The American Dream - Not all it's cracked up to be?

One of the most prominent aspects to F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, is the way in which he has portrayed the idea of the failure of the American Dream. Fitzgerald has portrayed this idea through many various ways within the novel, however it could perhaps be seen that one way in particular he has done this is through his use of character representation. Fitzgerald has embodied his idea of the failed American Dream through each of his characters, and in particular that of Myrtle Wilson, Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.

MYRTLE WILSON: - It could be argued that Myrtle's failure of the dream was that she constantly wanted more. For example, although she did not have material wealth she did have a loyal husband who loved her dearly, which clearly comes across when he suspects her of having an affair. However, she felt that the lack of her husband’s wealth was holding her back in society, thus it could be argued that it was because of this desire and desperation to gain status in society, that resulted in her downfall and her failure of the American Dream. Her belief was that Tom was her way forward, and that through him she would achieve her American Dream. However, due to the very fact that material possessions and wealth seemed to mean more to her than acknowledging the advantages that she had in the life she was living, it was her jealousy and greed which resulted in her failure of the Dream, and which as a result ultimately cost her her life.

TOM BUCHANAN: - In contrast to that of Myrtle, Tom was already very rich and powerful. However, something which both characters share was their lust for greed. It was clear in the novel that his power and status were not enough for him. His American Dream was that he wanted more and instead of having one woman, he wanted two. It could be argued that Fitzgerald's message of the two characters was that they did not acknowledge the successful aspects to their life. Both characters were equally lucky, just in different ways. Another fundamental message within the novel that could be applied through the character of Tom, was the ideas of what is there left to aspire to after you have achieved the American Dream? Tom was successful in more ways than one; he was wealthy, he lived in a big house and he had a traditional family. Ultimately had achieved his American Dream. Why, then, was he not happy? Why did he feel the need to want two women? It could be argued that one of Fitzgerald's main messages was the idea that after the American Dream has been achieved, there is nothing left to aspire to. Thus, perhaps suggesting that the Dream is incomplete.

JAY GATSBY:- The character of Gatsby is the key representation of the failure of the American Dream, although to some extent also the success of it. For example, the fact that he came from a lower class background, and managed to work his way up the social spectrum to be a man who holds lavish parties almost every night, supports the main idea of the American Dream that working hard will make you successful. However, he is also the representation of the fallen Dream through the fact that Gatsby used his material possessions to boost his obsession of Daisy, as well as him having the idea that he can re-create the past. This was what led to his eventual downfall and untimely death. The dominant message then, perhaps was that wealth cannot buy you everything. There are many references in the novel, especially in the earlier chapters, whereby minor characters judged Gatsby by looking at this possessions. Nobody knew what really hid behind his appearance and possessions; his obsession with Daisy. A dominant message that can be drawn from the novel is that although Americans hold this view of identifying the American Dream with the idea of wealth, this does not entitle you to, or secure you, a happy blissful life. How you live your life as a whole is equally fundamental to the failure or success of the American Dream.