The Great Gatsby and the American Dream
...h his whole existence is mythical because he drowns himself in his illusion of being the perfect candidate for Daisy. In doing so, Gatsby tries to recapture the past through pursuit of rich and materialistic living that leads to the withering of the American dream throughout the novel. Gatsby exemplifies the dark side to the American dream through his acquisitive living. Ultimately, living like this from day to day is impractical in pursuit of happiness. The possibilities that life offers are centered on who have money and what money can buy. Gatsby hosts many large, wild, and costly parties in hopes of having Daisy present at one sooner or later. Gatsby would do anything to have Daisy. He buys an expensive house and a new yellow car. When Daisy and Gatsby meet for the first time in five years, Gatsby tries to surprise her with his wealth. He has piano music in the background and crisp new clothes in his closet, which he carelessly tossed into the air as if they are worthless. Gatsby’s beginnings didn’t originate on the dark side of the American dream like many of the old money characters would have. Gatsby’s Midwest upbringing gave him an edge on many of the acquaintances by which he was surrounded. His wealth wasn’t the result of lusting for money; it was the result of his devotion to his dream. He is driven hard worker that is dedicated to his lifelong goal and dream of Daisy. Gatsby has ...