The Role Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

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What is the American dream? As American, the idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have been ingrained in the fabric of our society as the American Dream. It is the notion that regardless of where a person comes from, through hard work and dedication, one can achieve their American Dream. The fictional character portrayed in F. Scott Fitzgerald novel “The Great Gatsby” are no different. The novel takes place in the summer 1922 during a decade of great social changes in America. World War I had just ended, and the United States was in the twilight of progression and economic prosperity. The second Industrial Revolution created new inventions and innovation of mass production, and soaring stock market made America among the wealthiest nation in the world. Savannah Grantham writes, “1920’s Americans created a world of economic prosperity that they wanted to endure forever” (Grantham 1). The Prohibition of the 1920 opened new opportunities to gain wealth. As a result, the strong economy created a nation of consumerism and materialism. The opportunity to gain wealth became synonymous with achieving the American Dream. Americans bought new cars, fancy clothes, and lived a lavish lifestyle. For many, wealth had
Daisy; the pure, charming, innocent golden girl from Kentucky was popular among the military officer. Daisy Fay was the first “nice girl” Gatsby falls in love with because in his eyes, she represent all the wealth and glamour of the American dream. However, unbeknown to Gatsby, behind her beauty and charm is a materialist and superficial girl. The two began a short love affair before Gatsby is shipped to fight for the country. While Gatsby was away, Daisy, meanwhile moved on with her life and marries the wealthy Tom Buchanan. After five long years of separation, both Daisy and Gatsby finally reunited in hope to rekindle their love

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