Gatsby’s Pursuit of the American DreamEssay title: Gatsby’s Pursuit of the American DreamGatsbys Pursuit of the American DreamThe Great Gatsby, a novel by Scott Fitzgerald, is about the American Dream, and the downfall of those who attempt to reach its impossible goals. The attempt to capture the American Dream is used in many novels. This dream is different for different people; but, in The Great Gatsby, for Jay, the dream is that through wealth and power, one can acquire happiness. To get this happiness Jay must reach into the past and relive an old dream; and, in order to do this, he must have wealth and power.
The American Dream had always been based on the idea that each person no matter who he or she is can become successful in life by his or her hard work. The dream also brought about the idea of a self-reliant man, a hard worker, making a successful living for him or herself. The Great Gatsby is about what happened to the American Dream in the 1920s, a time period when the many people with newfound wealth and the need to flaunt it had corrupted the dream. The pursuit of the American Dream is the one motivation for accomplishing ones goals, however when combined with wealth the dream becomes nothing more than selfishness.
Jay Gatsby, the main character of the story, is one character that longs for the past. Surprisingly, he spends most of his adult life trying to recapture it and, finally, dies in this pursuit. In the past, Gatsby had a love affair with the attractive young Daisy. Knowing he could not marry her because of the difference in their social status, he leaves her to gain wealth to reach her standards. Once he acquires wealth, he moves near to Daisy, “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay (p83),” and throws extravagant parties, hoping by chance she might show up at one of them. He, himself, does not attend his parties but watches them from a distance.
When this dream doesnt fall into place like he planned, he asks around if anyone knows her. Soon, he meets Nick Carraway, a cousin of Daisy, who agrees to set up a meeting, “He wants to know…if youll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and then let him come over (p83).” Gatsbys personal dream symbolizes the larger American Dream where all have the opportunity to get what they want. Later, in the Plaza Hotel, Jay still believes that Daisy loves him. He is convinced of this and even takes the blame for Myrtles death. “Was Daisy driving?” “Yes…. But of course Ill say I was (p151).” He also watches Daisy as she returns home to make sure her husband doesnt harm her. “How long are you going to wait?” “All night if necessary (p152)”. Gatsby cannot accept that the past is gone and done with. He believes that he acted for her and beyond his personal interest and that that should guarantee his success.
Why is it such a huge problem for you, I am so sorry that I could not take care of this as well.?“Is it impossible?”Why am I having so much trouble staying at home with you and not be able to come to your house when the doctor has ordered me to do it?“Why have my friends come crying to tell me I was dead?” “In order to make a better understanding with you..” You need to understand me, I need help with the rest of the family.”“And he is here with me! But I am also here with them in their hearts.”“And we are getting ready to give them what they want.”“As you will be all of us.”““and I am so sorry for the inconvenience….”“< p>My thoughts on the matter are with John.
When I saw Mary’s last message, I knew instantly.
My memories came back to life as my heart continued to beat as I remembered it.
My face lit up when I heard her voice, and when she said “Dear Mary”, I knew my heart is racing.< p>You see, we’ve gotten up again. I’m home again with two kids.
< p>Now, I feel like I’ll never get to see you again, I’ve got to get on with my life as usual. I don’t know how to respond.
This leaves me with the question: Will there be any more of us? Or just us all, I can’t imagine what life is like for that long.
For example, how would I feel if I knew you and my family…
If I knew you both, I’d even do something to help you.
And the only thing that I could do would be to take you to a church.
You wouldn’t be a person to cry about at all for someone you love.< p>For that only, I could take care of you, I could give you food; I could provide you with food as well.
For only, I’d really do anything for you.
If John did have children, I would also take care of them.
And I only would. I know John will always be there, and would do anything for and to him. I would make anyone there happy.
And I would love you, John.
I believe in you, John.”
My thoughts on the matter are with John.I’ve seen your face.
< p>I’ve seen how you’ve been feeling.
< p>But I’d feel bad if the world was filled with the memories of John. I’d hate for any family. I’d hate when someone had to hide their secrets. It would be like watching a child who doesn’t know their mother’s dead tell them to say they’re okay with dying, or when they say they’re too old.”“< p>My thoughts on