american dream
Leigh Hadaway
Honors Grammar
Mrs. Lindsey
March 10, 2014
The American Dream: 1920s and Today The 1920s were new times for Americans. Wealth, leisure, and social events replaced the frugality and hard work that had defined America for decades before. A country built on the backbone of ingenuity and a “work before play” philosophy was transformed into a wasteful, carefree time. Gatsby fulfils the typical embodiment of the 1920s American dream; a man squandering his fortune on lavish parties, expensive clothes, and the best entertainment to ensure his popularity in the social rankings. Although he seemed fulfilled and pleased with his life, his soul was hollow and empty. No amount of money could fill the place where his one true love, Daisy, was meant to be. Many other Americans were like Gatsby in the 1920s, building a façade of happiness with money, lust, and social statuses, only to be shallow and hurt because of lack of morals, loss of true love, and a greed for more wealth. Though not all Americans were like this in the 1920s, we can see examples of these types of characters in the Great Gatsby through Daisy, Tom, and Jordan. Harshly, the 1920s compared to the 1930s can be associated with these characters; at first they are overwhelmed with prosperity, continually seeking the utmost means of wealth, which they believe will buy them love and true happiness. After the shine of success becomes dull, they are left with no morals, fabricated love, and no sense of true belonging. Parallel to the 1930s, victims of this time of greed are sent into a downward spiral of moral poverty. In 21st century America, the American dream is very similar to the one illustrated in 1920s. The Gatsby’s of America consume themselves with material things in efforts to win the hearts of those they love. Fame and fortune remain a top priority for many Americans, and extremes are taken in determination to achieve these goals. As in the Great Gatsby, we see many celebrities
Honors Grammar
Mrs. Lindsey
March 10, 2014
The American Dream: 1920s and Today The 1920s were new times for Americans. Wealth, leisure, and social events replaced the frugality and hard work that had defined America for decades before. A country built on the backbone of ingenuity and a “work before play” philosophy was transformed into a wasteful, carefree time. Gatsby fulfils the typical embodiment of the 1920s American dream; a man squandering his fortune on lavish parties, expensive clothes, and the best entertainment to ensure his popularity in the social rankings. Although he seemed fulfilled and pleased with his life, his soul was hollow and empty. No amount of money could fill the place where his one true love, Daisy, was meant to be. Many other Americans were like Gatsby in the 1920s, building a façade of happiness with money, lust, and social statuses, only to be shallow and hurt because of lack of morals, loss of true love, and a greed for more wealth. Though not all Americans were like this in the 1920s, we can see examples of these types of characters in the Great Gatsby through Daisy, Tom, and Jordan. Harshly, the 1920s compared to the 1930s can be associated with these characters; at first they are overwhelmed with prosperity, continually seeking the utmost means of wealth, which they believe will buy them love and true happiness. After the shine of success becomes dull, they are left with no morals, fabricated love, and no sense of true belonging. Parallel to the 1930s, victims of this time of greed are sent into a downward spiral of moral poverty. In 21st century America, the American dream is very similar to the one illustrated in 1920s. The Gatsby’s of America consume themselves with material things in efforts to win the hearts of those they love. Fame and fortune remain a top priority for many Americans, and extremes are taken in determination to achieve these goals. As in the Great Gatsby, we see many celebrities