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Great Gatsby Paper
t Lucas Wolter
Mr. Deibert
Adv. Comp./ Am. Lit.- 2
17 January 2012

Many books have a specific theme. A specific theme in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is the American Dream. The American Dream is having material success, family, equality, and that you worked hard to earn success. The theme of The American Dream is shown in the main character in the book, Jay Gatsby. Jay Gatsby, the main character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby symbolizes the American dream. The American dream offers faith in the possibility of a better life. From the beginning, he appears to be a self-made, wealthy man, and is a good example of how hard work can lead to material success. Although he is the child of unsuccessful farmer, he manages to cross a social barrier and overcome his lowly childhood. He is able to raise himself to his high social class through hard work and perseverance. The one reason that Gatsby is determined to achieve material wealth is to recapture the love that he once shared with Daisy. Gatsby’s perception of the American Dream is where the appealing hero himself, becomes extremely successful and wealthy and wins the love back of Daisy. Gatsby’s dreams prevent Nick from witnessing the moral corruption in Gatsby that he sees in Tom and Daisy. Before Nick leaves to return home, he yells out “They’re a rotten crowd! You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together!” The theme of the American Dream in Great Gatsby is mostly based on the character Jay Gatsby, For example, in the following quote, “He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way...and distinguished nothing except a single green light.” This quote shows how Gatsby was trying to reach his goals. When the dream was new, Gatsby had motivation and self disipline. This quote talks about Gatsby's daily schedule and how in the earlier days he upheld the American Dream "No wasting time at Shafters, No more smoking or chewing, Read one improving book or

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