The American dream exists as a driving force in the daily lives of the characters in The Great Gatsby. From the most important, Nick, to the least important, Jordan, each person gains access to their dream by being born into, marrying into, or befriending those in the sought after lifestyle of glamour in the 1920s. Everyone has their own version of the American dream, and in The Great Gatsby, the pursuit of this dream either enhances the character’s life, or leads to their demise.
In the 1920s the notion of the American dream differed from the idea of the dream now in the 21st century. When the 20th century began, Americans still enjoyed the aspect of equality among men, not across racial lines, but across social lines. Because of this, men searched for social approval in success and …show more content…
“Tom believes that he has natural superiority. He 's better than everyone else because of his family, his "blood," his station in life” (Tom). This arrogant man believes he overtakes everyone else because of his name, and social class, and achieves his dream this way. Women, on the other hand, achieved their American dream by marrying someone, benefiting from their wealth, and having children. Nevertheless, women and men would depend on other people to achieve their goals in life. In recent years, the American dream changed to men and women wanting money just to become rich. Women became more independent of men, and inspired, went out into the world to find success dependent upon only themselves. The only character in The Great Gatsby who resembles the modern idea of the American dream for a woman is the enigmatic Jordan Baker. While Daisy and Jordan become best friends early on in their lives, their interpretation of the way to become successful differs greatly. Daisy has a traditional outlook on how to achieve happiness. She married a rich man and lived a luxurious life with the attention
In the 1920s the notion of the American dream differed from the idea of the dream now in the 21st century. When the 20th century began, Americans still enjoyed the aspect of equality among men, not across racial lines, but across social lines. Because of this, men searched for social approval in success and …show more content…
“Tom believes that he has natural superiority. He 's better than everyone else because of his family, his "blood," his station in life” (Tom). This arrogant man believes he overtakes everyone else because of his name, and social class, and achieves his dream this way. Women, on the other hand, achieved their American dream by marrying someone, benefiting from their wealth, and having children. Nevertheless, women and men would depend on other people to achieve their goals in life. In recent years, the American dream changed to men and women wanting money just to become rich. Women became more independent of men, and inspired, went out into the world to find success dependent upon only themselves. The only character in The Great Gatsby who resembles the modern idea of the American dream for a woman is the enigmatic Jordan Baker. While Daisy and Jordan become best friends early on in their lives, their interpretation of the way to become successful differs greatly. Daisy has a traditional outlook on how to achieve happiness. She married a rich man and lived a luxurious life with the attention