Examples Of Corruption In The Great Gatsby

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The Corruption of the American Dream The American Dream is the notion that people, regardless of their race, gender, or social status, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Many people would describe their American Dream by wanting to own a nice car, a big house, nice clothes, and a happy family. In his novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald specifically touches upon the underlying theme of disillusionment in the American Dream. The novel conveys the corruption of the American Dream through the depiction of wealth, social status, and power during the Roaring Twenties. The main character Gatsby was so blinded by love, that he cheated his way to achieve the American Dream, but that corruption led to his …show more content…
Gatsby exhibits those tendencies and reinvents himself when, “At seventeen he had a new name ready,/ His imagination never really accepted who he was;” (“Not So Green Future” 1-2). When Gatsby changes his name, he creates a new identity to be the picture perfect man in an effort to win over Daisy’s heart. He articulated his parties and meetings to be perfect for Daisy so that she would see him as the wealthy and worthy man for her. It is also stated, “And Gatsby believed in the green light;/ the Orgastic future,” (“Not so Green Future” 8-9). Gatsby believes that the “green light” will make his life become happier by possessing the objects he has always wanted; wealth and Daisy. The green light can be interpreted as a symbol for his aspirations such as money and getting the woman of his dreams. He believes that through money accumulated wealth and high-ranking social status, he will become good enough for Daisy. Furthermore, Gatsby’s dreams start to fade “Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects,/ Had now diminished by one;” (“Not So Green Future” 15-17). As Gatsby becomes more and more blinded by love, the disillusionment of what the American Dream can offer leads to his self-destruction. Since he did not get what he desired, Daisy, the American Dream consumed who he truly
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