Essay Example on The American Dream: Success Through Hard Work and Sacrifice

The American Dream refers to the belief that a person, irrespective of where they were born or their class, can accomplish their own form of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone. It is realized through sacrifice, risk-taking, and hard work, and not by chance. It, therefore, offers a rosy opinion of American social order that is ignoring complications like prejudice and discrimination. In the 1920s, America had a tumultuous time because of the increasing issues of immigration and strange income inequality. The "Great Gatsby" was written in the 1920s; hence it cannot represent a positive view of the American dream. At the same time, there was an economic boom that powered the belief any person could rise economically. However, the hasty economic growth was erected on a bubble that dashed in 1929. This paper will explore the American Dream theme in Fitzgerald's novel "Great Gatsby," describing its purpose and the way it is pessimistically demonstrated in the novel.

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The American Dream begins with a positive depiction, but later on, its optimism vanishes due to the tragic ending. From the starting of the novel, the author states, "how her mother had found her packing her bag one winter night to go to New York and say goodbye to a soldier who was going overseas." (Fitzgerald 81). The statement shows the purpose of the American Dream from some optimistic illustrations, as depicted by the people from all races and nationalities moving to New York, which is a city of unexplored possibility. The moment possesses rudiments of the American Dream that is characterized by economic prospect, ethnic and religious diversity. However, this sight ultimately vanishes due to the tragic proceedings that transpire later in the novel. Nick's disdain on people has armored America's ethnic pyramid, which interrupts the prevailing impression of the American Dream. There is a rivalry scene, that is snooty, for a car belonging to Gatsby, and the one for the fashionable Negroes.

Besides, the American Dream is demonstrated as something hard to achieve since it is not within reach. The author, in the first chapter, states "But I didn't call to him for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone-he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and far as I was from him I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock" (Fitzgerald 24). At this point, Gatsby is trying to reach towards some far accomplishment; the thing he wants is seemingly at sight but undeniably not within his reach. The green light mentioned here refers to a famous image that is habitually taken as a portion of The Great Gatsby's contemplation towards The American Dream. It literally depicts the impression that individuals are always trying to reach a goal that is bigger than themselves, and that seems as out of reach. The image is foreshadowing a doomed end as well as depicting Gatsby as a dreamer. He is not like Tom or Daisy, whom the novel reveals were born with money hence not striving anything more.

Furthermore, the American Dream is depicted to be attained through dubious means and thus not beneficial in the long run. Gatsby being a key character in describing the theme of the American Dream, comes from an obliterating humble root since his parents are poor farmers from North America. However, Gatsby is seen rising to be scandalously wealthy, although everything slipped away from him towards the culmination. However, in the traditional American Dream, people attain their objectives by being honest and working hard. Gatsby, however, negates the moral way of acquiring the American dream since he rapidly gains a huge amount of money using crime. Gatsby fails to use the hard work method, although he is in service to Dan Cody for many years, he is not able to work out, and Cody's ex-wife gets the entire inheritance. Therefore, he decides to turn to crime, thus managing to attain his anticipated wealth. Since he got his money in an immoral way, the impression that he is a seamless avatar for the American Dream is completely intricate.

Besides, the American dream is shown as being insufficient to some individuals despite trying to pursue it. George and Myrtle Wilson is a couple that denotes people targeting to achieve the American Dream. Although he has his own shop and is working hard to improve the business, he is still progressively worn down through punitive strains from his life. They are both not empowered because they do not have the money within their reach. Their fate is detrimental since both die. They are depicting a pessimistic nature of the American dream that brings about unjustified consequences for the Wilsons.

Furthermore, the somber nature of the American Dream is depicted as some individuals are unable to pursue it. In chapter six, the author states, "So, he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips' touch, she blossomed for him like a flower, and the incarnation was complete" (Fitzgerald 119). The statement openly bonds Daisy to every bit of Gatsby's grander dream for an improved life, which is his American Dream. At this point, the novel's tragic ending is staged, because Daisy is unable to embrace the heaviness of the dream Gatsby is putting on her. She chose to stay with Tom Buchanan, even though she had feelings for Gatsby. Therefore, when Gatsby is not able to win over Daisy, he still cannot attain his version of the American Dream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the novel "Great Gatsby" gives a pessimistic view of the American Dream. Gatsby uses an immoral way of acquiring the American dream since he rapidly gains a huge amount of money through delinquency. Although George and Myrtle Wilson owned a shop, their American Dream never materialized since they died at the end without achieving because they were never empowered enough. Gatsby's dream was not worth despite what he attained because of the tragic end experienced. The tragic end of the three lives of Gatsby, George, and Myrtle, together with the cynical depiction of the old money mass, demonstrates a dead or fading American Dream. The novel reveals how the wrong pursuit of money and status can bring a downfall instead of striving upwards. The novel is sobering as well as a clear commentary on the dark side of the American dream.

Work Cited

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. "The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald." Wordsworth Editions Limited (2001).