The Great Gatsby and The American Dream of the 1920’s

If the American Dream is the hope of attaining success, Jay Gatsby of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby by all appearances achieved the American Dream. If success is equal to materialism, then Gatsby was indeed successful. He used his display of wealth and possessions to gain the approval of his true love Daisy Buchanan. Some would argue, however, that this does not represent the American Dream accurately, but is a warning of how materialism can lead to the downfall of individuals and societies. â€Å"The Great Gatsby proves to be of both literary and philosophical significance as it explores deep questions of both the 1920s United States and human beings as a whole.† (tycary, from website Teen Ink) In post WWI 1920s America, society was changing rapidly from its traditional Mid-western values to a more â€Å"Eastern,† modern and open-minded society due to â€Å"new economic prosperity and technological advances that led to an age of rationalism.† (ty cary, from website Teen Ink) Women had been forced out of the home and into the work-place during the war and gained voting rights as well. They were moving toward equality and this freedom allowed them to enjoy activities that were once enjoyed only by men. Prohibition, originating from strict conservatives in the Western US, failed to reduce the crime rate and instead instigated the rise of bootleggers and speak easies. The wealthy spent their time impressing their friends with elaborate parties of drinking, smoking and dancing.Show MoreRelatedThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald992 Words   |  4 PagesAge was a period of great economic, social, and political change happening in the 1920’s. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, however, sees in this a time of boundaryless death, and urban decimation. The Great Gatsby is modeled towards the death of the American dream during the 1920’s. Based on the happening of the 1920’s, this model is certainly reaso nable. F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby use the motifs of materialism, carelessness, and decay seen in the 1920’s in order to show a decimationRead MoreThe American Dream in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerlad832 Words   |  4 Pageshas their own American Dream. These dreams may vary from having a family or becoming a rich business person. The American dream was strongest in our country during the start of the 1920s. America was just beginning to triumph over poverty. People were becoming more successful as a country. Carrie Latet once said, May I never wake up from the American dream. Along with Carrie, this was the wish of the vast majority of America. In 1929, the Great Depression hit and many Americans did have to wakeRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1599 Words   |  7 PagesFrancis Scott Fitzgerald was an author who wrote several books based around his time of life. Fitzgerald lived during the Roaring 20’s and recorded many importan t events and themes that occurred around him. One of Fitzgerald’s most popular novels is named The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is written to reproduce the environment that Fitzgerald was living in. This semiautobiographical work uses fictitious characters to portray how people around Fitzgerald acted and what the overall theme ofRead MoreThe Importance Of The Great Gatsby Essay1687 Words   |  7 Pagesas well as enjoyable. The Great Gatsby is an essential book for all high school students because allows for students to engage in the text through the use of symbolism, it educates students about the different influences of the 1920’s, and instills many important lessons to students that are applicable to any point in time. In F.Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway, the narrator, moves to New York and becomes neighbors with the mysterious Jay Gatsby who once had a love affairRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1271 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican Dream Essay By: Mary C. Watts In his novel,The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald attempted to explore the American Dream during a corrupt period of the 20’s. 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Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby1675 Words   |  7 PagesWhilst analysing and surveying F. Scott Fitzgerald s fulfilling and creative way of writing, I present to you today the body of work in the context of the writers time, discussing and paying attention to the social, historical, cultural and political discourses within the text. F.Scott Fitzgerald constructs a variety of truths throughout the novel, the two truths that where clearly noticeable where â€Å"The American dream† and â€Å"Old and New Money† which greatly supported the normalities of the era, theseRead MoreA Selfish Dream in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitgerald Essay1008 Words   |  5 Pages Originally, th e American dream for the first settlers was for their children, and they would sacrifice everything for freedom of religion, and thought. Although, the American dream in the 1920’s is to live in happiness through financial and social success. For many, this selfish dream is achieved through illegal activity such as bootlegging, and gambling. This dream is mirrored in many novels such as The Great Gatsby. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses Gatsby’s demise to highlight bothRead MoreThe American Dream in The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald1082 Words   |  5 PagesThe 1920’s was a time of great change to both the country lived in as well as the goals and ambitions that were sought after by the average person. During this time, priorities shifted from family and religion to success and spontaneous living. The American dream, itself, changed into a self centered and ongoing personal goal that was the leading priority in most people’s lives. This new age of carelessness and naivety encompasses much of what this earlier period is remembered for. In additionRead MoreF. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby1378 Words   |  6 PagesF. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author during the jazz age. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. He wrote novels and many short stories but he is mostly known for his iconic novel â€Å"The Great Gatsby.† This American Classic, written in 1925 takes place in New York during The Roaring 20’s. The novel revolves around this interesting character named Jay Gatsby. He is from North Dakota, and around 30 years old. Born poor, motivated him to do anything to