Many dream of the American dream and are determined to achieve it. Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby aspires to have the best life possible with Daisy, whom he has always been interested in. Gatsby’s attraction towards Daisy, who is married Tom Buchanan makes him go to great lengths to win her. This leads to his downfall, as his fantasy will never become a reality. He perseveres, even though his dream is impossible. Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy, his beautiful but unattainable dream of a relationship with her results in his corruption as well as his demise.
Gatsby’s drive to live the American Dream drives him to try to win Daisy’s love. Five years before Gatsby left for war, his interest in Daisy began. “The officer looked at Daisy as she spoke, in a way that every little girl would like …” (75). It is clear that Gatsby fell in love with Daisy when they were both young, and it has only grown over the years. Gatsby believes Daisy is the key to achieving the American Dream. He sets his sights on “a single green light… at a dock”. Nick Carraway, the narrator, first describes Gatsby as “if personality is an unbroken sequence of successful gestures then he was something beautiful” (6). This implies that Gatsby’s appearance has been almost constructed in that he has planned every aspect of his life to achieve a single purpose.
It is evident that Nick sees Gatsby as having plans for his future, which was not known at the time. Gatsby’s wealth comes from his desire to spend time with Daisy and fulfill the dreams he has had since their first meeting. “Gatsby bought the house to be near Daisy… I think he thought she would wander into one of his parties …”,. This is an example of the extremes he will go, so Daisy reciprocates the affections he expressed to her (63). He hosts parties in hopes that Daisy will attend. He wants to be with her. “…Daisy falls short of his dreams , because the image he painted is more realistic than reality (76). Daisy’s inability to accept the fact that Tom has never loved her, defeats Gatsby and their dreams of a perfect life together. Gatsby’s unrealistic expectations lead to defeat.
Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy is a sign of his corruption, which ultimately leads to his death. Gatsby took extreme measures in order to be wealthy. He alters his name and engages in illegal activities that he derived his wealth. His pleasure was not in the ravishing parties held at his lavish house, but his hope that Daisy would “wander into one his parties …” (63). Although he has a lot of money, his character is affected by the amount he spent. Because Daisy rejected him, Gatsby was overwhelmed by reality. Gatsby has been a great success story over the past five-years. He was unable to pursue Daisy, “…he would have been a great man…He would of helped build the country up” (168).
From the moment he met Daisy, his life improved while Gatsby’s continued to be a stunted. He was trapped in a fantasy that he couldn’t escape, which led to his death. “… paid a high price for having lived too long in one dream (161). Gatsby’s actions were to gain wealth and power in order to attract Daisy. This is the American Dream over him. He corrupts himself in his efforts to charm Daisy. It’s because he lives in a fantasy world that is impossible to achieve. “Her [Daisy] voice had a lot of money,” which shows that Daisy is more than Gatsby’s dream. It also symbolizes wealth and leads to American success (127). However, he believes Daisy is the key to his success. Daisy could have been the key to Gatsby’s success. This fantasy ends, and Gatsby follows it.
Although society’s rules prevent Gatsby achieving his dream, his determination allows for him to persevere. Daisy Buchanan, unlike Gatsby is conscious of her place in society and doesn’t want to compromise this position. Although she is unhappy with her marriage, she still lives by the social norms that were prevalent at the time. This makes her morally corrupt as she longs for a relationship with Gatsby. The accumulation of wealth can also make people different. The “white palaces of fashionable East Egg”, which are home to people with “old wealth”, such as Daisy and Tom, were both born into wealth. They have lived at the top end of society’s social ladder. The other side of the bay is “… the less popular …” West Egg folks like Nick and Gatsby, who weren’t born to high authority but earned it through their work (5).
This separation shows that Daisy and Gatsby are not able to conform to each other’s lives. Gatsby persists despite the social norms of faithful marriage and wealth. Although his constant efforts might seem negative, Daisy is married to Gatsby and this may make it appear that he is not passionate enough. Nick informs Gatsby he “… can’t duplicate the past …”,, but Gatsby is determined (87). Jordan also explained to Nick that he was afraid because he waited so long …”,, which shows how vulnerable he really is. However, nothing can stop him from wanting to be with Daisy. All of this shows how much Gatsby cares about Daisy and will fight for her. Gatsby ignores Daisy’s social norms and works with Daisy to achieve his American Dream.
Gatsby’s obsession with the American Dream and Daisy at his side eventually leads to devastation. The American Dream spreads corruption and devastation. Many people long to live the American Dream and reach their full potential. Gatsby was ready to go to great lengths in order to realize his dream, which he had been pursuing since he was a young man. He becomes corrupt by pursuing his dream, which is a fantasy that will never become reality. There is still light because he is determined not to let social norms get in the way of his love for Daisy. His beauty is reflected in his hope and determination. However, his corruption comes from the lengths he goes for Daisy. In the end, Gatsby and his fantasy are no more.
How is the American Dream represented in Gatsby?
The American Dream represents the belief that anyone can achieve success if they put in enough effort. Gatsby’s love of Daisy drove him to extraordinary wealth. Gatsby was able to achieve the American Dream by rising in social ranks and achieving financial success.
How does Daisy represent the American Dream?
Scott Fitzgerald uses Daisy Buchanan as a symbol of the American Dream. She is rich, sought-after, and impossible to achieve. Daisy Buchanan represents upper-class women. She is fragile and easily led to evil. Her character is also reflected in the book.
How does Nick represent the American Dream?
Nick believes that the American Dream is dead. This is because we cannot overcome our past. Nick’s past, which is not being from an upper-class family, is why he will never be able to compete with East Egg people (Old Money).
How does Myrtle represent the American Dream?
Myrtle believes that wealth can be achieved by marrying wealthy people. Myrtle believes that she can attain the American Dream by marrying a wealthy man and acting as though she were in a higher social status. It all goes sour.” Catherine keeps referring to Tom and Myrtle getting married, even though this will never happen. Such means.
What does Tom Buchanan represent?
Tom is a flawed character. He is a representative of the worst traits of American society’s super-rich, whose wealth shields them from any moral or legal constraints. Nick describes them as careless people who smash up creatures and animals and then retreat into their wealth.