The so called “great american novel” portrays a life of grandeur and excitement which occupies the dreams of many who come to this country seeking a better life. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s the Great Gatsby, the idea of the American dream is frequently touched upon and embodied. When the story was written, the dream of a better life where anyone could earn success filled the minds of the many impoverished souls who had immigrated to America in search of fulfilling it. The American dream is a staple of this great country, reverberated by many both within and without its borders. But, some believe this dream has changed into something less ideal than its old self. One of those believers is Fitzgerald. Through his portrayal of Daisy Buchanan, one
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By characterizing Daisy with money, Fitzgerald suggests the American dream is in reality only the pursuit of wealth. Daisy’s character is lauded throughout the story, frequently considered gorgeous and graceful, and considered a spectacle for all whom she encounters. An interesting characterization comes from Gatsby, who relates his dream girl to money. In chapter 7, Nick is trying to describe Daisy’s voice, and Gatsby jumps in saying it’s “full of money” (page 120). Gatsby, a chaser of this ideal American dream, is infatuated with Daisy, and by relating Daisy’s traits to that of cash, he characterizes his chase for her as a chase for wealth. Fitzgerald, by relating Daisy to money, suggests that the American dream has taken on a more superficial goal and become a sprint for wealth. They no longer strive for happiness, but instead for the acquisition of wealth which they believe is happiness. Fitzgerald believes the American dream has been skewed and twisted into a race for wealth, a common and debatably true idea. Interestingly, this idea is supported by Fitzgerald again in the book by having Gatsby’s immense wealth be the result of illegal Business. Wealth is a huge aspect of the story, once again nodding to the importance of wealth in American society. …show more content…
It is revealed to readers that Daisy has an iconic “murmur”, as described by Nick in the beginning of the story, “I’ve heard it said that Daisy’s murmur was only to make people lean toward her” (page 4). Daisy’s murmur represents the fame which the American dream holds around the world, and how it is supposedly a farce. By suggesting that Daisy’s murmur is an attempt to make people be near her, Fitzgerald suggests it is a tool used to entice immigrants to join the workforce. Cheap labor has been an essential commodity for the American economy, as it is around the world, and Fitzgerald believes that the American dream may just be a hook for cheap labor. This also once again shows Fitzgerald 's doubt in the reality of the American
By characterizing Daisy with money, Fitzgerald suggests the American dream is in reality only the pursuit of wealth. Daisy’s character is lauded throughout the story, frequently considered gorgeous and graceful, and considered a spectacle for all whom she encounters. An interesting characterization comes from Gatsby, who relates his dream girl to money. In chapter 7, Nick is trying to describe Daisy’s voice, and Gatsby jumps in saying it’s “full of money” (page 120). Gatsby, a chaser of this ideal American dream, is infatuated with Daisy, and by relating Daisy’s traits to that of cash, he characterizes his chase for her as a chase for wealth. Fitzgerald, by relating Daisy to money, suggests that the American dream has taken on a more superficial goal and become a sprint for wealth. They no longer strive for happiness, but instead for the acquisition of wealth which they believe is happiness. Fitzgerald believes the American dream has been skewed and twisted into a race for wealth, a common and debatably true idea. Interestingly, this idea is supported by Fitzgerald again in the book by having Gatsby’s immense wealth be the result of illegal Business. Wealth is a huge aspect of the story, once again nodding to the importance of wealth in American society. …show more content…
It is revealed to readers that Daisy has an iconic “murmur”, as described by Nick in the beginning of the story, “I’ve heard it said that Daisy’s murmur was only to make people lean toward her” (page 4). Daisy’s murmur represents the fame which the American dream holds around the world, and how it is supposedly a farce. By suggesting that Daisy’s murmur is an attempt to make people be near her, Fitzgerald suggests it is a tool used to entice immigrants to join the workforce. Cheap labor has been an essential commodity for the American economy, as it is around the world, and Fitzgerald believes that the American dream may just be a hook for cheap labor. This also once again shows Fitzgerald 's doubt in the reality of the American