The Great Gatsby: The Decline of The American Dream

“The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself.” (Fitgerald 95). The Great Gatsby, Written by Francis Scott Fitzergald, explores the controversial themes of the decline of the American dream, memories and the past, along with social status and society in the 1920’s. Although Gatsby seems to achieve a great deal of success in his life, in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, his end goal is ultimately so unachievable that Gatsby was always bound for failure. Demonstrating the empty, shallow and vacant values of the society, exemplifying the sudden stop of Gtasby’s dreams coming true. 

One of Fitzgerlad’s themes throughout the novel is the corruption and decline of the American Dream. By exploring the upper class during the 1920’s, through the eyes of Nick Carraway, Fitzgerald demonstrates that the American dream has transformed from uncorrupted and righteous thoughts to more materialistic and money based beliefs. “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.’ Daisy put her arm through abruptly, but he seemed absorbed in what he had just said. Possibly it occurred to him that colossal significance of that light has now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her.” () When Gatsby and Daisy finally get together, the dream vanishes. The American dream, similar to sharing the green light with Daisy, loses its meaning once achieved or succeeded. Demonstrating as to why Fitzgerlad purposely stops Gatsby from fully achieving his greatest dreams. Throughout the novel, the allusion of the American Dream is exhibited within Gatsby as he believes money is the solution to his problems. Similarly seen through Daisy, she believes her wealth and social status accounts for who she is within the society. “‘Her voice is full of money.’ he said suddenly. That was it. I’d never understood before. It was full of money - that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it…” Demonstrated through Daisy, money isn't something you can separate from the body. If you're born with money you're actually born with money. As to why everyone knows Gatsby is faking it, implying as to once again, why Gatsby never actually fulfilled his dream of achieving Daisy's love. Gatsby’s whole life was dedicated towards becoming a successful, wealthymen, who would one day grow old with the love of his life. Gatsby never fully obtained either of the dreams for the reasoning that he was destined for neither.