The Great Gatsby and the American Dream

What is the American Dream?

The American Dream is the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity in the United States of America through hard work and dedication. This idea has been around since the country's founding, and is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. It is a concept that has been embraced by many, including some of the most successful people in history.

The Great Gatsby and the American Dream

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, is a classic piece of American literature that is often held up as an example of the failure of the American Dream. The novel follows the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who is obsessed with achieving the idealistic lifestyle of the upper-class. Despite his considerable wealth and power, Gatsby is ultimately unable to achieve the level of success that he desires.

Quotes about the American Dream in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby contains many quotes that highlight the failure of the American Dream. Here are some of the most powerful and memorable quotes:

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

This quote, from the novel's final line, is a powerful statement on the futility of chasing the American Dream. Gatsby's pursuit of the idealistic lifestyle of the upper-class is ultimately futile, as he is constantly being pulled back into the past.

“No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.”

This quote highlights the power of nostalgia and the impossibility of achieving the perfect life. No matter how hard Gatsby tries, he is unable to recreate the past, and ultimately his pursuit of the American Dream is doomed to failure.

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.”

This quote reflects Gatsby's desperate pursuit of the American Dream. He is constantly chasing after the future, believing that one day he will be able to achieve his idealistic lifestyle. However, this future is always out of reach, and Gatsby is left to chase it endlessly.

Conclusion

The Great Gatsby is a classic example of the failure of the American Dream. Through the characters of Jay Gatsby and his associates, Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the futility of chasing after an idealistic lifestyle. The novel's quotes serve to highlight the impossibility of achieving the perfect life, and the power of nostalgia in preventing us from moving forward.