Gatsby - American Dream

2 Pages 531 Words

The “American Dream” is best defined as an ideal lifestyle for anyone. Americans find comfort and warmth in three major prospects of life; money, power, and popularity. These are the three main aspects of the “American Dream”. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is the story about Jay Gatsby’s assessment of the American Dream by achieving money, power, and popularity through corrupt and unlawful means.

Although Jay Gatsby went about his success through ways that were both illegal and unconstitutional, he still achieved the kind of money one would need to piece together the “American Dream”. Even though Gatsby did manage to accumulate the kind of wealth he has through corrupt ways, it didn’t seem to effect him the least bit throughout the novel. He seems to live a completely carefree lifestyle, as if the weight of his actions are some how justified through his success. Throughout the novel Jay is very frivolous with his money. For example, his extravagant parties with the entertainment, food, and booze that he supplied. To be able to afford the kind of luxuries that Jay has, is definitely a sign that he has the wealth of someone who has achieved the “American Dream”. And not only did he have the money to show for it, he also had the power.

The kind of power possessed by Jay Gatsby is almost unimaginable for most Americans. He was able to achieve his power through his money and illegal actions. He had the power to anything he wished at any time he wished. He could make himself available or unavailable at anytime. Although it is never directly stated in the novel, it can be ascertained that he was part of a click of people that were involved heavily with the mob. However there is not a single instance during the novel that shows any abuse of Gatsby’s illegally acquired power. Gatsby upholds an image of power alone. With his massive mansion among the miniscule houses around his esta...