Running Head: The Great Gatsby Essay Example

is often reflected in the American political system.

Regularly, leaders and other government authorities must be wealthy in order to be elected into office. This concept is also highlighted in the media, where there are more famous individuals who are naturally born into fame compared to those who work for their fame. Wealthy families are more likely to achieve their dreams, whether it be fame, traveling the world, or attaining a high societal position with a large house. All of these desires can be obtained through money. The American Dream has been defined in various ways, but almost all of the definitions involve the opportunity to achieve one's goals.

In any case, individuals have unintentionally altered the meaning by associating the dream with wealth and materialistic things, rather than the opportunities that lead them to true abundance in life - happiness. Throughout literature, many authors have emphasized the success of this false interpretation of its original context; on the other hand, F. Scott Fitzgerald emphasizes the struggle of achieving and maintaining The American Dream. Through The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald suggests that because the American dream is corrupted by materialism, those who strive for it ultimately fail.

Jay Gatsby uses Daisy as a facade to hide his desire for wealth and social status, resulting in an unattainable fantasy. Throughout the book, Gatsby romanticizes Daisy's opulent lifestyle, as noted when she 'disappeared into her rich house, into her rich, full life' (Fitzgerald 149). Fitzgerald employs the word 'rich' to emphasize Gatsby's obsession with materialism (149). Additionally, the repetition highlights the portrayal of Daisy as a luxury rather than an individual. When Gatsby realizes that 'numerous men had loved Daisy, it

increased her value in his eyes' (149).

This passage clearly demonstrates that Gatsby desired Daisy because others also wanted her. The use of the word 'value' reveals that Gatsby saw Daisy as a means to achieve his dreams of wealth. The author intentionally uses 'value' to explain Gatsby's emotions, instead of 'loved' like he did for other men, emphasizing the idea that Gatsby only wanted Daisy as a prize, not a girlfriend. In Tony McAdams' article, 'The Great Gatsby' as a Business Ethics Inquiry, the author states that Fitzgerald, like Gatsby, sought a 'golden girl,' a young socialite named Ginevra King from Chicago. This reinforces the notion that Gatsby's character was created to depict the desire for wealth and power. Additionally, Daisy is portrayed as the 'golden girl' in The Great Gatsby because gold is highly valued and desirable (McAdams 655). Tony McAdams also asserts that Gatsby 'uses others for his selfish purposes."

According to McAdams, Gatsby's entire adult life was built on falsehood. He manipulated and used people around him for personal gain instead of forming genuine relationships. One of the individuals he exploited for his own benefit was Daisy, even though he convinced himself that he loved her. Gatsby's adult life can be considered a complete lie because he created a fake persona to impress the wealthy but never truly achieved his goal of becoming a good person in the eyes of others. Myrtle also tried to live her American Dream through her affair with Tom but failed due to her excessive greed for wealth and materialistic possessions. Myrtle describes the moment she met Tom, saying that he was dressed in a suit and patent

leather shoes, and she couldn't take her eyes off him. This description reveals Myrtle's true motives for being attracted to Tom.

Myrtle values Tom's wealth over his appearance or character, as she comments on his 'dress suit' and 'patent calfskin shoes' (36). This reveals that Myrtle desires to be with Tom for his riches rather than being in a genuine and loving relationship. When discussing her husband, George Wilson, Myrtle reveals that he 'borrowed someone's best suit to get married in' on their wedding day (35). Myrtle is shocked by the fact that her prospective spouse could not afford a suit for their wedding, demonstrating that she solely desires a relationship with someone who possesses wealth and materialistic possessions. Furthermore, if Myrtle were not greedy for wealth and truly married George for love, she would have overlooked the borrowed suit.

Zamira Hodo explores Myrtle's pursuit of the American Dream in her article on 'The Great Gatsby'. Myrtle's desire for material wealth, which is not fulfilled by her husband's income, drives her dream. Hodo argues that greed and society's focus on money motivate Myrtle, rather than a specific goal. Additionally, Hodo highlights how Myrtle disregards her husband's struggles as she fixates solely on acquiring material possessions. This exemplifies the self-centeredness bred by wealth, where Myrtle believes happiness stems from riches and materialistic items instead of genuine human connections.

Although corruption and selfishness have distorted the American Dream, it remains attractive to those who do not possess it. The dream is advertised as achievable through hard work; however, few individuals actually succeed due to their advantageous birth circumstances. Consequently, many people leave their home countries and families with the belief

that the American Dream is accessible to all residing in the United States. Nevertheless, Jay Gatsby's tragic experiences demonstrate that this notion is not always true. While Gatsby had achieved his version of the American Dream, he lacked someone to share it with.

The American Dream is a gamble on life and search for happiness because although it can provide individuals with their desires and goals, it can strip an individual's morality and generosity.

References

1. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York, Scribner, 1925.
2. Hodo, Zamira. 'The Failure of the American Dream in 'The Great Gatsby'- Fitzgerald.'