C.+Gatsby+Essay

According to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, //The Great Gatsby//, the American Dream is not achievable. The novel argues that it is impossible to attain the dream. Throughout the book, Fitzgerald has twists and turns that contradict the ability to achieve the American Dream. In the book, Gatsby continuously watches a green light across the water. “Involuntarily I glanced seaward- and distinguished nothing except a single green light.” (Fitzgerald, 21) Nick noticed Gatsby watching the light that turned out to be Daisy’s home. Daisy was the woman he was in love with before the war. Gatsby’s American Dream was to be with Daisy, but it never happens, which proves that the American Dream can not be achieved.

Another character who cannot achieve her dream is Myrtle Wilson. Her American Dream was to marry Tom after he left Daisy, but unfortunately for her it never happens. Catherine, her sister, was telling Nick in a very sure voice that “when they do get married, they are going west.” (Fitzgerald, 34) Catherine was talking about Myrtle and Tom in this quote. While Myrtle is convinced he will, Tom never leaves Daisy and Myrtle is just the mistress for Tom and nothing else. Instead of achieving her dream, Myrtle is brutally struck down by Gatsby’s car towards the end. This is another way Fitzgerald tries to prove his case that the American Dream is inachievable.

In the article written by Katharine Q. Seelye, she tries to figure out how the American Dream changes during the recession. She revealed by percentages that more people still believe the American Dream is achievable. “44% said they had actually achieved the American Dream, although 31% said they expect to attain it.” (seelye 1) This shows that even during a dramatic recession, people still believe and have faith that they can achieve the American Dream. Her article argues that the American Dream is achievable and most people do think that they will achieve the dream in their life time.