In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald discloses the reality of the American dream during the 1920s. It becomes dishonorable as society begins to focus mainly on the pursuit of riches. Fitzgerald reveals that the American dream of obtaining a high social class is an illusion through his characterization of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway. People know Jay Gatsby for his extravagant parties, but his true feelings and identity remain a mystery to his peers. Many people idolize him, including Nick. He appears to live a perfect life full of wealth, opportunities, and connections, yet in reality Fitzgerald depicts his lifestyle as a facade to reveal the hollowness of the American dream. John A. Pidgeon also describes how Gatsby’s
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Daisy resides in the East Egg of New York with a husband, a child, and an abundance of money. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald reveals that Daisy values prosperity over happiness and true love. She chooses to marry Tom Buchanan, someone from a wealthy family, instead of Gatsby, someone who grew up poor, despite loving Gatsby more. Daisy’s inability to find happiness directly reflects her past decisions. Daisy explains her perspective of the world to Nick at their dinner party: "'You see I think everything's terrible anyhow', she went on in a convinced way. 'Everybody thinks so- the most advanced people. And I know. I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything'" (Fitzgerald 17). She categorizes herself as part of "the most advanced people," meaning those who are affluent and seem to have achieved the American dream. She states that all these people can truly see that genuine happiness can not be achieved through prosperity and status. Novels for Students explains that "Her whole careless world revolves around this illusion: that money makes everything beautiful, even if it is not" (“The Great Gatsby”). Daisy’s misconception of finances causes her to become the embodiment of unfulfilled dreams. Her fortune masks the reality of her world and covers up any problems she may endure. Although Daisy’s life seems ideal, she is an unhappy person who struggles to find positivity. Her character proves the illusion of happiness society creates around the idea of the American
Daisy resides in the East Egg of New York with a husband, a child, and an abundance of money. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald reveals that Daisy values prosperity over happiness and true love. She chooses to marry Tom Buchanan, someone from a wealthy family, instead of Gatsby, someone who grew up poor, despite loving Gatsby more. Daisy’s inability to find happiness directly reflects her past decisions. Daisy explains her perspective of the world to Nick at their dinner party: "'You see I think everything's terrible anyhow', she went on in a convinced way. 'Everybody thinks so- the most advanced people. And I know. I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything'" (Fitzgerald 17). She categorizes herself as part of "the most advanced people," meaning those who are affluent and seem to have achieved the American dream. She states that all these people can truly see that genuine happiness can not be achieved through prosperity and status. Novels for Students explains that "Her whole careless world revolves around this illusion: that money makes everything beautiful, even if it is not" (“The Great Gatsby”). Daisy’s misconception of finances causes her to become the embodiment of unfulfilled dreams. Her fortune masks the reality of her world and covers up any problems she may endure. Although Daisy’s life seems ideal, she is an unhappy person who struggles to find positivity. Her character proves the illusion of happiness society creates around the idea of the American