The Great Gatsby

The symbolism of the American Dream in the novel 'The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald in his novel The Great Gatsby explores a number of issues concerning the life of Americans during the 1920s . The main theme of the book represents the result of a new , corrupt perception of the American Dream a new idea about the vulgar pursuit of wealth and pleasure takes over the old values and the initial motives of the dream

The idea of the American Dream is based on the statement that any person , regardless to his /her social background

, origin , or material possessions , could lead a successful life as long as he /she is ready to demonstrate enough effort and skill in order to reach his /her personal goals . The dream created an ideal of a self-made person and became an inspiration for many lower class Americans

In the Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald exposes the corruption of the American Dream . He shows how the ideals of begetting a successful future through the hard work turned into a blind pursuit of wealth , power , pleasure and the illusion of success . The author describes the latter through the events that take place in the lives of the main heroes of the book . They are Nick , who is both the observer and the storyteller Gatsby , who is the central character of all events , and is a perfect example of a false perception of the dream Jordan , Daisy , and Tom , who are the obvious product of the corruption of the dream

After the World War I , the situation on the American market supported the increase in the national wealth people began to spend more money and consume more products . Basically , a person with any background and social status had a potential to make big profits although the American aristocracy rejected the newcomers with rapidly growing capitals Furthermore , the release of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919 , which had a purpose to ban any legal sales of alcohol , initiated the growth of the black market , through which different kinds of alcoholic beverages were distributed illegally

A reader can observe in the book a strong contrast drawn between different social classes . Specifically , it distinguishes the newly rich Americans , who had recently acquired their wealth , and the old aristocratic elite , who inherited all their material possessions . In the book , these two classes are also divided geographically : West Egg represents the newly rich , and East Egg represents the old aristocracy The West Eggers are described as vulgar , unintelligent , tasteless , and lacking in social manners and grace people . For instance , Gatsby is living in a giant mansion full of all kinds of useless items . He throws rich parties every Saturday night only to fit in the aristocratic society . On the other hand , the old money ' possess good taste manners , and elegance , which can be observed in the lifestyle of Tom and Daisy Buchanan 's

However , the nice appearance of the aristocracy is only a first impression . In their substance , there is a complete absence of common sense and...