C.+Gatsby+Essay

In the novel, __The Great Gatsby__, the American Dream is idealized. The people in the story push for progression, individualism, and having an Eden. Until they have it people will go to he ends of the world to have it, the greatest example being Gatsby. In the article, “What Happens to the American Dream in a Recession,” the common American Dream is sought out. The American Dream in the novel and in the article is similar. Gatsby, in __The Great Gatsby__, accomplished the American Dream, but would gladly give it up in order to have love. His father had it right when he said, “Do you notice what he’s got about improving his mind” (Fitzgerald 173)? In order to become rich and powerful, one must first become intelligent. That way it is much easier to get a good job to support a person and their loved ones. Gatsby’s goal was not to become rich and powerful for himself, all he wanted was to impress the love of his life and make her happy. “It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely. But a dream of social order in which each man and woman shall be able to attain the fullest stature of which they are innately capable” (seelye 3). The American Dream is about striving to be the best a person can be, not becoming excessively rich. The Great Gatsby shows that poor people are happy with their low paying jobs that the rich and powerful are not happy; they feel empty on the inside. The American Dream is to be happy with what a person is capable of accomplishing. People will always want to become rich and powerful, but they will always know love is more important. “It (the American Dream) eluded us but that’s no matter- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther” (Fitzgerald 180). People will always progress so that they can accomplish the American Dream, no matter what it takes.