The Great Gatsby Obstacles

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The Oxford Dictionary defines the American dream as, “The ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative.” Defining the American Dream allows us to recognize how societal forces reshape our communities—stemming from the early days of colonization and the determination of civilians willing to explore the new land that was America. Settlers came seeking religious freedom, economic opportunity, and land ownership. This notion has drastically changed. The way each generation and socioeconomic class interprets this dream differs significantly. For instance, in the Roaring Twenties depicted in The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby epitomizes …show more content…
Directly following the Roaring Twenties was the stock market crash, also known as the Great Depression. Coming off of the high of the Jazz Age, America flipped into a time of economic hardship. The lavish lifestyles stopped and the world turned its attention to widespread poverty, unemployment, and despair. With the crash of the stock market, many people lost their homes, savings, and jobs. They resulted in most of America plunging into poverty. Additionally, because of the influx of people who suddenly had nothing, there were no resources to help them. Many families were forced to move in search of agricultural work opportunities in California. Unfortunately, this led to the phenomenon of okies and arkies. Slang terms for people migrating into California from either Oklahoma or Arkansas. Most of these people were moving because of another underlying issue, such as the Dust Bowl. Okies and Arkies faced heavy discrimination and backlash from Californians. This was because of the huge number of people and the overcrowded living conditions that left California to …show more content…
We can see how both struggled but unfortunately, neither flourished and was able to obtain their American Dream. In conclusion, tracing the evolution of the American Dream, and examining its manifestations through different historical events, led to a clearer understanding of how it shifted. Throughout American history, the prosperity and hardship that define each generation have created a difference that affects the overarching American Dream significantly. From the pioneering spirit of the early settlers to the materialistic pursuits of the Jazz Age, as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." The Dream morphed further, grappling with economic upheavals and social injustices, as vividly captured in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." Each revealed a nuance of the Dream, reflecting the societal values and challenges of its time. As we contemplate the future, we are called to reevaluate and redefine the American Dream, to make it more inclusive and equitable. By embracing the complexity and potential of the American Dream, we can aspire to a future where the Dream truly encompasses the aspirations of all Americans, regardless of background or
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