Sentiment Of The American Dream Essay

The Sentiment of the American Dream

The American Dream has been a part of the quintessential American experience since the founding of its independence in 1776. People migrated from near and far to test how they would fare in the new world. Throughout the years, this enigma evolved until reaching its final form in the 1920’s: America’s fabled Jazz Age. It was here that the average American had high hopes of making something of him or herself. It was a period of bliss in which one wished to live a luxurious life, and during this time, the luxurious life made itself briefly available for the ones brave enough to chase after it. Now, the American Dream still exists in much of its previous form, but the end goal has become increasingly

In this novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald depicts a story of loss and tragedy wrapped within the greater concept of the American Dream. Focusing on Gatsby, one can see a person who has appeared to have achieved that forlorn American Dream in a rags-to-riches type scenario. He was born into an impoverished family, and after having a taste of the luxurious life with Dan Cody, he sought to change his status permanently. He did what any daredevil, thrill seeker, or adventurous entrepreneur did to attain wealth back then: bootleg liquor for profit. Whether from bravery or foolishness, he became an instant success, earned millions, and could afford most all of what his heart desired. His cover-up backstory that is revealed to Nick, the main protagonist, was to deal with a tale of how he seemed to transpire as one of the seemingly lucky few who fell into money after a supposed tragedy. Gatsbyby was living his normal life when out of nowhere " 'my family all died and I came into a good deal of money '"(Fitzgerald 65). He tried to counteract his wealth a stroke of good luck, when in actuality, it was through his carefully organized and strategized bootlegging of alcohol that he earned his vast amount of wealth and riches. He was able to attain what most deemed the American Dream – luxury, fame, and a lavish lifestyle – through risk and strategy. Achieving the Dream is not so easy today, though. It takes much more than some organized crime to afford the lifestyle led by Gatsby and many other non-fictional people in the Roaring