Dear AP students:
So if there is one thing we can all agree upon it's that we Americans all want to live the Great American Dream. To many of us that means working hard and then making lots of money. Of course, both "working hard" and "lots of money" are relative terms. They mean different things to different people. But we generally agree on what those terms mean. A college education, a nice job, a nice car, a nice house, the money to go on a vacation or two, etc.
The Great Gatsby is about achieving the Great American Dream--but the story reveals the darker side of that dream.
First of all, most of the characters in this novel don't achieve the Great American Dream by living up to the traditional Puritan ethic of hard work. The Buchanan's inherit their wealth. In fact, they don't even work for their money. They are considered "old money." Tom graduated from an Ivy League school--Yale. He represents America's traditional elite. He sees himself as very "sophisticated," as other old money/high society people thought of themselves. He is used to being around other old money types.
Second, Jay Gatsby doesn't work hard at a legitimate job. He makes his money illegally.
Third, Jay Gatsby and the Buchanans are both into excess. Their version of the American Dream is far from most Americans. They want lots and lots more--and they aren't happy settling for anything else.
Fourth, Gatsby, though he is very rich, is not happy being what is referred to as "noveau" riche. (newly rich). These people were looked down upon by the old money families. No matter how rich they were, they weren't allowed to be part of upper class society, and were seen as unsophisticated. As we will find out, Gatsby doesn't just want to be rich, he wishes he had been rich all his life.
Being "old money" doesn't mean that much anymore in America these days. There are too many celebrities who have made lots of money. They don't care if they are not considered unsophisticated, as long as they are rich. In fact, many don't care if they make their money somewhat illegally/unethically...if they rip off people in the process, who cares, right? All that matters is money and fame! After all this is the country that idolizes Kim Kardashian!!! And Lindsey Lohan! They epitomize the fact that anyone with money can be a celebrity...or is it the other way around? But 1922, the setting of The Great Gatsby, was a pre-show biz or sports celebrity era. Movie stars and sports stars were just starting to become headliners. No one cares whether you are old or new money, or whether you are considered sophisticated or not.
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54 comments:
I find this binary construct between both worlds of financial institutionalism quite fascinating. It demonstrates to readers how even the wealthy partition themselves into two classes, and how some affluent partisans strive to embolden that distinct line between who has "old money" and who does not.
In a scene of the classic American film, Titanic, Rose's mother and a few other first-class women vilify passenger Molly Brown, as she supposedly possessed "new money" and lacked the proper pedigree befit for aristocracies. Such an act of discrimination was a common feature in the 1920s and one that is evident in The Great Gatsby by the geographic locations of East Egg and West Egg.
One could also argue that there is a moral repercussion attached as a stipulation for those who pursue a wealthy lifestyle. As you said, everyone is out there to achieve the Great American Dream, and some resort to unconventional means in order to make it happen. Jay Gatsby is no exception. His story has the quintessential "rags to riches" framework. As he engages in illicit alcohol trafficking in order to make a prosperous living, he sacrifices his own morals and values in exchange. With that said, money causes both internal and external corruption, and some people will do just about anything in their power to get it, legally or illegally.
I believe that people in America do want money and fame, but the path is always different. For whatever reason it is, Gatsby is very wealthy because of what he did and does, although their is a purpose as to why he did all this; love. Knowing that he and Daisy had a thing, it seems kinda ironic to be living near the old flame where they are visible at your window sight, and knowing that they haven't talked in about 5 years, he plans out how he will confront her on "accident."
Back to the "American Dream," most people do not consider fame and money the dream for them. Most would say living on a farm, resting on the soft sand in Miami Beach, or just relaxing at home with the family IS the dream succeeded. I feel that Gatsby's dream is to be a wealthy man (accomplished) and to be with the one who he loves so much (Daisy) and be satisfied for the rest of his life being in her presence and comforting her and being comforted by her, basically he's trying to make his fantasy a reality. Whereas Daisy seems to be the type where she wants to see he name on big headlines at a movie or on the Newspaper for being famous and rich and in love; with money or someone famous or both.
The American Dream in the 1920's was about being the next hot shot, yet no one ever says anything about the hard worl they are to go through, and one of the hardships would be to first spend money and that's when things get a little hectic. Why spend something you're trying to achieve?
Btw,
I don't look up to Kim Kardashian or Lindsay Lohan in the "famous industry," I look up to Natalie Portman because she's amazing from who she is to where she is today, and the details in between. :)
Mr. Rodriguez I am informing and asking you that if you have sent any CRA's to us students then I did not recieve any and would like to recieve.
:)
(Smiley Face!)
I agree that the American Dream is different on the terms of achieving it. Every American wants to have a happy life where money would not be a problem because infact, money is an important factor (whether we would like to admit it or not) and will keep being one. Most wealthy people no matter how much money and opportunities they have had handed down to them or hardly put in work for their success arent satisfied, like Gatsby and Tom for instance. Gatsby is highley talked about for being one of the wealthiest men which is seen through his mansion and the amount of people he knows. But in the end his life hasnt fully been fulfilled not having Daisy in his life. Also, Tom because obviously he is not truely satisfied with his luxurious life as if he worked so hard for it so he does stuff like cheat on his wife. People who actually struggle to become as wealthy as these men are I'm sure are greatful for what they have and what they worked for.
Alyssa Lagasca
I have read about this concept before, about the border between "new" and "old" money, and it has always seemed so ironic to me. There could be some man who invented an incredible device that made him world-renowned, and yet people who had accomplished nothing in their lives except be born with a particular last name (which isn't even their own accomplishment) would lift their noses at him on sight merely because he did not grow up in a rich family. While this concept is not as applicable anymore, I cannot say that society has improved very much with flashy "celebrities" and paparazzi glorifying what belongs beneath my shoe :) haha, just kidding.
On a tangent, this reminds me of Bill Gates for some reason. I can't remember if it was an interview with him or his wife Melinda, but they were talking about how they have brought up their children to value what they have because, well, they aren't necessarily getting any inheritance. The Gates are of the few wealthy families now that are making their children work and establish their own place in society (achieve their own American Dream). While the Gates children have yet to grow up and show us if they can best their parents, I am sure that the fact that money is not guaranteed to them makes them better (as in more productive and legitimate) people, as is contrasted by the snootier and shadier characters in the novel.
I like focusing on the characters supposed fulfillment of the American Dream.
This book is starting to remind me of the Catcher in the Rye a little bit. Holden didn't have to work for anything, and was basically handed everything to him on a sliver platter. Similarly, many of the characters in the Great Gatsby have inherited their fortunes, take it for granted and don't have to work for anything to get what they want. In my opinion, this does not qualify them for achieving the American Dream.
On a related note, Gatsby is making money, but in an unethical way. I believe this also disqualifies him from achieving the American Dream, because of the way he earns his money. Sure he can buy anything he wants, but at what cost? I think the American Dream is achieved by working hard in an ethical way to achieve greatness.
Graeme Scott
Nowadays, the ways in which to achieve the American Dream has been compromised. Rather than obtaining it by means of pure hard work and motivation, the individual has succumbed to unethical tactics. This is demonstrated by Jay Gatsby. As we come to terms with who he is, readers discover that Gatsby has went beyond the ethical scope to satisfy his cravings for riches. Yes, he has reached the American Dream of being financially abundant but this however is proved in vain if he must do so in an illegal way. Still, his shortcomings remain because he does not have Daisy.
To an extent, one cannot be fulfilled with their so called dream, if they have not taken the necessary steps to achieve it. Tom has everything going for him, he is financially secure and educationally fulfilled. This however, means nothing to him because he chooses to disrespect his wife and spend unlimited amounts of his riches due to the fact that he has not really earned it. His bountiful life was handed down to him through an inheritence. Can one really feel self-achieved with an inheritence that was given to them rather than earned?
I believe the American Dream is achieved when one can recognize they have reached it morally. If it is given to you freely, you cannot take complete pride in it because it was not something actually earned.
LauraLee Johnson
If you're rich, people seem to pay you more attention, but only because of the fact that you have money, something that people are always trying for. The grass is always greener on the other side, and thus people always envy. Yet, those who have money seem to have more problems than us - their flaws are enhanced as they have more power, more opportunities to do as they wish because of what they have. This is where we see such corruption, and the darker side of having such a powerful life.
The idea of old money versus new is based on mannerisms, what one generation does with such power compared to how another delivers it, and so on.
On a technical term, there is no defined way of achieving the American Dream - the generalization is that its reached through hard work because of those in the beginning who desired it with good intentions; people evolve and develop their own ideas, Gatsby being an example of that.
I find it very interesting that F. Scott Fitzgerald made it so clear that although all of these character have money they are all unhappy. It seems like the authors way of criticizing the wally and maybe even the capitalist system. Fitzgeraald obviously felt like money corrupts.
This viewpoint is a very common one even today, and the issues are all the same. Many of the didn't earn or obtained it illegally. I find this novel is still very relevant to our society regaurding economic matters.
I find it very interesting that F. Scott Fitzgerald made it so clear that although all of these characters have money they are all unhappy. It seems like the author's way of criticizing the wealthy and maybe even the capitalist system. Fitzgeraald obviously felt like money corrupts.
This viewpoint is a very common one even today, and the issues are all the same. Many of the didn't earn or obtained it illegally. I find this novel is still very relevant to our society regaurding economic matters.
In "The Great Gatsby" I do agree with the fact that it reflects the darker side of the Great American Dream. The item of money and its assumed connection to the American Dream has definitely corrupted the ideas of "working hard" and acheiving meaningful task and precious possessions.There is a right and a wrong way to acheive dreams and to earn money, certainly participating in illegal activities to gain benefits is immoral and in no way truly embodies the ethical way to reach the American Dream. Also inheriting money does take away most of the struggle in the American Dream, but one can still work hard to build on their wealth. So the approach and journey to acheive a person's dream is what makes it worthwhile. To avoid qualities such as hard work, perseverance, and humility throughout the quest for the American Dream completely destroys its meaning. Old money or New money is worthless if not followed by a proper ethical attitude, which the Buchanans and Gatsby obviously lack.
Stephen Davis
The Great Gatsby portrays the corrupted side of being wealthy. Everybody likes money and society is always competitive and full of greed. People go through different behaviors to achieve the Great American Dream. Money also has to do with the amount of attention received by society. Even attention can be inherited through family and they pursue a bigger chance of becoming a celebrity. Sometimes money and greed can corrupt a person, for example Jay Gatsby gets involved in illegal activities.
Yuji Usami
I think this the portrayal of the American dream in this noval to be of some humor. It clearly demonstrates that not all people are equal despite of how far they reach to gain the American Dream that millions maybe billions of people work to achieve. This is shown through the relationship between the new rich people and the old rich people. Although the new rich people are wealthy, they are still looked down upon by the old rich. The new riched are discriminated by their own economic class for their difference of how they gained their wealth. The old rich had an arrogant condescending view towards the new rich just because they did not inherit their wealth and were not born in a rich culture but rather, had to work for it. Today however, the rich is just the rich and the poor is poor. Their may still be some hindrance between the different classes today but it is not as extreme as it was before as described in this book.
The American Dream in this book is perceived that if you are rich and better off than you live on an island off the coast of New York while the poor and middle class live on the main land to work for their wealth. The lower class have to work hard and grueling towards their dream to being on the Nirvana of a land that the upper class live on.
The ones that are accepted as the upper class aren't happy at all and only live to be miserable because all in life they want is money and power and nothing else. And even if someone is apart of the upper class, the other "old monies" wouldn't accept a new rich man just because their wealth did not start from the beginning. There are some humor in this aspect as the upper class has a schism between those who were rich from the beginning and those who are fairly new rich men.
Is that why Jay Gatsby hosts parties every week and invite a small number of rich people, so he can be accepted as one of them?
James Lee
Society puts pressure on people, you have to dress, talk or be a certain way to get accepted by the crowd. Some people who reach the top just don't care about anything but money, money, money instead of thanking God for what they have received. Gatsby is an ambitious person but maybe way too much, it seems like it's an internal conflict for him. He wants to prove himself that he can become "one of them" it is not so much on how people look at him but when he looks at himself.
Clearly the "Great Gatsby" does not portray the TRUE meaning of the American Dream. True, it does involve a dream which is "being wealthy" other than that there is no other dream.
Furthermore, inheriting one's money does not reflect the American Dream whatsoever. It just proves that you were lucky enough to be bred into a family with wealth and power. That goes for new money and "old money" since you have never worked a day in your life in order to achieve that money. It is interesting how two characters "Jay Gatsby and Tom" who have so much in common can consider themselves different in status of wealth. In some ways, it is interesting that not only is there a class of the wealthy, middle class, and poor but there is also a class structure in the rich.
I find the transition interesting. Assuming that Gatsby's desire to be overwhelmingly wealthy and receive the title "old Money" was the desire of many new comer aristocrats of that time. Compared to today, all we want is money. No matter what the title is, as long the money comes in bundles.
Seeing this transition, I find that we humans had let ourselves indulge in too much greed. In a way, the view of the American dream in the 1920s seemed more romantic than today's dream. Today's dream is more superficial and relentless. Yet, today, there are more ways to make money. Either you work hard, you become famous, get involve in the black market, or do something monumentally heroic or stupid. Through today's streaming media, these things can be easily recognized and acknowledged. Unlike in the 20's, there were only two ways. Fraud or Hard work.
People like Lindsay Lohan and the Kardashians are the perfect examples of today's aristocracy. They did whatever they can to get the money, the fame.
In my opinion, people like them really don't deserve the spotlight. Maybe Lindsay, for doing "Mean Girls" but besides that she shouldn't get any more publicity.
BTW,
I agree with Toni Palamara, Natalie Portman deserves the recognition and aristocracy. Especially after her Superb performance in the "BLACK SWAN"!
It's a must watch. :]
-Eriel Carino
The American Dream Today is not the American Dream of the 1920s.
During the 1920s, it was all about class. If you were not in the wealthy class then you were basically considered pointless. People would spent their lives trying to achieve that status and for what? So that later on they won't necessarily be considered Elite due to the fact they are "new" money? We must consider the fact that during those times ancestry was the only thing that matter. That is one of the reasons why Gatsby was not literally considered Elite among peers: his family was not wealthy. He had to go out in the world and achieve his dream. The American Dream back then meant further achieving the goals of your ancestors. As they say "making the nest bigger". I think that is the whole theme of the book. No matter what you achieve the past is always going to be there. We can try running away from it, but we know that the past does shape our future. It can caution us or it can hurt us.
Now a days, it is all different. How so? Well, amongst Elite "old" money is a shame. They did not earn that status, the torch was basically passed down. As a country we have grown to be more independent. To go forth our desires no matter the circumstances."New" money is seen has an achievement. The concept of "making the nest bigger" has disappeared. Now, we are all determined to "fly away from our nest."
It is great how we have sculpted a state of mind in which we want to to be more independent. But in the end, it is sad how we still consider money as the source to happiness.
I find that this book is criticizing the wealthy and the means they take to acquire their wealth. An example would be Jay Gatsby. He has used illegal ways to earn his money and yet he his still not satisfied.
-Alex Sonnenberg
This passage shows the difference between both worlds of finacial institutionalism. I believed it to show how the wealthy divide themselves into two classes and how their are theose whom have old money and those whom do not. People in America want money and perhaps want fame such as Gatsby whom is very wealthy, however as to how he became that way is a mystery itself. I believe the American Dream in the 1920s was about being the next big shot and that was all that mattered to some people.
This reminds me of today of how some famous people just want fame and contiue a run in on bad choices such as, Dakota Fanning. I idolize Emma Watson from Harry Potter because she is very smart in real life and doesn't make bad choices but contiues to make very good choices when it comes to education or her normal life.
The American Dream of working hard to earn money is somewhat twisted in Fitzgerald's novel. In the story, Gatsby and Tom Buchanan may be rich but they have earned their wealth without the hard work. Although Gatsby is rich and seems to have achieved the American Dream, Nick soon learns Gatsby isn't the honest hard working man he expected him to be. Instead we learn Gatsby earned his money through criminal activities such as bootlegging. Gatsby's illegal crimes seem to not matter as long as he is making money. This shows what money and being rich means to those in the story and even those in today's society. The desired want for money shows the oppurtunities people will take; even if it's illegal or not worked for.
I agree that everyone wants to achieve the American Dream and that each person has his or her own definition of what that dream is based on values.
I think this book reveals that you could be one of the wealthiest and sophisticated but still be unhappy. Gatsby is young, wealthy, popular, good looking, successful, it seems like he has it all. However, he is unhappy because he does not have Daisy, his love. Tom Buchanan is also wealthy, has a beautiful home, child, and wife but there is still something missing in his life and he wants more, so he has mistress.
As humans, it is hard to settle for what is in front of us and be satisfied. Money may buy nice things and can make life easier to live sometimes however, it cannot bring true acceptance and love, the things humans yearn for. I think some depend on money too much that they do foolish things like illegal & harmful acts.
-Christine De Lara
It is true that the 'American Dream' is interpreted as living prosperously. However, greed has corrupted the dream, in which Americans cannot obtain true happiness due to high expectations of what an ideal lifestyle should consist of. From the begining of time, some part of the population would have been more 'well off' than the rest. However, stories of the wealthy suffering from lonliness and unhappiness prevail even now. Modern celebrities search for satisfaction in drugs and other negative sources, but it seems that it cannot be found in any earthly substance. What then, is missing from the lifestyles of the wealthy?
Everyone wants money right? But in order to do so, we have to work to be able to get it. But during Gatsby era, they were divided into two, "old" and "new" money. Old meaning they inherited their money and New meaning they were newly rich that were looked down by the old money people. Gatsby wanted to be one of them. To me, as long as I deserve the money then, there's nothing wrong with that. People now a days think that they could get the money whenever they want, they'll do whatever it takes. It's not fair sometimes, but let's face it life isn't fair right. Hard work just bring to brighter things in life.
Tiny Rose Medallo
I agree that The Great Gatsby is about acheiving the American Dream. However, when people acheive the American dream, they work hard for their money and living. In this book, we see how money is handed down to the Buchanans and how Jay Gatsby makes his money illegally. Both are unhappy even though they are wealthy. It proves how money does not buy happiness.
I believe that it is true that The Great Gatsby understands the significance of "the American Dream", and that this novel is a symbol of the different ways of approaching it as well as truly appreciating it. In this novel there are those who are born into this type of life style, those who work hard and earn it, and those who work for it even if there methods are illegal.
This novel also resembles the decline of this dream during this time period. Even though there was a steady increase in the number of people with wealth during this time, due to the ending of WWI and the increase of the stock market, the different forms of lifestyles became apparent. This book shows the attitudes and views that the "old rich" (those who were rich before this boom of wealth) had on those who had just recently begun to live this lifestyle.
as wealthy as gatsby is, all his money was earned illegally and he didn't have to work as hard as others who tried accomplishing their own american dream. during the 1920's their image of an american dream is just to make money and to be recognized by it. having that will make them have power however, some need love to feel complete like gatsby. in todays society it isn't easy to just recieve money so easily, we have to work hard in order to deserve the money and i believe thats the appropriate way to achieve the american dream
Everyone just wants to be happy. Getting rich and famous no matter how they get there are some ways. in this book Jay Gatsby gets rich by doing illegal things and Tom just inherited his wealth but both of them are still not satisfied with everything they already have.This shows that money cant buy happiness and whats the point of being filthy rich if your not happy about it. Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.
Kevin Mendoza
Money is money these days. The only reason that old money families separated themselves from new rich people back then is because they didn't want to lose the only identities that they maintained for years. We remember rich people for a reason, they represent the prosperity of the American Dream. Once your identity as a rich person is lost, people won't identify you as a symbol of the American Dream. As a result, this is why sophisticated old money families tried differentiating themselves from the newly rich people. Their identities would be lost if rich individuals started associating themselves with the 'old money' types.
Yes it is true that we all want to accomplish the American Dream, but we all have different definitions of what we think the American Dream is. Some may say it's relaxing on the beaches of California, traveling the world, or just sitting at home with a loved one (or not) and just enjoying the quiet. But what is also true that it is both difficult and easy to achieve, some may have to go through an extrenuous amount of work, others just petit, but still easy and hard.
The american dream isn't all about money, sure everyone wants it but does it even matter if your not happy? He wasnt happy in the end, becasue he didnt get daisy back. Gatsby can be like an older version of scarface. He gets his money illegally, trys to steal another man's wife and later dies because of eveything he did and kept trying to disobey the laws.
-Daniel Hernandez
It's pretty sad that human nature makes it so money = power in society, and it doesn't matter how you get that money. I saw a documentary the other day where it showed that some conglomerates and big corporations buy hidden life insurance for their employees, so when they die, they receive hundreds and thousands of dollars. People don't care about how you're doing, they just want your money. The only real exception is your family and close friends. This novel also explores the concept of working for a dream or just living it right off the bat. Millions of people in America struggle to find a job and make a living, while the cast of Jersey Shore gets payed to get filmed partying and acting dumb. It just goes to show that the American Dream has dramatically changed; you don't have to be something to be rich. You just have to be infamous.
I believe that this novels shows the American Dream and the path that people take in order to reach this "dream". However the book also shows how the American Dream is completely different for each individual and how the American Dream can lead to corruption.
The first thing that is noticed in this novel is the different paths that Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby take in order to reach the American Dream. Tom Buchanan on one hand wishes to become affluent which he achieves by inheritance. He never worked for the American Dream. On the other hand Jay Gatsby does not hope to be wealthy at the beginning, Gatsby originally hopes to come back from the war, marry Daisy and settle down; the idealized quintessential middle class life. However Daisy comes from a rich family so he must change his goals and American Dream ion order to help reach his original goal. In order to make money to impress Daisy he partake in corrupt means. Then in order to attempt to reach his American dream of marrying Daisy he attempts to convince her to leave her husband Tom. This is also a corrupt way to reach the American Dream. Each person pursues the American Dream in different ways and this novel shows how the American Dream can lead to excess and corruption.
Another thing that the Great Gatsby does is make a statement about human nature. Although both characters began by following the American Dream once reached they began to want more and more just like people in today's world always want more; people always want the new technology, or more money or more objects. People are greedy and this is very obvious in the novel. For example Tom always wants more he wants more women (Ms. Wilson) and more money. Gatsby on the other hand is not happy with wealth he wants to marry Daisy at any cost necessary. This novel goes to show how people in general are greedy and want more than they have and this leads to the corruption of the American Dream
It is quite apparent to the audience that the economic interaction and societal structure of America in the mid 1920's was vastly different to the structure now. To my surprise even the upper class attain divisions between the rich and well... the rich. However, it seems most prevalent (during this time) that it was HOW you achieved such money. This in fact plays a major role in this book, as we yearn to truly understand Gatsby's past and how he obtained the possessions he holds now. Gatsby and Nick (living in the West Egg) juxtaposed with Tom and Daisy (living in the East Egg) directly show how each side were to attain their wealth. As the East Egg inhabitants work with no strain, no effort to obtain their wealth, they represent the easy nature of simply inheriting this wealth. As for Gatsby, his past still remains an enigma, yet we learn that he gains his money illegally (even as the rumors continue to spread of his "bootlegging" to obtain it) Perhaps that is why these rumors start in the first place, being that the surrounding aristocrats are unknowing of how he even attained it, therefore causing this exact reason as to why the East Egg looks so down upon West Egg (even thought they possess the same wealth):the inability to see HOW they attained their position and possessions.
In this story, it portrays how some people think of the American dream in the wrong way. In Gatsby's case it portrays the dark side of it. Some work hard for what they have and others are already introduced to it but they did nothing to earn it. They also take advantage and do not appreciate what they have. Also, when one is rich they get glorified and paid attention too whereas those who are not as fortunate get looked down upon.
Myzel Esguerra
The Great Gatsby is about achieving the "American Dream" but it also shows that money can't buy happiness. Gatsby got all his money illegally and Tom inherited his money and they're both still unhappy. Some people would be happy just because they have a job and that they can earn their money for themselves or for their family. Gatsby is also trying to buy Daisy's love because now that he is rich, he thinks he can do anything with it.
Ciarra Gagan
This shows that seperation is not just between the rich and the poor, nut also among the riches.its seems that people of the "old money" still have their morals and values because they are just born rich and do not have to do anything illegal to become rich. however, the people of "new money" seem to be looked down on because they are assumed to have become rich by doing illegal acts such as in gatsby's case. like everyone else, gatsby is in search of the american dream and innocently expects that he can buy anything-especially Daisy. the 1920s was the time of the prohibition so it was a perfect time for gatsby to do illegal alcohol traficking to become rich. however, he is still not happy because some things money cant buy like daisy's love. he tries to impress her with his extravagant parties at his huge mansions but she never comes to them. he is also sad because he lost his morals and values in the process-another thing money cannot buy.
When your wealthy, people look up to you for what you have that they have yet to achieve, money. In the Great Gatsby, it shows how money and power is corrupted. I agree with Dion on 'We remember rich people for a reason, they represent the prosperity of the American Dream.' which i believe to be true; because once they fall from that top pedestal which they reside on they disappear from our view and we move on to the next rich person.
I think this book must have been pretty controversial at the time that it was written; mainly because its overall theme is that money doesn't make you happy. During the 20's, up to today, the common idea has been that money completes your life, and in some sense this is true. Like a healthy diet, you need helpings from many different food groups. Happiness is not achieved through one thing alone, but rather, through a healthy balance of many different things.
I thought it made a lot of sense to have the narrator of the novel be more or less neutral when it came to money. Nick Carraway was able to observe Jay Gatsby, and the Buchanans in a way that they were unable to relate with. although most of the characters in the story lived their lives in an affluent manner that not many do, they were all searching for some other door to happiness. For Mr. Buchanan, it was a mistress, Gatsby found Daisy, and she relished the attention. In the end, the only one with a semi-successful relationship was Nick, who never had much money to begin with.
Chloe Slovinsky
Earning the american dream is just not enough for some people. Although Jay has everything luxouriously he is missing one component in his life that is his lover. Money will always play a factor in the American Dream. But once achieved will not be satisfied with what they have and take advantage of it.
Cobrin Humphery
I believe now days the average person has more said then back in 1920's and 1930's. Now day’s people can voice their opinion more. Today there still exist old families old money but they are not common at all anymore. There exists so few that only a few circles exist. Now days with so many rich celebrities they over shadow the wealth of these families. I believe media has a lot to blame for it as well. The media does not want to talk about these families unless there is some sort of controversy. The media would rather report on celebrities. So, these families have become less and less important as time goes on. Also the idea of being sophisticated has turned into having negative connotation. Nobody wants to become sophisticated anymore.
I agree that this novel focuses on achieving the American dream. I also agree that today people who are wealthy and earn their money can do unimaginable actions and people will not think much less of them because of their wealth. In the novel the author makes it clear that the wealthy people in the book are unhappy with their lives. But why? It also degrades the people who are wealthy and the means those people take to earn their money, or inherit it, 'old money.' For example, Jay Gatsby earned his money illegally and still was not happy.
I agree The Great Gatsby is about achieving the American Dream. Everyone has a dream of their preferred future, they dream of one or many things that make them happy that they do not have now. A perfect example is Gatsby. although Gatsby is considered to be wealthy he wasn't entirely fulfilled with his life.What he truly wanted was Daisy but even that he never got.
-Yoli Valdez
To me the American Dream is not necessarily becoming wealthy, but having the option and sources needed to become wealthy if you wished to. It's having this beneficial government support, unique in the United States. Surpassing your parent's social and economical status is somewhat of an expectation here, never frowned upon. It is expected for me to get a college education, even if I can't afford it out of my pocket right now. I can apply for grants, scholarships or loans. I can get the money, simply for being U.S. citizen. That's the American Dream, being supplied with the support necessary to fulfill your goals, as long as you're willing to work a little bit harder to reach them.
It seems to me that comparing wealthy people in the 1920s and wealthy people to the 21st century has proven that money, no matter how much, can not buy happiness. Gatsby lived unhappy and lonely. Just as celebrities keep turning to drugs to escape their own lives. I'd like to think a happy person refuses drugs because they don't need to "get away". If they were happy, they wouldn't need to turn to substance abuse.
Old money or new, I don't see anything logical about the issue; money is money. Old money is simply money passed down or inherited to the next generation of individuals who's parents or relatives had worked hard for prosperity.New money is worked hard for and could then be passed down as old money.Everybody in the novel that had wealth excessively wasted their money on buying ponies for their backyard or hosting huge public parties in order to woe another, so in the end nobody is any better than the other. Money is considered by some to be the source of happniess, but too much and it's power to corrupt will eventually consume it's possesors.
The Great Gatsby shows the American Dream being achieved through either inheritance, or through certain shortcuts. We typically perceive the American Dream to be achieved through hard work and perseverance. However, Tom and Daisy became wealthy through inheriting money from their family. They did not have to work hard whatsoever to become rich. Gatsby did not attain wealth legitimately, as he was a bootlegger, thus becoming rich illegally. The Great Gatsby also shows us that money does not bring happiness. Gatsby had all the money, but would not be satisfied until he had Daisy.
This novel shows the greed that comes with acquiring wealth. Both Gatsby and tom are not able to settle with what they have, which just goes to show that the more people get rich, the more money they want. In this vein, I believe that this novel does not portray the American Dream accurately. Although the American dream is to achieve success, the characters in this story, namely Tom and Gatsby, achieve their wealth in ways that disqualify their "American Dream".
Kimberly Parra
I think that the fact that they inherit the money, and don't work for it, is a very profound and legitimate social statement. Not only do they not earn their wealth, but they flaunt this unearned wealth as if they had done something grand. Today, this is more common, Fitzgerald was making a very accurate observation on the beginning on a new kind of rich Americans. The fact that Gatsby takes all kinds of short cuts to get his wealth, and does it by illegal means as well, is very telling of a rise in people getting wealthy by any means necessary, really tainting anything they've earned and corrupting many people. They love showing how much money they have, and just want more to show off, it's as if they just want wealth to outdo their friends or show it off. Gatsby realizes that all the wealth in the world won't make him happy or fulfilled, and it shows in his actions.
Josh Rodriguez
For everyone, the American Dream means something different. The Great Gatsby does show the draker side of the American Dream which is associated with greed and evil. For Gatsby attaining teh american dream made him lose prespective on truly meaning happy and makming something out of his life. Although all of these charcters had money they all were unhappy especially in their marraiges. I think Fitizgerald is hightlighting the fact thatb love may polay a more central point in the American Dream meaning that it can be obtained anywhere. The American Dream was lost at somepoint and it may have been lost in the twentys after WWI and the events to follow.
The American Dream has always bee portrayed as "getting rich", "making it big." There were no questions asked on how you made it, as long as you had money, you acheived the Dream. What makes it easy nowadays is the fact that we have a much more fluid social mobility than the times of "The Great Gatsby." It is expected nowadays that you try to move your way through the classes and make the most of what you can. Before, in the Gatsby time era, "new money" was like a freshman in high school. They come in thinking like they know everything and that they are now a "big shot" since they moved on from middle school, but they are really naive to what being in high school was all about. "New money" were seen as people that did not know what they were coming into, making the transition from being in a lower or working class to the highest one acheivable.
-Dominique Rillo
As a society, we tend to put a lot of pressure on how we should act, how we dress, how we should present ourseleves to the modern public. All this in an effort to fit into the "crowd". And as we reach the point of being rightfully accepted by society, we pretty much loose our humanity and only care for what is new, or what is needed, like money and more money. As for Gatsby, he is an example of lossing one's humanity, for he is willling to do anything to reach the top, whether it's legal or not.
The American Dream has always been portrayed as something everyone should want and desire. However The Great Gatsby is interesting to be because it shows the idea of the American Dream from a mush darker and devious side. It is about making money, but at any cost. From illegal business to completely changing your identity to be accepted by your "peers". In this world, it is all about becoming something better and appearing to be something more than who you truly are which is not exactly what people like to admit is the American Dream.
Alexandra Daigle
The Great Gatsby is a unique novel due to the fact that it drifts from traditional interpretations of the American Dream. It shows a side of America that isnt commonly demonstrated. It shows how an individual like Gatsby was able to surpass other individuals on the same road to riches by breaking the law. This novel also depicts how being rich isnt all that it's made out to be. This can be seen by how despite Gatsby being rich, he is consumed by the desire to get more and more.
Jesse Montes
There are numerous paths to achieve the American Dream of complete and utter fulfillment, whether it’s through inheritance, fame, or illegal sales, in which each occur in The Great Gatsby. Tom and Daisy are an example of “old money” meaning they did not and currently do not have to work for their money: it was given to them through their inheritance. The most notable of the three paths is through fame, which in contemporary times is moderately different from the 1920’s version of fame. The only way of achieving fame was through working hard in sports or cinema branches, making a name for yourself as Jordan Baker did. And last but not least, through illegal sales in which Jay Gatsby encountered. By doing so, Gatsby earned his money and achieved the darker side of the American Dream, but did not see the fine line that was established in the 1920’s in the aristocracy. The fog that covered the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock was the belief that those who were “old money” were entirely better than those of “noveau riche” and were more sophisticated and should look down upon them for that reason only. Although this does not matter anymore in modern era due to the fact that anyone now can make millions and not be scrutinized for their path of making money, that major difference was what set him apart from Daisy and Tom, and even though ridiculous, made Daisy choose Tom over Gatsby despite how rich he turned out to be. Rearranging the past and making an equivalent amount of money did not change how Daisy saw Gatsby; no matter how much more she loved him than Tom.
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