What Is The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

Through the idea of the “American Dream” of success and wealth, F. Scott Fitzgerald demonstrates that wealth isn’t what brings happiness to people, and the ideal lifestyle of the time isn’t as satisfying as it seems. The idea of the “American Dream” is just a superficial notion with no real substance behind it, just like those who are ‘living the dream’. It is fueled by the conception that America is the land of opportunity, and anyone can reach the pinnacle of success if the right amount of effort is exhorted. Jay Gatsby, in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is a prime example of someone who has dived full-heartedly into the “American Dream.” He was born as James Gatz, son of “shiftless and unsuccessful farm people” but he never really believed he was their son (Fitzgerald, The Great 98). He believed he was “a son of God”, and he was destined for greatness (Fitzgerald, The Great 98). That he was, for he escapes his life of poverty and a hopeless future on Dan Cody’s yacht when he is seventeen years old. For five years he sails with the millionaire under the new identity of ‘Jay Gatsby’ and learns everything he can, so by the time Cody dies, Jay …show more content…
Daisy was the one driving Gatsby’s car when they hit Myrtle, so she is the one to blame, even though Gatsby takes full responsibility. In an attempt to avenge his dead wife, Wilson goes to Tom Buchanan demanding to know the identity of the one driving the yellow car that night, and Tom Buchanan gives him Gatsby’s name. In doing so, he rids himself of two problems: now he doesn’t have to worry about Wilson suspecting him of being Myrtle’s lover and he knows Wilson is going to kill Gatsby, so he doesn’t have to worry about Daisy leaving him. Tom was right, for Wilson does kill Gatsby, and then himself. Almost immediately afterwards, both Tom and Daisy Buchanan leave, without knowledge of where they are headed or for how