The “American Dream” is generally characterized by the way people describe success in life. In a seminal text of a successful period in American history, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby shows how the "American dream is not about a simple definition, but rather about what we make of it." In text, this could be anything from wealth, fame, or falling in love with the man or woman of your dreams. In contrast, Fitzgerald's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" depicts Benjamin Button's life as anything but normal, which is unfortunate because the dream of most of the characters in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" is d 'be exactly that. Both explore how the American dream doesn't have to be the same. Some might say he has already achieved the “American Dream,” but Gatsby’s dream couldn’t be further from his reach. The only one who truly understood Gatsby's struggle was Nick: “Gatsby, who represented everything I despise without reservation. If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something magnificent about him, a heightened sensitivity to the promise of life” (Gatsby 8). Nick, like many others, thought at first glance that Gatsby had everything. It wasn't until Nick met Gatsby that he realized how sad he was. Everyone took advantage of him for his seemingly endless hospitality. He threw some of the most fantastic parties at his Long Island Beach home. What was remarkable was that no one could recognize the host. Nick was shocked to discover that he was one of the lucky few to be specifically invited to one of Gatsby's parties. Naturally, he decides to attend. At the party, Nick sees Jordan Baker and decides to hook up with her for the night. Throughout the night, Nick and Jordan Baker hear speculative stories about who Gatsby really is and what he looks like. This sparks Nick's interest in Gatsby, because even though people tell stories about him, no one really knows he is. This is the beauty that Nick found behind Gatsby: even though he seemed to be a man without a past, without a story, he represented so much more. Later that night, Nick and Jordan Baker sit down with a man and a seemingly rowdy girl. After chatting with the man for a while, he is later revealed to be the one and only Jay Gatsby. Nick is embarrassed