The Great Gatsby - the Unachievable Dream - 2188 Words

Devorah Joseph Mr. Kenny ENG4U 28 March 2011 The Unachievable Dream â€Å"Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is one of the most influential and famous phrases in the United State’s Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence encapsulates the original conception of the American Dream – the notion that every individual, regardless of their social upbringing, could have the opportunity to reach their full potential and live a comfortable lifestyle. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby takes place during the early 1920s--a time period that demonstrates the pursuit of happiness, opportunity, freedom, equality and finally the American Dream. Myrtle Wilson, a significant character in The Great Gatsby, tries to pursue†¦show more content†¦She ends up giving her life to Tom and getting killed by her own desires (Fitzgerald 93). Through Myrtle’s death, Fitzgerald conveys that dwelling too much on material objects cannot bring about a positive resolution; materialism can only bring about destructi on. Destruction and corruption are shown through cars as well. Drinking impairs judgement and decreases inhibitions. Many of the characters drink as a pastime and drive under the influence. Since cars represent the American Dream, and drinking becomes a way of life, one can conclude that the characters go about achieving the American Dream in a misguided and dangerous manner. Myrtle tries to satisfy her desires by seeking wealth and status in attempts of achieving her American Dream. Myrtle’s husband, George, owns a car dealership and repair shop in the industrial wasteland of the Valley of Ashes, which depict his lower class. In describing Georges shop, Fitzgerald notes â€Å"The interior was unprosperous and bare; the only car visible was the dust-covered wreck of a Ford which crouched in a dim corner† (Fitzgerald 27). Although George is loyal and hardworking, Myrtle is unsatisfied with her relationship; she envies the East Eggers for living her version of the American Dream while she is stuck in the Valley of Ashes, married to a low class man. Myrtle directly disrespects her husband as she goes after Tom, a high class, wealthy, and married man, living in the East Egg.Show MoreRelatedWhat Does The Green Light Symbolize In The Great Gatsby966 Words   |  4 PagesThe novel The Great Gatsby was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The setting of the book takes place in Long Island and New York in the early 1920s. Fitzgerald has one of the main characters, Nick Carraway narrate his life with his friend Jay Gatsby by his side. 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