The Great Gatsby American Dream Decline Essay

The Decline of the American Dream Everyone knows what the American Dream is or has a dream for himself. Most people have been let down by this dream and become aware that this dream was unrealistic. But, all the while some people have persevered and fully realized their dream. In The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism to portray the decline of the American Dream. In the immediate context of the story Fitzgerald uses color and objects to show the corruption of society and unattainable dreams. For example Fitzgerald describes Tom and Daisy’s house as “red and white.” This symbolizes Daisy’s innocence and Tom’s corruption and sin. This also symbolizes the innocence and sinful intertwined within each other. Later the author describes Gatsby reaching toward the “green light.” The green light symbolizes the American Dream. Also, this shows that no matter how hard he reaches Gatsby can never truly fulfill his dream. Throughout the rest of the story the author continues to uses symbolism to depict despair and fake
The author surrounds Gatsby in color such as "blue waiters" and Gatsby's "blue gardens." Blue represents dreams whether it may be Gatsby's dreams for Daisy and him self or the American Dream that this book is based on. Also, this signifies Gatsby unfulfilled dream and that his dream will never happen. In chapter five the idea of extramarital affairs is even more brought into view, other than Tom and Myrtle, but also with Daisy and Gatsby when Nick asks Daisy not to bring Tom with her to his house for tea ,so that she can meet Gatsby, Daisy responds with "Tom who" and later when Daisy goes over to Gatsby's mansion. This shows that the idea of a steady marriage and the dream to have a perfect life is becoming less important. Also, this shows that despite being married Daisy wants