Zachary Lacey

3/30/14
Period 8

The American Dream and the Great Gatsby

The American Dream is seen as a fundamental part of the culture and
society of the United States. It represents the idea that everyone regardless
of social class or race can achieve success and happiness if they are willing
to work hard and play by the rules. In F. Scott Fitzgeralds novel, The Great
Gatsby, Jay Gatsby can be seen as the symbol of the American Dream.
Fitzgerald uses characters and landscapes to depict the American Dream
from a variety of perspectives. He highlights both the good and bad parts of
the countrys experience as it strives to achieve success. The novel shows
the conflicts that exist in attaining the dream, as well as the successes and
failures of Americans seeking a better life. Fitzgeralds portrayal of peoples
choices in the pursuit of the dream has an impact on the moral quality of the
story and the outcome of their lives.
On its surface, The Great Gatsby represents the ideal of the American
Dream. It shows through the country estates of East Egg how the very rich
live and how everyone else wants to be like them. Fitzgerald describes the
new rich of West Egg, who inhabited a less fashionable place (5). The rich
lifestyle that Gatsby and others lead, including the lavish homes, cars, and
parties are examples of things that people believe characterize success.
East Egg is a beacon for all who want to attain success, happiness and
prestige. Nick observes the green light at the end of Daisys dock as minute

and far away (21). From this we understand that East Egg is a rarely
attainable world. In characterizing the landscape as a visual representation
of the wealthy, Fitzgerald reveals the wonder of East Egg. He sees it as a
haven of white palacesthat glittered along the water (5).
However, The Great Gatsby also shows a world that doesnt always
uphold the highest ideals of the American Dream or permit success and
happiness to all. This situation appears in many ways throughout the book
and provides a warning to those who think attaining the dream is readily
achievable. Perhaps the best example of the dreams underside is Tom
Buchanan, whose racist views and immorality undermine the spirit of the
dreams purity. Toms view of an exclusive world supports the notion of a
dominant race that has little room for successful newcomers. Weve got to
beat them down (13) Daisy says in mocking her husband Tom. His views
represent the hard reality of the dreams attainment. The Buchanans see
themselves and their world as an entitled class not accountable to others
and often actively preventing others from inclusion in the dream. As if the
dream was not hard enough to achieve for its self, the rich often treated
everyone else with resentment and blocked their efforts at success. The
Buchanans were vain, selfish people and were a part of this effort. Nick sees
their actions as irresponsible when he says, They smashed up things and
creatures (179). More importantly, Nick judges them for retreating back
into their money (179) and letting other people clean up the mess (179).

The Valley of Ashes represents the struggle of the dream itself, the
journey made by immigrants and hard working Americans to gain a better
life. The Valley of Ashes is described as a barren, grey place, where ashes
grow like wheat (23). The valley is located between the teaming city and
the country estates. The struggle in finding happiness in the valley reveals
Fitzgeralds concern in achieving the American Dream. Fitzgerald describes
the people of the valley as men who move dimly and already crumbling
(23). The strange, almost sinister Valley that all must travel through to reach
the wealthy Egg communities, shows how the effort may not be worth the
result. George Wilson essentially gives up on the American Dream. He
expresses his desire to move West, and says Ive been here too long. I want
to get away (123).
For all Fitzgeralds negativity toward the American Dream, he still
provides people a glimmer of hope by way of the billboard of Dr. T. J.
Eckleburg. It looks out over the Valley and its struggling people through
gigantic, optimistic blue eyes as a spiritual representation of hope. God sees
everything (160) George Wilson says about the billboard, but Fitzgerald is
never clear about whether Eckleburg is looking out for the people or just
watching them struggle and doing nothing about it. In The Great Gatsby, the
American Dream has many faces. The old money of East Egg is invested in
maintaining the status quo so they can remain on top. The new money of
West Egg is optimistic and enjoying their new found wealth. In the grey
landscape of the Valley of Ashes, Fitzgerald shows the reality of the common

man caught between the struggle and the promise of hope for the future. In
the end, the American Dream remains as ambiguous as ever.