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Gatsby's Dream

Gatsby's Dream

Adam Cohen English Essay #4

    Jay Gatsby, the central character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
symbolizes the American dream. The American dream offers faith in the
possibility of a better life. Its attendant illusion is the belief that material
wealth alone can bring that dream to fruition. Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald brings
together both these ideas. Jay Gatsby thinks money is the answer to anything he
encounters. He has the best of everything. The fanciest car, the largest house,
and the finest clothes. Jay has everything except the object he most desires,
Daisy. Gatsby believes he can win Daisy over with wealth, that he could achieve
the ideal she stood for through his material possessions.
    One look at Gatsby's past and it could be seen that he was destined to get
ahead in life. Mr. Gatz told Nick, "Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had
some resolves like this or something. Do you notice what he's got about
improving his mind? He was always great for that. He told me I et like a hog
once and I beat him for it" (182). Gatsby's determination to gain a large
bankroll is a huge part of the American dream. He believes that once he achieved
his financial goal it would lead to a better life.
    In America the car is one of the greatest status symbols. Gatsby's gorgeous
machine is one of the most majestic cars created. Nick's comments on the vehicle
describe its luster, "...and there in its monstrous length with triumphant
hatboxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes...Sitting down behind many layers of
glass in a sort of leather conservatory we started towards town" (68). The use
of the symbolic automobile can be seen as a demonstration of how an ideal based
on materialism alone can be destructive. This was the fatal car which kills
Myrtle Wilson and indirectly leads to Gatsby's death.
    Appearance is another important factor toward Gatsby's dream. In his quest
to win Daisy's heart Gatsby chooses to wear his best outfit....