The American Dream by F. Scott Fitzgerald The American Dream was the philosophy that brought people to America and to start a new life in a strange and foreign land. Because of this dream, America was believed to be a land of opportunity, wealth, and prosperity. The dream consists of three elements: all men are equal, man can trust and must help his neighbor, and the good, the virtuous and the hard workers are rewarded. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby condemns American society and focuses on its downfall. This is true for three of the novel's main characters, Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan. To fulfill his ideal dream of spending his life with Daisy, Jay Gatsby corruptly reaches his millions, which helps him replace his emotions. , and tries to cover it up with lies throughout the novel. In order to become rich, Gatsby engaged in illegal activities such as bootlegging and involvement in the mafia. “He and this Wolfsheim bought and sold grain alcohol over the counter.”(Fitzgerald 134). This is the opposite idea of ​​the American dream, where only the good, the virtuous and the hard-working are rewarded. Gatsby also lies throughout his life to cover up his wrongdoings. Gatsby claims that he belongs to a wealthy family who allowed him to go to Oxford and from whom he inherits its wealth. “I’m the son of some rich people from the Middle West – all dead now. » (Fitzgerald 65). It is only later in the novel that Nick discovers the truth that "his parents were fickle and unsuccessful farmers..." (Fitzgerald 99). Gatsby also relies on money to bring him comfort for his family. Gatsby's musicians sing: "The rich get richer and the poor have children." (Fitzgerald 96). He tries to recover the loss of his family that he suffered through his wealth. Nick describes a story about how Gatsby "agreed to pay five years' taxes on all the neighboring houses if the owners wanted their roofs thatched." Perhaps their refusal tore the heart out of his plan to found a family..." (Fitzgerald 89). Gatsby uses wealth to solve his problems. Members of the upper class such as Tom Buchanan sacrifice morality and righteousness to acquire wealth. Tom Buchanan is a man from a wealthy family, but for Nick; he seems to have lost virtue and kindness.