More handpicked essays just for you.
The great gatsby as literature analysis
The great gatsby as literature analysis
Analytical essay about the book the great gatsby
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: The great gatsby as literature analysis
The history of America is filled with rapid change and remarkable energy. "America has progressed from a small collection of European rebels to the economically dominant nation that it is today" (Literature Classics). Entwined in the provocative reputation of America is the celebrated ideal of the American Dream, a fantasy of independence combined with the opportunity to attain wealth through hard work. At the heart of the American Dream lies the aspiration of eternal bliss, which is always 'just around the corner.' The American Dream does not allow complacency; the need for continual progress is always present, urging one to work a little harder. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is an illustration of the irony surrounding the American Dream. The story is told through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who is a given the task of relating the story of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's story is just one example of what the American Dream represents. Gatsby successfully escaped poverty and was able to acquire millions of dollars and widespread fame within a few years. The American Dream offers Gatsby the chance to "suck on the pap of life, to gulp down the incomparable milk of wonder" (117). However, Gatsby must exist on a solitary pedestal in order to experience the marvels that the dream has to offer. This is the irony of the situation. In spite of his fame and popularity, Gatsby becomes alienated from the rest of society, completely alone with his wealth. Jay Gatsby had a relationship with a lady named Daisy Fay (nee: Buchanan) before he acquired his wealth. When Daisy married a wealthy man named Tom Buchanan, Gatsby decided that he would have to make a fortune in order to win her back. Jay Gatsby does not un... ... middle of paper ... ... the things that they believe to be important. The literary appeal of The Great Gatsby cannot be found in its portrayal of American beliefs and values. Indeed, many Americans would be offended by such an insinuation. The real strength of The Great Gatsby lies in its universitality; the novel has the ability to transcend national borders and generations, which is always the most important factor in determining whether or not a literary work has the potential to become a classic. Works Cited: Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 1925. Cross, K.G.W. F. Scott Fitzgerald. New York: Capricorn, 1964. Kazin, Alfred. F. Scott Fitzgerald-The Man and His Work. Toronto: Collier, 1966. Literature Classics. Viewed: July 2012. http://www.LiteratureClassics.com 123 Help Me. Viewed: July 2012. https://www.123helpme.com