Unveiling the American Dream: A Critique on 'The Great Gatsby' through English Eyes

Introduction

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a classic novel that has intrigued readers for generations. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the novel explores the American Dream and its demise through the lens of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire. This article aims to critically analyze “The Great Gatsby” through an English perspective, examining the themes of the American Dream, social stratification, and the decline of the American Dream during the 1920s.

The American Dream

The American Dream is a central theme in “The Great Gatsby.” It represents the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and happiness through hard work, determination, and luck. Gatsby embodies this dream, as he rises from a poor farmer’s son to a wealthy industrialist. However, the novel ultimately reveals the limitations and failures of the American Dream.

Gatsby’s Ascent

Gatsby’s journey to wealth and status is remarkable. He starts as a poor soldier during World War I and, through cunning and ambition, becomes a self-made millionaire. His dream is to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy woman he met during the war. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and status is a testament to the American Dream’s allure.

The Illusion of the American Dream

Despite Gatsby’s achievements, the novel suggests that the American Dream is an illusion. Gatsby’s wealth is built on dishonest means, and his social status is superficial. The novel portrays the American Dream as a hollow pursuit that leads to emptiness and despair.

Social Stratification

Social stratification is another significant theme in “The Great Gatsby.” The novel explores the class divisions and the snobbery that characterize American society in the 1920s.

The East Egg and West Egg

“The Great Gatsby” is set in two rival communities, the East Egg and the West Egg. The East Egg represents the old moneyed elite, while the West Egg is home to the nouveau riche, like Gatsby. The distinction between these two groups is clear, and the novel highlights the social barriers that prevent Gatsby from integrating into high society.

The Buchanan Family

The Buchanan family, headed by Tom and Daisy, represents the epitome of the old moneyed elite. They are wealthy, well-connected, and seemingly perfect. However, their moral decay and lack of empathy reveal the true nature of their class.

The Decline of the American Dream

“The Great Gatsby” also serves as a critique of the American Dream during the 1920s. The novel portrays a society that is decadent, corrupt, and increasingly disconnected from its values.

The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s were a period of economic prosperity and social upheaval. The novel captures the excesses of the era, from the lavish parties to the illegal activities that fueled the economy. However, it also reveals the undercurrent of dissatisfaction and disillusionment.

The Great Depression

The novel’s ending, with the stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression, serves as a metaphor for the decline of the American Dream. The collapse of the economy and the loss of wealth and status for many Americans highlight the fragility of the dream.

Conclusion

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a powerful critique of the American Dream and the social stratification that plagues American society. Through the story of Jay Gatsby, the novel reveals the limitations and failures of the American Dream, while also highlighting the social divisions and decadence of the 1920s. The novel remains a timeless exploration of the human condition and the elusive nature of the American Dream.