Death Of A Salesman And The Great Gatsby Analysis

Throughout out the novels, The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman, characters display the theme of the American Dream. Jay Gatsby and Willy Loman both share similarities along with differences in their view of the American Dream. The American Dream not only influences these characters beliefs, but also their motives, choices, and behavior. Both characters in the novel were both motivated by the ones that around them that influenced their idea of the American Dream. Gatsby can be described as a successful attempt of the classic American Dream since he has come from rags to riches as shown in the novel. Although to many he may seem successful, the only thing he wishes to succeed in is being with Daisy, his one true love which is what
Jay Gatsby has taken drastic measures to pursue his dream of being with Daisy. He held extravagant parties every weekend in hopes that Daisy will come since he knows that she likes big parties. He also bought the house across the bay from Daisy so that he could be closer to her even though after five years she was already a married woman. It is stated in the text, ““It was a strange coincidence,” I said. “But it wasn’t a coincidence at all” “Why not?” “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” He made many great efforts to be closer to Daisy and catch her attention. He is willing to sacrifice everything he has for Daisy, including his life. When Daisy killed Myrtle by hitting her with Gatsby’s car while drunk driving, Gatsby is able to take the blame for Myrtle’s death which costs him his life. When Wilson finds out that Gatsby was accused of Myrtle’s death, he kills him a few days later. Gatsby was willing to sacrifice everything he had to ensure a better life for Daisy, the person he loved the most. In the Death of a Salesman, Willy betrays the people closest to him which costs him his life as well. He is found cheating on his wife, Linda, with another woman and his son catches him in the act. When he is first caught, Willy denies everything that happened saying he was just using the restroom but Biff does not believe and he goes on to call him a “liar” and a “phony little fake”. Biff proves how much Willy has neglected his family, although Willy may not seem to realize it. Willy also had the option of making a great deal of money from his brother to go live in Alaska, but he turned down the offer which led to him being a poor salesman. Due to all his failures, Willy ends up killing himself in a car accident because of the tragic life that he lived. Both characters decisions end up costing them their lives although Gatsby does it to