![]() ![]() Fitzgerald uses Gatsby’s devastating realization to criticize people’s perception of the American Dream as simply the “culmination of wealth” (Pumphrey). However, even after seemingly fulfilling his dream by becoming filthy rich, those who inherited their wealth still treat Gatsby as an outsider -namely, the Buchanans. Born penniless, James Gatz, or Jay Gatsby, was determined to achieve his own American Dream the only way he knew how: by attaining massive wealth by whatever means necessary. Then, as now, many Americans believed that “anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone” (Barone). One very evident theme in Fitzgerald’s novel is the Pursuit of the American Dream during the 1920s. Other themes - such as obsession with the past or dysfunctional relationships - all tie in with this singular idea of the vanity of pursuing wealth as the only means to true happiness and success. The Great Gatsby lends itself to many themes, but the primary purpose of the novel is to provide a sharp criticism of the American Dream as defined during the 1920s. ![]() The Destructive Nature of Dysfunctional Relationships. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |