F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is often seen as a critique of the American Dream, a concept that represents the belief that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and prosperity.

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While the novel explores the pursuit of the American Dream, it also exposes its darker side and the disillusionment that can accompany it. Here are critical comments on the concept of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”:

Materialism and Hedonism:

One of the central criticisms in the novel is the association of the American Dream with materialism and hedonism. The characters in the story, particularly Gatsby himself, often measure success in terms of wealth and opulence. The pursuit of the American Dream becomes entangled with the pursuit of superficial pleasures, leading to a sense of emptiness and moral decay.

Illusion vs. Reality:

Gatsby’s entire life is built around the illusion of the American Dream. His extravagant parties and wealth are an attempt to win back Daisy Buchanan and relive a past that never truly existed. The novel suggests that the American Dream, for Gatsby, is more about the pursuit of an idealized version of the past than a tangible, achievable goal.

Class Divide and Social Stratification:

“The Great Gatsby” highlights the class divide and social stratification inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby, despite his wealth, is unable to break into the upper echelons of society, revealing the limitations and exclusions embedded in the American Dream. The novel portrays a society where social mobility is not as straightforward as the Dream suggests.

Corruption and Moral Decline:

The pursuit of the American Dream in the novel is often accompanied by corruption and moral decline. Characters engage in dubious activities, such as bootlegging and adultery, in their quest for success. This suggests that the Dream, when pursued without moral scruples, can lead to ethical compromises and the erosion of personal integrity.

Failure of the Dream:

The tragic ending of the novel serves as a commentary on the failure of the American Dream for some characters. Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy, despite his wealth and parties, ultimately leads to his demise. The novel questions whether the American Dream is an attainable goal for everyone or whether it remains an elusive and unattainable ideal.

Inequality and Lack of Social Justice:

“The Great Gatsby” critiques the idea that the American Dream is equally accessible to all. The stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy, represented by characters like Tom Buchanan, and the less privileged, such as George Wilson, underscores the inequalities embedded in the pursuit of the Dream.

Symbolism of the Green Light:

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock serves as a powerful symbol in the novel. It represents Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and desires. The symbolism suggests that the American Dream, for Gatsby, is a distant and unreachable goal, forever receding into the future.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” provides a critical commentary on the concept of the American Dream, revealing its complexities, illusions, and shortcomings. The novel questions whether the Dream, as it is often portrayed, is a sustainable and fulfilling pursuit or whether it can lead to disillusionment and moral compromise. Fitzgerald’s portrayal suggests that, for some characters, the American Dream remains an elusive and ultimately unattainable ideal.