The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel which is set in the Roaring Twenties, a time characterized by the pursuit of wealth, luxury and the American Dream. The American Dream is an idea that resonates with many people, as it essentially states that anyone can achieve success and wealth through hard work and determination. The novel follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a man who has achieved wealth and status through shady means. He is obsessed with the idea of reclaiming the past and his love for Daisy Buchanan. It soon becomes apparent that Gatsbys pursuit of Daisy is a metaphor for his pursuit of the American Dream.
Gatsbys dream was to create his own version of the American Dream, with money and status as its foundation. He believed that if he could find the right person, he could achieve the perfect life. However, his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan was not only doomed to failure but was also a misguided attempt at achieving the American Dream. Daisy was already married to Tom Buchanan and had no intention of leaving him. Even if she had been interested in Gatsby, his wealth was not enough to win her heart.
Ultimately, Gatsbys dream was a flawed one, as it did not recognize the inherent moral and ethical implications of pursuing wealth and status. His obsession with Daisy and his belief that wealth alone could lead him to happiness was misguided. Gatsbys dream was an unrealistic interpretation of the American Dream and it ultimately led to his downfall.
The Great Gatsby serves as a warning about the dangers of chasing after fame and wealth, rather than pursuing true happiness. It also serves as a reminder that the American Dream should be contextually understood and interpreted in order to be properly achieved. Despite Gatsbys failure, Fitzgeralds message remains clear: it is possible to find success by striving for a better future, instead of simply pursuing material wealth.
