What Does The American Dream Mean In The Great Gatsby

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People would do anything when it comes to love. They would do the unthinkable just to be noticed. That’s exactly what Gatsby had to go through. The Great Gatsby was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925 and has been highly recognized in society since then. One of the main reasons it is considered a classic American novel is because of its success and relevance to American history. It is also your typical love story that never gets old. In this story, the reader gets a glimpse at Jay Gatsby’s lavish life and his over the top parties that are held every weekend. He is living the American Dream. The story is told by Nick Caraway, a young man from Minnesota who moves to West Egg, Long Island for the summer to learn about the bond business. He …show more content…

He emphasizes a lot on the eyes of doctor T.J. Eckleburg. They are a pair of eyes with glasses painted on an old billboard over the valley of ashes. The eyes have many meanings to them. One being they may represent God looking down upon society and judging them for what they have become. Originally, the American Dream was finding happiness. By the 1920s that moral changed into money brings people happiness. America started growing in commercialism and life centered upon money. People started focusing their desires on wealth. Since the book was written in this era, it’s as if Fitzgerald is looking upon society as well and judging them for their lack in values. Although readers get the feel as if the eyes are from a higher power, it also relates to Fitzgerald judging society for what it has become. However with Fitzgerald’s lyrical prose in telling this dark love story, he was also able to shine some light with his use of imagery. His book represents a work of art. The artistic expression he uses to illustrate this story delights the senses of the readers. Such as, the green light that is brought up numerous times in the novel to represent Gatsby’s goal: winning Daisy’s heart. Also the colors used to give meaning to the characters like the white and gold, which are applied to Daisy to portray her as this innocent …show more content…

It has sold 25 million copies world wide as of 2013, and that number continues to grow. It is one of the main books that are used in academic curriculums throughout schools. Every little word has so much depth and meaning that it’s just hard to skim through the book and be done with it. With all the symbolism, themes, and historical relevance, it is not some literature that can be overlooked. This is why many schools use it. The story itself is a history book, love story, and English literature meshed into one novel. Instructors can teach different aspects from the book and many lessons can be drawn out from

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