Similarities Between Legally Blonde And The Great Gatsby

For hundreds of years, the American Dream has been an ideal that has meant different things to different people. In Legally Blonde directed by Robert Lucetic, Elle initially dreams of self fulfillment and happiness through the marriage to the love of her life, Warner. Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Gatsby strives to be wealthy enough and rich enough to be suitable for Daisy, who he has idealized. Both characters strive to achieve their American Dream and are initially both focused on conforming to other’s perceptions, rather than personality and self improvement. However, while Elle succeeds because she ceases to conform to the perception of others and her dreams become more genuine. Gatsby’s dream does not evolve from …show more content…
At one of Gatsby’s swinging mansion parties, in the early summer, Nick and Jordan visit his immense library. There, they speak to a man Nick designates as Owl Eyes, who commends the fact that the library’s books are real, exclaiming, “What thoroughness! What realism! Knew when to stop too—didn’t cut the pages. But what do you want? What do you expect?” (Fitzgerald 46). Gatsby is willing to spend an excessive amount on authentic books to prove his wealth,but never having opened them himself, he cares little about enjoying or learning from them. Gatsby appears to have achieved the American Dream, but it is merely a facade, as he is not fulfilled. After their introduction, Gatsby calls upon Nick an early morning in July, pulling up to Nick’s house in his gorgeous, extravagant vehicle. Gatsby comments: ‘It’s pretty, isn’t it, old sport...‘Haven’t you ever seen it before?’ (64). His purpose is not simply to show off to Nick; he is searching for approval. Gatsby is deeply insecure about his status, and therefore wants confirmation that Nick believes he is respectable and wealthy. Two hours prior to Daisy and Gatsby’s reunion at Nick’s house, Nick sets out a few flowers to prepare for tea, however, “The flowers were unnecessary, for at two o’clock a greenhouse arrived from Gatsby’s, …show more content…
Initially, both seek their dream in superficial ways such as possessions and clothes. Gatsby purchases a mansion, an extravagant car, and fine clothes to present himself as a wealthy, respectable man that Daisy could marry, and Elle wears dull clothes and presents herself as a ‘serious’ law student that Warner could marry. At their core, these dreams are actually of happiness and self-fulfillment, not the person to which their directed. However, the focus of Elle’s dream becomes fulfilling herself as a successful lawyer, rather than trying to fit the societal ideal of one. With this, she is significantly more successful and can sincerely achieve lasting happiness. Furthermore while it is important to have aspirations, the most important thing is the method of achieving