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The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Throughout American history, citizens of the United States often refer classic novels that demonstrate an aspect of American society as the “Great American Novel.” Some apply that title to books that display a moral theme, like To Kill a Mockingbird. Others apply the title to patriotic and classic novels that represent American culture, like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. One classic novel that was once known as the “Great American Novel” is Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In his novel, Fitzgerald critiqued both America and the concept of the American Dream by highlighting the failure of its main character, Jay Gatsby. Although Gatsby had some success in the beginning, the harsh realities of life destroyed his happiness …show more content…

Tom’s racist attitude towards minorities mainly results from his upbringing. Many people are not born racist; instead, they were raised in an environment that allows and encourages racism. When Tom expresses his view that the “dominant race” must control things, he is referring to whites controlling the actions of minorities. As an upper class elitist that is also white, Tom also believes that he should control others. This type of thinking, although obsolete from government policy today, is still relevant in many people. Throughout America, many people still express racist views, mainly because of their environment and their upbringing. As a result, many people use their racist thoughts to support people who will express their views when in power. For example, in the current presidential election, some candidates are gaining the support of people who still express racist attitudes. Although many people in America are arguing that racism is dead in the country, the support of racist candidates prove that racism is still prevalent in society. Because these thoughts resonate throughout America and affect many Americans, the novel is still a great example of the “Great American Novel.”
Another example in the novel that supports the argument that The Great Gatsby is still the “Great American Novel” is the high level of self-determination Gatsby displays

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