The Illusion of The American Dream: Gatsby's Tragic Obsession

Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy, the woman he loves, and his attempts to impress her highlight the theme of reaching for the unattainable. Gatsby’s story is a cautionary tale of the illusions of the American Dream and the repercussions of trying to achieve it through deceit and self-delusion.

Gatsby is a wealthy man who throws lavish parties every weekend, attracting the glitterati of New York City in the 1920s. However, his wealth and prosperity are a façade that is shrouded in mystery. Even his most prominent guests do not know the true source of his wealth. Gatsby claims to have inherited his fortune, but Nick, the novel’s narrator, discovers that Gatsby came from humble beginnings and made his fortune through illegal means.

Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy is the driving force behind his obsession with becoming wealthy. Gatsby first met Daisy when he was a young military officer. He fell in love with her and planned to marry her, but their relationship was cut short when he went to war. During Gatsby’s time abroad, Daisy married Tom Buchanan and had a child. Years later, when Gatsby rekindles his relationship with Daisy, he is determined to win her back. He believes that if he can become wealthy, Daisy will return his affections and leave Tom.

Gatsby’s infatuation with Daisy sets in motion a chain of events that lead to his demise. The novel is filled with symbolism, but none more prominent than the green light at the end of Daisy’s pier. The light symbolizes the hope and aspiration of the American Dream, but for Gatsby, it is a beacon of hope for his relationship with Daisy. It represents the unattainable and unreachable, much like the American Dream for those who came from humble beginnings. Gatsby’s obsession with the light underscores his desire to achieve the American Dream at any cost.

Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy is tainted by the means he used to achieve his wealth. He became involved in organized crime and bootlegging, which allowed him to accumulate his fortune. He was unable to achieve his wealth through honest means, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The illusion of the American Dream is that it is achievable through hard work and dedication, but Gatsby’s story illustrates that wealth acquired through illegal means is ultimately futile.

Gatsby’s downfall begins when he attends a tea party at Daisy’s home. Tom becomes suspicious of Gatsby, and his suspicions are confirmed when he finds out that Gatsby and Daisy are having an affair. Tom exposes Gatsby’s illegal activities to Daisy, which leads her to reject Gatsby and stay with Tom. Gatsby becomes despondent and attempts to win Daisy back by forcing her to confess her love for him. The narrative culminates in Gatsby’s murder, which is committed by Tom’s mistress, Myrtle’s husband.

Gatsby’s story is a warning that the pursuit of the American Dream, through deceit and illusion, can lead to ruin. Gatsby created an illusion of himself using his immense wealth, but it was all in an attempt to win back Daisy’s love. His obsession with the American Dream was his downfall, as his wealth was acquired through illegal means. The American Dream is achievable through hard work and dedication, but it is not a guarantee of happiness or success.

In conclusion, Jay Gatsby is a tragic character that embodies the illusion of the American Dream. His obsession with Daisy and his attempts to win her back highlight the themes of reaching for the unattainable and the price of deception. Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth through ill-gotten means ultimately leads to his downfall. The novel is a cautionary tale that warns against the dangerous pursuit of the American Dream, which can lead to ruin and destruction.