Holly Gruber Professor Chuha English Comp 102 7 June 2012 American Dream, Just a Dream Everyone has heard and spoken of the so-called “American Dream.” Many people automatically think ofThe Great Gatsbywhen hearing these words. This book, along withOf Mice and MenandDeath of a Salesman, focus on peoples’ failures of this dream. While there may be a few interpretations of it, the actual dictionary definition does a great deal in laying its foundation for how it is generally interpreted. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, it is defined as “An American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity, a happy and successful life to which all may aspire” (Merriam-Webster, “American Dream”). The important thing to keep in mind is that it states ANYONE can achieve this dream. However, is this really true? Can everyone obtain everything they want in life? The answer is no. The American dream is just that, an ideal dream that everyone would like to attain but that is not always possible. The Great Gatsbyis probably the most well-known book that analyzes the collapse of the “American dream.” It is about Nick Carraway, a man who has just moved into the area termed as West Egg. We are then introduced to his second cousin Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, both wealthy homeowners living in East Egg. The story follows Gatsby’s infatuation with Daisy and his struggles with wealth and success. The most prominent symbol of Gatsby’s trivial aspirations is the green light that shines from the East Egg luring Gatsby towards what he has always desired. And Daisy,
the woman that Gatsby has always fascinated but never gets, lives on East Egg. Fitzgerald states, “As Daisy had stared out into the sun setting at West Egg, Gatsby now stares out from West Egg towards East Egg at a green light glowing at the edge of a dock near the Buchanan home” (Fitzgerald 46). This shows how Gatsby is longing for not only the life of a person from East Egg, but also for Daisy. At one point Gatsby reaches out towards this green light, symbolizing his longing for a future, yet it seems to be unattainable. The green light is a constant symbol throughout the entire book, and in general, it signifies the hopes and wishes of Gatsby himself. However, this depicts the decay of the American Dream because all of Gatsby’s hopes and wishes are much too selfish. He becomes so obsessed with obtaining what he wants for only himself throughout the book and he loses sight of what should really be important, such as the happiness and equality of society, not just his satisfaction. Though he loves Daisy, he becomes too obsessed with material things and the need for higher social status. This green light shows his longing for all of these things.
Want to read all 7 pages?
Previewing 3 of 7 pages Upload your study docs or become a member.
Want to read all 7 pages?
Previewing 3 of 7 pages Upload your study docs or become a member.
End of preview
Want to read all 7 pages? Upload your study docs or become a member.