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The Theme Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

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The Theme Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
“The road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work, drive and passion, it's possible to achieve the American dream.” - Tommy Hilfiger. For most Americans, the definition of the American Dream is a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and a high- class lifestyle for the family and children. This dream is achieved through hard work in a society with some barriers. The American Dream is a desire most people wish to achieve, however, even though this desire is achievable, it can also be easily corrupted. In the novel The Great Gatsby, the theme of the American Dream is clearly present and shown through the wealth, the excessive lifestyle, but more importantly, the downfall of the American Dream. This theme is portrayed by certain characters such as Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan.

Jay Gatsby is a young man who achieved great …show more content…
It became evident that the living the dream only lead to corruption, and a lack of happiness as shown through Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Each character lead a life of wealth and fortune, but they however, were both unhappy in the end. A life where only material things matter can not lead to a life full of happiness. Although the American Dream is ideal for most people, it is far more than just wealth. It is a determined person, who works through the barriers of society to achieve prosperity for their family and children. It was Nick Carraway who saw the corruption of the dream, and realized that even once the dream was achieved, it would never be enough for anyone, as the characters needed more than just the fortune they had. Living the American Dream deemed to be the perfect life, however, it proved to be the reversal in The Great Gatsby. Without love, there is no life- something noticed by Nick Carraway, and experience by each Jay Gatsby and Daisy
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