Does Gatsby Achieve The American Dream

The American Dream is a concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion over the years. It is often defined as the belief that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, is a literary exploration of this concept, as it follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a man who is determined to achieve the American Dream at any cost. In this essay, we will explore whether Gatsby is able to achieve the American Dream, and the implications of his pursuit.

The American Dream and Material Success

The American Dream is often associated with the idea of material success and social mobility. Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel, is a self-made man who has amassed a great fortune through his involvement in organized crime. He is driven by his desire to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan, a woman he met and fell in love with before he went off to fight in World War I. Gatsby believes that by achieving wealth and social status, he will be able to win Daisy's love and live the life he has always dreamed of. However, as we will see, his pursuit of the American Dream ultimately leads to his downfall.

Social Mobility and the American Dream

One of the key aspects of the American Dream is the idea of social mobility, or the ability to move up the social ladder through hard work and determination. Gatsby, as a self-made man, embodies this idea to some extent. He comes from a humble background and is able to achieve great wealth and success through his own efforts. However, despite his wealth and social status, Gatsby is never fully accepted by the old money elite of East Egg, where Daisy and her husband Tom reside. This highlights the limitations of the American Dream, as Gatsby is ultimately unable to transcend the social barriers that separate him from the upper echelons of society.

The Morality of the American Dream

Furthermore, Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream is driven by his desire to win back the love of Daisy. He believes that by achieving material success, he will be able to win her love and live the life he has always dreamed of. However, Gatsby's romantic idealism ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes so fixated on his vision of the future that he is unable to see the reality of the present. This is evident in his refusal to accept the fact that Daisy has moved on and married someone else, and his relentless pursuit of her ultimately leads to tragedy.

In addition, Gatsby's involvement in organized crime and his pursuit of wealth at any cost also raises questions about the morality of the American Dream. While Gatsby is able to achieve material success, it comes at the expense of his integrity and moral compass. This calls into question the true value of the American Dream, and whether it is worth pursuing at any cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of the American Dream, through the character of Jay Gatsby. While Gatsby is able to achieve material success and social status, he is ultimately unable to achieve the true fulfillment and happiness that he seeks. His pursuit of the American Dream is driven by his romantic idealism and desire for social acceptance, but it ultimately leads to his downfall. This raises important questions about the limitations and morality of the American Dream, and whether it is truly achievable for everyone. As we reflect on Gatsby's story, we are reminded of the complexities of the American Dream and the implications of its pursuit in our own lives.