Theme Of Corruption Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby
Throughout the last four chapters of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby continues to wear a mask in order to enhance his social status, and he is unable to attain the American dream. Essentially, these two themes relate to each other because Gatsby’s luxurious lifestyle is used as a medium to attain his American dream. He acquires millions of dollars, purchases a mansion on West Egg, and hosts lavish weekend parties in order to associate with a higher social class. Gatsby’s reputation conceals his true identity, and he uses it as a mask to win Daisy over. However, Gatsby’s corrupt nature prevents him from attaining the American dream towards the end of the novel. Firstly, Gatsby’s social status is used as a tool to attain his dream as he continually lies about his wealth. The mysterious individual states that
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he is the heir of a San Francisco family in order to increase his status. Gatsby firmly believes that his lies will grant him a similar social status to Daisy and Tom. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Gatsby as a soldier demonstrates how he is able to hide his social background which is key to his acceptance amongst the upper class. For example, Gatsby “went to her (Daisy’s) house, at first with other officers from Camp Taylor, then alone.” (Fitzgerald 139). Therefore, as a soldier, Gatsby is temporarily accepted into Daisy’s life as his uniform hides his true identity and conveys him as a different person. Additionally, Gatsby’s attempt to come off as an Oxford man hides his true background and causes Daisy to accept him. For example, Gatsby states “I was brought up in America but educated at Oxford because all my ancestors have been educated there for many years. It is a family tradition” (Fitzgerald 65). Despite his wealth and lavish lifestyle, Gatsby pretends to be an Oxford graduate in order to be accepted by Daisy. However, when she learns that he is involved in illegal practices, she distances herself from him so her social status is unaffected. Daisy is unable to accept the negative impact that Gatsby would have on her status as she does not want to give up her superior status. Essentially, Fitzgerald demonstrates that the American Dream is difficult to attain.
Although Gatsby displays a great deal of wealth, he does not possess the same status as the Buchanans due to his working-class background. Gatsby’s American Dream is impossible to attain because of the social class system in the 1920s. His heritage does not produce the same social status as the Buchanan’s heritage leading to his downfall. Daisy chooses a high social class instead of a life with Gatsby which demonstrates the importance of social status in society. Ultimately, every purchase that Gatsby makes and each party that he hosts is part of a grand scheme to win Daisy back. He holds the idea that she is a perfect human being and his only ticket to happiness. However, these unrealistically high expectations ruin their relationship when they are finally together. Gatsby expects to fall in love with the young eighteen-year-old girl that he once knew so well, but his unrealistic hopes cause him to never be satisfied with her. Essentially, this embodies a significant message in the novel in which Americans always wish to achieve more than what they already
have. Ultimately, Gatsby worked extremely hard to increase his social status, but even after attaining the American Dream, he was not satisfied. He soon hoped to win back Daisy from Tom Buchanan and throughout the novel, he wears a mask in order to impress her. Gatsby must portray himself as an individual of a higher social status to be accepted by Daisy. However, when she learns of his illegal actions, she distances herself from him, and Gatsby’s dream comes to a screeching hault. F. Scott Fitzgerald masterfully depicts the importance of social status in the 1920s and his portrayal of Jay Gatsby demonstrates the unattainable nature of the American Dream.
he is the heir of a San Francisco family in order to increase his status. Gatsby firmly believes that his lies will grant him a similar social status to Daisy and Tom. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Gatsby as a soldier demonstrates how he is able to hide his social background which is key to his acceptance amongst the upper class. For example, Gatsby “went to her (Daisy’s) house, at first with other officers from Camp Taylor, then alone.” (Fitzgerald 139). Therefore, as a soldier, Gatsby is temporarily accepted into Daisy’s life as his uniform hides his true identity and conveys him as a different person. Additionally, Gatsby’s attempt to come off as an Oxford man hides his true background and causes Daisy to accept him. For example, Gatsby states “I was brought up in America but educated at Oxford because all my ancestors have been educated there for many years. It is a family tradition” (Fitzgerald 65). Despite his wealth and lavish lifestyle, Gatsby pretends to be an Oxford graduate in order to be accepted by Daisy. However, when she learns that he is involved in illegal practices, she distances herself from him so her social status is unaffected. Daisy is unable to accept the negative impact that Gatsby would have on her status as she does not want to give up her superior status. Essentially, Fitzgerald demonstrates that the American Dream is difficult to attain.
Although Gatsby displays a great deal of wealth, he does not possess the same status as the Buchanans due to his working-class background. Gatsby’s American Dream is impossible to attain because of the social class system in the 1920s. His heritage does not produce the same social status as the Buchanan’s heritage leading to his downfall. Daisy chooses a high social class instead of a life with Gatsby which demonstrates the importance of social status in society. Ultimately, every purchase that Gatsby makes and each party that he hosts is part of a grand scheme to win Daisy back. He holds the idea that she is a perfect human being and his only ticket to happiness. However, these unrealistically high expectations ruin their relationship when they are finally together. Gatsby expects to fall in love with the young eighteen-year-old girl that he once knew so well, but his unrealistic hopes cause him to never be satisfied with her. Essentially, this embodies a significant message in the novel in which Americans always wish to achieve more than what they already
have. Ultimately, Gatsby worked extremely hard to increase his social status, but even after attaining the American Dream, he was not satisfied. He soon hoped to win back Daisy from Tom Buchanan and throughout the novel, he wears a mask in order to impress her. Gatsby must portray himself as an individual of a higher social status to be accepted by Daisy. However, when she learns of his illegal actions, she distances herself from him, and Gatsby’s dream comes to a screeching hault. F. Scott Fitzgerald masterfully depicts the importance of social status in the 1920s and his portrayal of Jay Gatsby demonstrates the unattainable nature of the American Dream.