Motivation In The Great Gatsby

The American Dream can vary individually, but generally is belief in individuals achieving one’s goals in the United States. Many novels incorporate this principle to voice the author’s opinion and to teach lessons. The literary classic, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, encompasses the American Dream by portraying characters while they are either attempting to achieve or living it. The Dream varies from individual to individual and is represented in the novel by Jordan Baker and Gatsby. There is no set definition for the American Dream, however, many people view it as fulfilled when one achieves success in areas such as, family, love, and wealth. Some individuals feel that the American Dream no longer exists in today’s world. However, that could not be more incorrect, it is a necessity since it provides motivation for many. Examples of future goals are to become a labor and delivery nurse, get married, have children, and be successful and happy. The American Dream provides immense motivation throughout one’s life, and serves as a reminder to obtain success. If money was not an issue, more individuals would accomplish their goals. Since there is no established explanation of the American Dream, it …show more content…
Throughout the book, the readers acquire more information about Jordan. Nick Carraway first meets Jordan at Daisy Buchanan’s house. At Daisy’s, she states, “Jordan’s going to play in the tournament tomorrow” (18). This is incredibly unusual for this time for Jordan Baker, a female, to have a career. Later in the novel, Nick meets Jordan again at one of Gatsby’s parties, thus showing she has a social life, in addition to a prosperous profession. Jordan is unlike every other woman in the epoch, since she is independent. Therefore, Jordan Baker is living the ideal American Dream for a woman during this era, since she has a social life, a thriving career, and is