In the United States in the 1920s, a period known as the "Jazz Age", economic prosperity and social change brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges. It reflects the era background that F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece The Great Gatsby was born, which not only captured the style of that era, but also explored the complexity of the American dream more deeply. F. Scott Fitzgerald's analysed deeply the American society in the 1920s.He also revealed the the insurmountable class gap and the unattainable American dream. Through the tragic fate of Gatsby, the novel shows the brilliance and darkness of the American dream, as well as the conflict between personal pursuit and social reality. Gatsby's American dream has both a glorious side and a dark side. His dreams and pursuits seemed fragile and powerless in the face of reality, which eventually led to his tragedy destiny.
The Glory of a Dream: Gatsby's Pursuit
Gatsby's story begins with his infinite longing for the American Dream. He believes that with enough effort, he can change his own destiny and obtain everything he desires——wealth, status, and Daisy, the woman he loves deeply.
His mansion and lavish parties are the external manifestations of his dream. He hopes to draw Daisy's attention through these and rekindle their love. Gatsby's American Dream is a dream about personal struggle and self - realization.
The Dark Side of Gatsby's American Dream
However, the novel also reveals the dark side of the American Dream. Gatsby's wealth comes from unidentified sources, which was a sensitive topic in American society at the time. His wealth may have come from illegal activities, reflecting the moral laxity and blind pursuit of wealth in American society during the 1920s. Furthermore, despite Gatsby's wealth, he still fails to fully integrate into high society. His background and the source of his wealth subject him to suspicion and exclusion, indicating that although the American Dream emphasizes equal opportunity, social class and prejudice remain insurmountable barriers.
Gatsby's tragic ending further exposes the disillusionment of the American Dream. His death symbolizes the shattering of his dreams, as he failed to achieve his wish to reunite with Daisy and gain genuine social recognition. This suggests that the American Dream is not always attainable, and personal aspirations can sometimes be defeated by the harshness of reality.
The Essence and Lesson of the American Dream in Gatsby
The so called American Dream in The Great Gatsby is not a criticism to the aristocracy but also a mercy to the bottom people.His tragedy shows the crowd mentality when people do not know the truth of things as well as it shows people's greed for wealth.The truth is love cannot ordeal and be judged by time and wealth.This novel reminds us that although the American Dream provides infinite possibilities, it also comes with challenges and difficulties. In the process of pursuing dreams, individuals need to face and overcome the obstacles of reality, and also reflect and examine their own behaviors and values.
文案|20203级9班代鸿圣 徐梓涵 鲜婷婷
图片|2023级9班阿丽娜 孟宏宾
排版|2023级9班阿丽娜 孟宏宾
指导教师|任虎军
