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Pessimization Of The American Dream In The Great Gatsby

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The definition of the American dream is defined by the individual, and in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s case, the American dream is defined as unreal. Fitzgerald lived in the roaring twenties, the time of parties and fun, but also the time of the stock market crash and depression. The pessimistic thought process of Fitzgerald rubs off on his novel, The Great Gatsby, a story entangled with love triangles, drama, and death. In the novel The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald’s poor life leads to his belief that the American dream is not achievable, as seen through the of characterization of Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, and Myrtle Wilson. Throughout the novel, the use of characterization is used heavily by Fitzgerald. Focusing on Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the development of his character to show that despite the work and effort you put into it, your American dream will not be achieved. James Gatz worked his whole lifeto become a rich and powerful man, and although it seemed like he had everything, , he did not have Daisy. After one of his infamous parties, Nick stated, ‘He wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say “I never loved you.”’ (116). This quote establishes his American dream, to be with Daisy completely, ever since Daisy and Gatsby fell helplessly in love at a young age. Gatsby’s American dream will never happen though because Daisy meets another man named Tom Buchanan, while Gatsby is at war, and Daisy will pick Tom over Gatsby

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