The Great Gatsby analysis

The American Dream

In “The Great” Gatsby

Kuzmina Maria, 2EC

The concept

• that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. (James Truslow, 1931)

• the belief that everyone in the US has the  chance  to be  successful and happy if they work hard ( Cambridge dictionary )

• the notion that the American social, economic, and. political system makes  success   possible for every   individual (Collins dictionary)

Key words

EQUALITY

FREEDOM

SUCCESS

OPPORTUNITY

HARD WORK

Jay Gatsby

How is he defined within the context of the American Dream ?

Reinvents himself from James Gatz.

Tries to assimilate himself into the rich (old sport).

Parties = freedom

Makes his way to the top (through dubious means)

Barriers to Gatsby’s American Dream

Old money

True dream - Daisy Buchanan

Time and the past

Quotes

“ He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away.” (Chapter 1)

Quotes

“ He hurried the phrase “educated at Oxford,”  or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him now .” (Chapter 4)

“ He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room.” (Chapter 5)

Quotes

  “ No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.” (Chapter 5)

“ The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island,  sprang from his Platonic conception of himself . He was a son of God.” (Chapter 7)

Quotes

“ Tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . And then one fine morning – So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” (Chapter 9)

Conclusion

American Dream is a pipe dream that cannot be realized no matter how hard anyone tries. 

Thanks for your attention !