Gatsby paper

American Dreams in the Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitsgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, tells of socio economic themes in 1920’s America. Fitzgerald's story seems like a simple love story, but uncovers a deeper meaning of the American dream, one that, rather than focuses on the pursuit of happiness, focuses on the pursuit of wealth and materialism. The meaning of Fitzgerald’s story still holds true. The American dream today is focused more with materialism, wealth, and power, rather than being happy.

    When we are first introduced to Jay Gatsby, “he stretched his arms toward the dark water in a curious way...I could have sworn he was trembling. I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light”(21). We later learn that the green light that he is reaching for is the light at the end of Daisy’s pier. He is shown symbolically reaching for this green light because this light is attached to the dream he has been chasing for a long time and is now very close to achieving. Upon reuniting with Daisy, he learns that she is bored with her life. Daisy is amazed when she is brought to Gatsby’s mansion and realizes how extraordinary his life is. Gatsby thinks that he can win Daisy over from Tom with his wealth and disregards her connection with Tom. Nick even mentions to Gatsby that he can’t recreate this ideal relationship he had with Daisy so long ago and Jay responds, “‘Can’t repeat the past?...Why of course you can!...I’m going to fix everything just the way it was before”(110). At this point in the book Gatsby is not looking for Daisy’s love, he is looking for that Ideal relationship he once had long ago. He believes that in order to complete his dream, he needs Daisy. In Gatsby’s eyes, Daisy is no longer a person, but a materialistic item that will make his successes complete.

    We also see this greed in the short story, The Rich Brothers, as well. Pete is willing to sacrifice his relationship with his brother Donald due to Donald’s financial status. Pete was the successful brother who had a family and was very wealthy whereas his brother Donald was the opposite. He is described as “...Bony, grave, and obsessed with the fate of his own soul”(73). Where Pete was a man of business who cared greatly about other people's social status and was embarrassed of his brother, Donald was more spiritual and lived to help others. Pete is willing to throw out the relationship he had with his brother because of his willingness to give to others. “No you won’t pay me back. You can’t. You don’t know how. All you’ve ever done is take. All your life”(89). Pete does not see Donalds charity as giving to others who are in need, but as taking from his own wealth. So Pete decides to get rid of his brother in order to protect his wealth.