Why The American Dream Fail In The Great Gatsby

Words: 747
Pages: 3

Richard Hagan
Maggert
English 3 Honors
09 April 2017
The Dream The American dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of race, class, gender, or nationality, can be successful in America if they work hard enough. In The Great Gatsby Scott Fitzgerald, the American dream is discussed and thought about in many different ways. Many people want the riches in life, only they don’t want to put in the effort towards it. Although some people do try to obtain the “American dream” lifestyle many still seem to fail. When someone does achieve the goal of having riches, they seem to live the better life while others are working hard to get the “American dream.” Mankind should always work to their fullest potential as does James Gatz, coming from a less
…show more content…
A man named Tom attempts to use his money to keep his wife by bribing her with presents that are very expensive. For Tom and Daisy’s wedding Tom purchased a $350,000 pearl necklace for her present showing that he has tons of riches. On their honeymoon Daisy was already in love now, assuming that the wedding present she received is why. Knowing that Daisy is already in love during their honeymoon shows that she is wanting nothing but the American dream. Daisy basically fell in love with a stranger for money, “I’m going to make a big request of you today,” he said, pocketing his souvenirs with satisfaction, “so I thought you ought to know something about me. I didn’t want you to think I was just some nobody. You see, I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to …show more content…
Sadly, not many will achieve the American dream, they are either too lazy or aren’t on the right path. Many people are depressed with their life because they know they won’t be able to reach the wealth and success of others, but they don’t realize if they work hard enough anything is possible. “His heart beat faster and faster as Daisy’s white face came up to his own. He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God. So he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips’ touch she blossomed for him like a flower and the incarnation was complete.” Gatsby is showing that Daisy stays with Tom Buchanan, despite her feelings for Gatsby knowing, Gatsby now knowing he can’t win her over fails to achieve the American Dream that he has