessness can be read as hopeful—but it critiques the cultural premise that financial gain alone promises genuine happiness or moral worth.

In my estimation, Fitzgerald’s novel endures because it challenges readers to question the essence of success. Is it measured by extravagant parties and a lavish mansion, or does it hinge on sincere relationships and moral grounding? The tragedy of Jay Gatsby exemplifies that chasing illusions—no matter how dazzling—often leads to disillusionment. Indeed, while Gatsby’s green light symbolizes the infinite potential of the American Dream, it also underscores the relentless distance between aspiration and true fulfillment. As Nick observes, the current pushes them backward, demonstrating that without authenticity or ethical foundation, this dream might remain forever out of reach.