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Essay / Did Gatsby achieve the American dream
Table of contentsThe American dream and material successSocial mobility and the American dreamThe morality of the American dreamConclusionThe American dream is a concept that has been the subject of much debate and discussion in over the years. It is often defined as the belief that everyone, regardless of background or circumstances, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is a literary exploration of this concept, as it follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a man determined to achieve the American dream at all costs. In this essay, we will explore whether Gatsby is capable of achieving the American dream and the implications of pursuing it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The American Dream and Material Success The American Dream is often associated with the idea of material success and social mobility. Gatsby, the novel's protagonist, is a self-made man who has amassed a large fortune through his involvement in organized crime. He is motivated by his desire to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan, a woman he met and fell in love with before leaving to fight in the First World War. Gatsby believes that by achieving wealth and social status, he will be able to win Daisy's love and live the life he has always dreamed of. However, as we will see, his pursuit of the American dream ultimately leads to his downfall. Social Mobility and the American Dream One of the key aspects of the American Dream is the idea of social mobility, or the ability to move up the social ladder through hard work and determination. Gatsby, as a self-made man, embodies this idea to some extent. He comes from a humble background and is capable of achieving great wealth and success through his own efforts. However, despite his wealth and social status, Gatsby is never fully accepted by the old financial elite of East Egg, where Daisy and her husband Tom reside. This highlights the limits of the American dream, as Gatsby is ultimately unable to transcend the social barriers that separate him from the upper echelons of society. The Morality of the American Dream Furthermore, Gatsby's pursuit of the American dream is motivated by his desire to win back Daisy's love. He believes that by achieving material success, he will be able to win her love and live the life he has always dreamed of. However, Gatsby's romantic idealism ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes so obsessed with his vision of the future that he is unable to see the reality of the present. This is evident in his refusal to accept the fact that Daisy has moved on and married someone else, and his relentless pursuit of her ultimately leads to tragedy. Additionally, Gatsby's involvement in organized crime and his quest for wealth at all costs also raises questions. on the morality of the American dream. Although Gatsby is capable of material success, it comes at the cost of his integrity and moral compass. This calls into question the true value of the American dream and whether it is worth pursuing at all costs. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, The Great Gatsby offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of the American dream, through the character of Jay Gatsby. Although Gatsby is able to achieve material success and social status, he is ultimately unable to achieve the true fulfillment and happiness he seeks. His quest for the American dream is motivated by his romantic idealism and his desire for social acceptance, but..