Why is The American Dream Unattainable In The Great Gatsby?

In the tapestry of American literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" stands as a piercing exploration of the mythic American Dream. Beyond the glittering parties and lavish lifestyles lies a haunn on the hollowness of relentless pursuit. 

We will understand the reasons behind the unattainability of The American Dream within the narrative of The Great Gatsby, delving into themes of wealth, social class, and the perpetual illusion of fulfillment.

Beyond the Glittering Mirage 

In the decadent landscape of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby captures not only the extravagance of the era but also the disillusionment that simmers beneath its surface.

At the heart of this novel is the illusory American Dream—a dream that appears tantalizingly close yet remains forever out of reach.

The Lure of Wealth - A Mirage of Fulfillment

The American Dream, often synonymous with prosperity and success, reveals its true face in The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby, the embodiment of this dream, accumulates immense wealth to win back his lost love, Daisy. 

However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Gatsby's fortune is a façade masking his inner emptiness. The pursuit of wealth, while promising happiness, only deepens the void within.

The Illusion of Social Mobility

 Central to The Great Gatsby's exploration of the American Dream is the notion of social mobility—the idea that anyone, through hard work and determination, can rise above their circumstances. Yet, the novel shatters this illusion, showcasing how class barriers remain entrenched. 

Gatsby's lavish parties become a symbol of his attempt to infiltrate the upper echelons of society, but his outsider status remains unchanged.

The Myth of Self-Invention

 One of the quintessential aspects of The American Dream is the belief in self-invention—an individual's ability to transform themselves and their circumstances. Gatsby, born into a modest background, fabricates a new identity to mask his humble origins.

However, the novel exposes the fragility of this self-constructed image. Gatsby's past cannot be erased, leading to tragic consequences.

Endless Yearning

The green light across the bay from Gatsby's mansion symbolizes his unrelenting pursuit of an unattainable goal—his dream of being reunited with Daisy. This distant beacon serves as a metaphor for the ever-elusive American Dream itself—a flickering light that is visible but remains perpetually out of reach. 

The unattainable American Dream exacts a heavy toll on its pursuers. Gatsby's obsession with recapturing the past leads him down a path of lies, manipulation, and ultimately, tragedy.

His demise serves as a poignant reminder of the disillusionment that accompanies the relentless chase for an ideal that remains forever elusive.

Final Thoughts

As the curtain falls on The Great Gatsby, it leaves in its wake a profound reflection on the nature of The American Dream. The novel's characters and their fates become emblematic of the unattainable mirage that perpetually lures and eludes.

The echoes of Gatsby's story resonate beyond the pages, serving as a cautionary tale of the price one pays for chasing illusions in pursuit of an elusive dream.

Written by: Iman Fede