The American Dream
This week we analyzed The Great Gatsby, and that Social hierarchy was mentioned often. Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby are all the epitome of wealth. Though they all are wealthy and are at the top of the food chain, they achieve the much-desired "American Dream" in different ways. The goal in the 1900s was to become very successful and live a good life, but Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby take a different perspective on this matter.
Jay Gatsby, the cliche story of rags to riches, is what most people would think of when achieving "The American Dream". Gatsby knew what he wanted and built his whole life around making a name for himself and being able to receive anything he wanted. When Gatsby puts his mind on something he will get it done. We can see this in the way he goes after Daisy. Even after all those years, he does not stop until he gets Daisy and gets to love and stay with her. People like Gatsby are those who achieve success when there is not even anything to start with. If people knew his real backstory and not his made-up tale, it would be inspiring.
Tom Buchanan represents another view of the American Dream. His story is very different from Jay Gatsby's. Tom was born into wealth and is "old money". He is privileged enough to experience a life of luxury and prestige. Tom's dream is less about achieving his wealth but maintaining and keeping it for himself in the use of power. His character's perspective gives the darker side of the American dream in which when one has power, that power will usually be used for exploitation and control, this can be observed in the way he thinks of his money as an excuse to be able to control Daisy. He is the rich man and a rich will always be put on a pedestal and desired.
And lastly Daisy. She represents the happiness that the American Dream might give us. Daisy throughout the book is not happy. She has everything she could ever want. A wealthy life, a wealthy and powerful husband, and more. But she is always in search of happiness. She is not treated properly by her husband so she gets her happiness elsewhere. Daisy represents that the American Dream will not always fulfill one's happiness.
These 3 characters throughout the book represent a little piece of the American dream by themselves but show what it means successful as we continue to read the book.
I really liked how you compared how these three characters each represent the American Dream in three different ways! I would really like to see more analysis in their characters, because this felt a bit like a summary of each person. I feel like there is a lot more depth to them and how not only their statuses (like you mention) represent the America dream, but their actions as well. But still, nice job!
ReplyDeleteI used to think it was just Gatsby who represented the American Dream, but it's interesting reading about a new perspective. Now that I think about it, it does make sense how all three main characters represent different aspects of the American Dream!
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