The American Dream in The Great Gatsby: a Pursuit of Illusion

The concept of the American Dream, the belief in the possibility of upward social mobility and success achieved through hard work, has been a central theme in American literature for centuries. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, this idealized vision of the American Dream is explored through the lives and aspirations of the characters. However, Fitzgerald presents a critical perspective on this dream, suggesting that it is ultimately an elusive and illusory goal. Through the use of various quotes, Fitzgerald exposes the hollowness and emptiness that underlie the pursuit of the American Dream, revealing the tragic consequences of its unattainability.

One of the most iconic quotes in The Great Gatsby that captures the essence of the American Dream is when Nick Carraway, the narrator, reflects on the allure and attraction of Gatsby's wealth and success. He states, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning—So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" (Fitzgerald, 180). This quote encapsulates the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, represented by the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock. Gatsby, like many others, believes that with enough determination and effort, he can achieve his dream of wealth and love. However, Fitzgerald suggests that this dream is ultimately unattainable, as it constantly recedes further into the future, leaving individuals trapped in a perpetual cycle of striving and longing.

Fitzgerald further explores the illusory nature of the American Dream through the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, embodies the ideal of success and prosperity. His extravagant parties, luxurious possessions, and ostentatious lifestyle are all symbols of the American Dream. However, despite his material wealth, Gatsby remains unsatisfied and unfulfilled. As Nick observes, "There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams—not through her own fault but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion" (Fitzgerald, 101). Gatsby's dream of being reunited with Daisy, his lost love, is built on an idealized image of her that fails to align with reality. His obsession with recreating the past and erasing the five years they spent apart ultimately leads to his downfall. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's tragic fate to highlight the dangers of pursuing a dream that is built on illusions and fantasies.

Furthermore, Fitzgerald employs the character of Tom Buchanan to expose the corruption and moral decay that often accompany the pursuit of the American Dream. Tom, a wealthy and privileged individual, represents the old money aristocracy that has inherited their wealth and social status. Despite his position of privilege, Tom is deeply dissatisfied and seeks fulfillment elsewhere. He engages in extramarital affairs and displays a sense of entitlement and superiority. In a conversation with Nick, he dismisses Gatsby's wealth and success, stating, "I found out what your 'drug-stores' were... He and this Wolfshiem bought up a lot of side-street drug-stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter. That's one of his little stunts. I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him, and I wasn't far wrong" (Fitzgerald, 141). This quote reveals the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy that can accompany the pursuit of the American Dream. Tom, who is born into privilege, looks down upon Gatsby's self-made success, highlighting the corruption and immorality that often underlie the accumulation of wealth and power.

In conclusion, Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, presents a critical perspective on the American Dream, exposing its illusory nature and the tragic consequences of its pursuit. Through quotes such as the green light symbolizing the unattainability of the dream, Gatsby's disillusionment in the face of his illusions, and Tom Buchanan's moral corruption, Fitzgerald reveals the hollowness and emptiness that lie beneath the surface of the American Dream. His portrayal of characters who are trapped in a perpetual cycle of striving and longing serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of pursuing an unattainable and ultimately unsatisfying dream. The Great Gatsby serves as a powerful critique of the American Dream, urging readers to question the ideals and values that underpin society's aspirations.

Bibliography

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.