The Elusive American Dream

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the characteristics of America during the era of F. Scott Fizgerald's "The Great Gatsby", and relates that during this period America struggled between two polar tendencies: unalloyed idealism and absolute pragmatism. The paper analyzes how this opposition is reflected symbolically, in Fitzgerald's novel, in the contrast between the romantic Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. The paper also focuses on Daisy's role and her shift from idealism to superficiality and materialism.

Outline:
Introduction - Characteristics of America in Gatsby's Times
Gatsby's World
Tom Buchanan - Gatsby's Antithetical Character
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The history of America itself is the main inspiration for Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby. Since the discovery of the continent, America struggled between two polar tendencies: unalloyed idealism and absolute pragmatism. These opposites are not merely ideologies reflected in the American culture, but actual realities blended in the destiny of the nation. In The Great Gatsby, this opposition is reflected symbolically in the contrast between the Romantic Gatsby and the other characters in the novel, Tom Buchanan and Daisy especially. By contrast, Nick Carraway seems to represent orderliness and neutrality, while all the other characters lead a full and exuberant life. The steps of the narrative follow Gatsby's fall and that of the American Dream along with it."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: New Directions, 2000.

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• Term Paper # 95521 : "The American Dream in Literature"
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• Analytical Essay # 46774 : "White Noise" and "American Beauty"

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