Gatsby's Vision of the American Dream

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the history of the American dream and how it has evolved over time. The paper then analyzes F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby" and discusses how he presents the concept of the American dream. The paper shows how, in his work of fiction, Fitzgerald demonstrated the relationship between the American Dream and wealth, as well as how we all seem to strive for a simpler, better time.

From the Paper:

"Nick acts as the narrator and is therefore able to step away and place things into perspective. His narration seems to show the cynicism Fitzgerald felt for these young socialites and therefore the American Dream. His manner of speaking shows the reader that he thinks more highly of himself than he does of the other characters in the novel. He stated, "Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known." (64) Nick seems to dislike all of the characters except for Gatsby. "Gatsby has an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again." (6) Nick's frustration may be because of the fact that he left the mid-west where he was raised to become a stock broker in New York. However he did not get rich, but everywhere he turns he sees immoral people who are very wealthy."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Simon & Schuster Inc: New York, 1925
• Schultz, Stanley K. & Tishler, William P. American History 102. Lecture 15: The Politics of Prosperity. University of Wisconsin. Madison, WI. 1999.
• The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. 2006. National Archives and Records Administration. 14 November 2006 <http://hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/Hooverstory/gallery03.html>
• U.S. History.com. 2002-2005. Online Highways. 14 November 2006 <http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1564.html>
• Wikipedia. 21 Nov. 2006. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 21 November 2006 <http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920s>

More papers on Gatsby's Vision of the American Dream:

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• Book Review # 104385 : "F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"

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