Gatsby and the American Dream

A·mer·i·can dream

noun

the ideal that every US citizen should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.

1.    How did Gatsby go about achieving the American Dream?

Read: The Green Light and the American Dream

The green light is a multi-faceted piece of symbolism in the book. It's most obvious interpretation is that the light is symbolic of Gatsby's longing for Daisy, but that is too simplistic. Daisy is part of it, but the green light means much more. Gatsby has spent his whole life longing for something better. Money, success, acceptance, and Daisy. And no matter how much he has he never feels complete. Even when he has his large house full of interesting people and all of their attention, he still longs for Daisy.

As Fitzgerald saw it (and as Nick explains in Chapter 9), the American dream was originally about discovery, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness. In the 1920's depicted in the novel, however, easy money and relaxed social values have corrupted this dream. The main plot line of the novel reflects this assessment, as Gatsby’s dream of loving Daisy is ruined by the difference in their respective social statuses, his resorting to crime to make enough money to impress her, and the rampant materialism that characterizes her lifestyle. 

2.   Did the 1920's kill the American Dream with its focus on money and material possessions. Does money really make one happier?  What does Fitzgerald have to say about this judging from his novel?

Read: When Nick talks about the green light at the end of the book he says "It eluded us then, but that's no matter- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms out farther...." . He connects the green light to all people. Everyone has something that they long and search for that is just off in the distance. That is the green light.

3.  What is the green light Americans are all chasing? What should be the American Dream? What is your American Dream? What lessons should we learn for our own lives from The Great Gatsby?