Dear AP students:
One major character that is introduced in the second 60 pages of the Great Gatsby is Meyer Wolfsheim--a big time NY gangster that Jay Gatsby is associated with. In the book, Gatsby mentions to Nick Carraway that Wolfsheim was involved with the 1919 World Series gambling scandal.
The character of Wolfsheim is actually modeled after the real big time gangster Arnold Rothstein. In real life, Rothstein played a central role in rigging the 1919 World Series, in which several players on the Chicago White Sox team accepted bribes to throw the World Series games. This caused an enormous scandal for major league baseball. The scandal continues to have repercussions today. The one thing major league baseball does not want to be associated with is gambling, because nobody wants to think that the integrity of the game can be undermined so easily again. Major League baseball does not want its fans to think that an All-American game like baseball and everything that occurs on the field can be manipulated by criminals--people would lose their idealistic vision of baseball and think its corrupt just like many other large institutions. This is why Pete Rose is banned from the baseball Hall of Fame. No one wants a repeat what happened during the 1919 World Series. Fans won't spend their money on a known corrupt institution.
I think its interesting that when the narrator asks Gatsby why Wolfsheim rigged the 1919 World Series, he says non-chalantly..."He just saw the opportunity." What I find interesting about this quote is that if you look around today, there are so many people making money, legally, illegally, and unethically, who can base their decision to make money on the idea that if the opportunity is there, they should take it, no matter if it might hurt other people. So many people put aside such idealistic notions like "Will it help other people, or hurt them, or damage the environment, or ruin relationships with friends?" They just see the opportunity to make money. Perhaps this has become the real American dream. Just a look at what led to our country's current financial plight reveals the fact that so many of our country's corporate and financial leaders thought to themselves "I see an opportunity" and then took advantage of other people's trust to make lots of money.
Is this what The Great Gatsby is teaching us? Looking at this from the historical perspective, F.Scott Fitzgerald was telling us that the excess of the Roaring 20's might lead us down the road to ruin--and of course, we now know that that decade was followed by the Great Depression. We today are suffering from the Great Recession after all the excesses of the past ten to twenty years. There are so many financial scandals from the past few years--are they all a result of people who just saw opportunity? I guess they all thought they were following the Great American Dream!
The Great American Dream used to be about hard, honest work propelling us to a better condition, but maybe it's really about just grabbing opportunity however you can? I for one take comfort in knowing that major league baseball is still an ideal place where no one cheats...where no one takes chemically enhancing drugs to boost their home run production (sarcasm!) even if it means ruining your body and having everyone call you a cheater all for the sake of dollar signs when it comes to contract time. Thank God for major league baseball, where guys like Adrian Gonzales would never leave his hometown team to make more money someplace else--thankfully, he's not just about taking the next opportunity. He really cares about the hometown fans (sarcasm).
Different subject--looking from the feminist perspective, what are we to think of Jordon Baker, the golfer that befriends the narrator Nick Carraway?
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41 comments:
Gatsby's association with Meyer Wolfshiem gives readers a great deal of Gatsby's true character. Not only is he an active "bootlegger," but he is also a criminal who had illicitly "killed a man" in his past. This leads readers to question Gatsby's credibility and whether or not his amicable facade is a mere veil for his true, devious nature.
I agree with the logic of your statement that a corruption of the traditional American Dream is due to excessive pride and ambition. After all, many people have tainted the American Dream with their own selfish desires to resort to devious means as modes for personal advancement. Think about our government today and the reason for the declining trust and confidence with our system. No one really ever takes the time to vote, as they don't want to be part of an institution that is corrupt with egocentric, self-advancing politicians. We see it everyday: our world is loitered with self-seeking opportunists. Such people exploit circumstances in order to gain immediate advantage, rather than being guided by their own morals and values that were bestowed upon them.
Meyer Wolfshiem is the classic example of a person who took a risk and consequently failed to take responsibility for the repercussions. As stated in the book, he still isn't in jail, because he is supposedly a "smart man" who has evaded prosecution. Taking advantage of the opportunity does more harm than good, and the fact that the Great American Dream has deteriorated into some second-rate consolation medal is a testament to mankind's innate nature to seize that opportunity at the expense of society's welfare.
From a feminist perspective, Jordan Baker demonstrates how men aren't the only self-seeking ones out there. As she reveals how she cheated on her first golf tournament, it evidently shows the practicality in her choice to cheat in order to win. Her act also demonstrates how men aren't the only ones committed to foul play. Jordan Baker is probably one of the only quintessential, independent feminists in this novel who isn't afraid to voice her opinion.
If you think about it, it does seem true that society has warped what is means to "make/reach" the American Dream. Even in light of my college application, I feel like I've been sucked into applying to a number of universities I've never really been head over heels-interested in on a whim mostly because of their offer of a waived application fee (which really can be expensive). While I've stopped myself from doing that excessively, I do think that the "take advantage of every opportunity that you come across" mentality has been misinterpreted and subject to crimes.
I remember being told to "Never beg, but when offered, accept." I used to believe this to be a positive uh, what was our vocabulary word? Ah yes, aphorism* Anyways, this aphorism seemed agreeable to me, but since then I have disassociated with it in relation to cases such as those of Gatsby and Baker, since not every opportunity is golden, or even good for that matter.
It's usually easy for me to know how I feel about a character, but in the case of Jordan Baker I am unsure as to how she would be taken by the feminist perspective. Mostly it seems like Fitzgerald is equating women with the shadiness of men. Women could either see this as rightly so, where both sexes are innately flawed, or see this as an attempt to smear female credibility. Considering the amount of shady business carried out by the men however, I do lean toward the window of thought that she is seen as an outright honest (as in she's frank with her dark side) and up front woman, unafraid of being bashed for being selfish. However up front she may be, I don't feel like believing her completely any time soon.
It sucks that someone would do something like that just to make money, but unfortunately, its a reality that happens even today. I am led to believe that the Great Gatsby is teaching us that a lack of trust can result in economic downturn. Stocks often go down due to lack of trust in a company doing well. If there is a lot of scandal going on with many different companies, then people will loose trust in them, withdraw their investments in them, which might result in bankruptcy. If this happened to quite a few companies, think of the negative effects it would have on the economy. I would be more inclined to invest in an honest, hardworking company than one that makes its earns through scandal.
As for Jordan Baker, I believe that she was introduced to balance the authors feelings about woman, compromising that although they are often unfairly evaluated on looks by men, they can be equally as bad, as illustrated when Jordan cheated in her golf tournament simply to win.
Graeme Scott
The American Dream has been for the history of the country the main reason for which people come. The ability to have a good life at times translates negatively: having a good life is easy. Easy means fast money, so people will lower themselves to do illegal things in order to obtain money and raise their social status as well as living conditions. Typically this is very common in most large leading countries, in the United States it was more popular during the early 1900s.
Perhaps the story is trying to make us realize that too much pleasure will be your downfall. Everyone knows too much of anything is bad. Due to all the enjoyment, the fast life, the money, etc, of the 20s we are now in present day suffering. In fact, the negative side effects were clearly visible only a few years after the 20s: the Great Depression destroyed so much in such a strong country.
It's a shame that some people don't have the conscious to realize how they're living is wrong. This mistrust with certain people how The American Dream has changed itself and took a turning point in Gatsby's time. With himself included, it shows that the desire to make money is based on how easy it is more than how legal it should be. From my opinion, the author is telling us the simple message that money doesn't always buy happiness just by looking at Jay Gatsby. Although people adore him and his party, he himself is not happy due to his unfortunate past. Having money, however, will get you out of trouble just like Gatsby and his encounter with the police.
Jordan Baker, for one, is a confusing character (for now). She seems to be the type that will do whatever it takes to win as a golfer, even if it means cheating. At the same time, she seems kind hearted enough to help Gatsby out into meeting Daisy all over again. Then again, she could be nice or just wants the attention from Gatsby with his money and everything.
America was seen as the land of opportunity, but sad thing is that the opportunities given through honest work was close to nothing. Since honest work was being deferred of its rewards, most looked for another path. It did not take much to realize it was easier to gain opportunities illegally since most of the money was diffused and earned through illegal action. The rigging of the 1919 world series was now nonchalantly justified as being just another opportunity. The power of money altered the good American dream to be corrupt with greed and selfishness. The majority of the dreams set out for America was money and so people sacrificed their homes, family, and unfortunatley their morals to get it.
The "American Dream" can be leveled down to one word, fake. People who want to achieve it first start off strong and independant, but then slowly proscrastinate and become dependant and willing to do WHATEVER it takes to achieve what they once saw as the "American Dream" to now being a "life choice" from the sacrafices to the betrayal.
The Roaring 20's, I'll admit, was an extragevant time for anyone who was young, beautiful/handsome, wealthy and wanted nothing more than to be a star. But what we don't know (and what the Great Gatsby let's us see) is the dark side to all the glamour; the ugly truth.
In the book at this point we are barely unfolding who Gatsby is, once was, and wanted to be, but being introduced to the NY gangster, Wolfsheim, and knowing that the two of them used to be aquaintences can be a weakness for Gatsby, if anyone who ever wanted to be with the perfect man inside and out, and can be quick to judge as well as being called certain names; pimp, big shot, thug, etc., and can be accused of certain future activities that he did not take part of BUT will be accounted for because of his past.
The desire and motive to be wealthy and to have everything one wants has turned into greed, selfishness, and lust. "The Great Gatsby" shows this. Moral values have been pushed aside and the focus has shifted towards "what is best for yourself". This attitude has affected society in a negative way; from the way people treat each other to money. Jordan Baker is an example that women are guilty too. in turn this idea can facilitate that there is a generation coming that "just sees the opportunity.
Stephen Davis
It is unfortunate that the idea of the Great American Dream has been stained. And it is unfortunate that the stains do hold truth in them. In our superficial world it is true that people will often dismiss what is right, what is ethical, and what will be good for the sake of everyone for their own. It is as if, that we Americans have been brain washed into wanting to achieve the so called American Dream that we are now willing to go all ends just to capture it. I am not saying that all people fall into this trap, but for the most of us, even if we try our hardest to stay true and work with a clean slate, the cunning offer of a the short cut towards the American Dream is always a path that is open to many people and with the superficialness of our society, it is a path that people would actually sometimes take.
The idea to achieve the Great The Great American Dream has been corrupted with greed and competition. The attitude and behavior of the people have changed greatly in a negative way that people put down their morals. With money also comes power to control other people and change their ethics. In society money can be gained by unethical ways and some people choose to take the risk. This results in the loss of trust towards today's society and many negative opportunities arise.
Yuji Usami
The American Dream within "The Great Gatsby" is not so very honest as it use to be. Gatsby along with Meyer Wolfshiem both earned their wealth illegally. This puts in questions their credibility and whether or not they can be trusted as individuals. It is astonishing that Meyer Wolfshiem can still dine out in public when he has escaped prosecution. The 1920s is portrayed as dishonest and untrustworthy by Fitzgerald. Since he combines two contrasting characters, Gatsby who is classy and throws extravagant parties, paired with Meyer Wolfshiem who is a "bootlegger" and acquires his money not-so-honestly gives the audience a sense of what the 1920s was all about.
Jordan Baker also reveals the feminist perspective of the 1920s. To tie it all together the audience can infer that the 1920s was a rather a dishonest time. Not onyl were men at fault, but women were also equally in the wrong.
American Dream = Being in debt,having a fake life, going to costco, "pimping" your ride, being pregnant at a young age, and going to the superficial beach abundant with barbies.
EVERYTHING you have. u owe ( unless you are the humble exception )
that doesn't sound like a life i want to pursue
ps. People will will take advantage of other people. why? selfishness and bad ambition. did all the multi-billionares achieve their status by being honest and going to church? they must have "screwed" people on their way to their throne.
It seems that F. Scott Fitzgerald is implying that the American Dream is no longer about ethics and hardwork.Jay Gatsby has acquired his money through illegal and unethical means. Even Jordan Baker admitted to cheating in her golf tournament.
-Alex Sonnenberg
During the 1920s it seems like the people didn't really care about their morals anymore, all they wanted was profit and what suits best for them and not thinking about the people around them. This was a bad era, it might be the time to splurge on things and throw extravagant parties to be well known but what's all these if you don't have morals? All they thought was money = power. What happened to the morals, which we can keep forever and never taken away from anyone unlike money if you spend it, it's gone forever.
Jordan Baker seems like a typical woman that wants to be on top of everyone. She would risk anything to become the best golfer. But also tries to help Gatsby which is kinda weird to me, she might be doing this to attract Gatsby and make Gatsby fall for her since she revolves around fame and money.
I agree with the notion that the American Dream has transformed. However, I believe there are successful people who got to where they are through honest work. Sadly, they are few. As for the scheming entrepreneurs, such as Wolfshiem, they are at abundance. Despite this fact, Wolfshiem is more of a caricature of an everyday cheater. His business is more at an extreme level. For the everyday person, the crime is minor. Yet it still falls under the fact that they are cheating to become successful. May it be a student cheating a test to pass a class or beggar robing a liquor store to regain their life in society; they all require some sort of way to elude failure.
The backbone to this problem is our culture in American society. We seem to take pride in selfishness and take more than what we need. In the story, I feel that Fitzgerald made Nick into a silent bystander to allow the reader to make observations on the corruption of what we call the "American Dream." If America had tumor then, today would be a full body cancer. "Too much" has really defined our culture from others around the world. This is one of the reasons I admire Lady Gaga. She purposely dresses so extreme to reveal a truth about our culture. We are, like her fashion, over the top. We are too attention seeking. We take our needs and distort it and blow them into gigantic proportions. It makes me wonder; Is gaga really the freak? Or are we?
Any ways, as for Jordan Baker, she is the there to reveal that corruption is shared by both men and women. From a feminist view, I would find this agreeable. Fitzgerald wanted to let the reader know that women aren't just these kind soft beings but also cruel cold people. Fitzgerald wanted to show that both genders can stoop to a low level. Interestingly the person Fitzgerald decided to use for this example is a feminist herself. she reveals this through her forward and opinionated attitude.
-Eriel Carino
Throughout The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerlad shows the characters of his novel wanting the American dream, working hard to becoming wealthy. Although everyone in Fitzgerlad's story want to accomplish this ideal goal, the readers learn the rich haven't worked hard for their money and will do anything for it. Gatsby and Tom both are perfect examples. They both have money, but they haven't worked hard to earn it. Gatsby gained his wealth through illegal scandals and opportunities while Tom gets his money passed down from earlier generations.
When Nick meets Jordan Baker, I am not surprised to read that she too is doing whatever it takes to make money; by cheating to win a golf tournament. Money plays a huge role in the 1920's, it shows people will take an oppurtunity to make money even if it is illegal or unethical.
The feminist perspective is very big i think in this novel. First, on one hane you have the wives of wealthy men with education and sophistication, and on the other hand you have those that attend parties because they are "intimate". Both sides of women are potrayed in this novel. For example, the women that are at the party that Nick notices jumping on top of men and just laying their physical bodies on top of them. Women in this situyation are,excuse my language, as prostitutes and sluts that are only there for the men with "talent", but this is true. On the other side portrayed are the women like Daisy that have wealthy husbands, class, and are there to make children for a family. The way this is shoiwn is that Daisy is now a stay at home mother as presumed to be while her husband is out and has another women in his hands or on the side. Judging by the feminist perspective, women are hopeless and without men they are nothing.
Sunny Avila
There is no doubt that ethics have been 'tossed out the window' when it comes to prosperous institutions and organizations. In fact, I think it would be a bold statement for someone to say there is even a single program which is free of corruption. Corruption exists in a church setting, and in the police force. Sports teams are no exception. Justin Ramos correctly referred to Gatsby's behavior as having a "devious nature". Gatsby now represents the entire human race, as humans generally are greedy and evil in nature. Therefore, nothing controlled by man is incorruptable.
I think the Great Gastby is teaching us that many people have different ideas on achieving their American dream. The author shows us through different characters like Gatsby- getting by in life illegally, wolfshiem- corruption and Nick- working his way up. He wants us to think if achieving the american dream is more fulfilling the easy way or the hard way.
Alyssa lagasca
Gatsy has a connection with Meyer Wolfshiem and it starts to revel whom Gatsby's character really is. Gatsby is an active bootlegger and supposdly he also killed a man before. This gives readers the question of if his amicable facade is just a secret to hide his evil intentions. Gatsby can be compared to the corruption of the American Dream in that excessive pride and eagerness soemtimes leads to evil acts. There have been corruptions of the American Dream with people whom just want achievement in an unjust way. Gatsby uses his devious nature in order to obtain what he wants and that makes him very evil.
The Great Gatsby reveals another aspect of the American Dream: selfishness, pride, ambition. I agree that some people have lost sight of morals and what is right and instead focus too much on what is best for themselves. The American Dream is all about opportunity. However, I think some individuals have interpreted it the wrong way, seizing any opportunity in front of them at the expense of morals and others around them or maybe taking advantage of its supposed meaning of hard work and success. The book emphasizes that some people will do whatever it takes to get to the top, to gain power and fortune. Jordan Baker is an example of those that cheat and risk everything just to win and have that title. Some don't care how they achieve their American Dream, it is more important to just attain it.
-Christine De Lara
The Great Gatsby teaches us that if their is an opportunity for monetary gain we cease that opportunity for our own initial selfishness. However, Fitzgerald expresses to his audience why we shouldn't be thinking in that state of mind, he gives us a warning. The Great Gatsby symbolizes the regret and repercussions of becoming too greedy or corrupt under the influences of money. Gatsby is described as being one of the most wealthiest men alive,through illegal terms, however he is unable to fill the void with his love for Daisy. Fitzgerald expresses how money shouldn't be the main focus of our actions.
Jordan Baker shows how women can be just as deceptive and corrupted as men, even in a golf tournament.
So far we are getting to know Gatsby and his past and purpose in life. By letting his audience know that he used to be incorporated with the drugs, gangs, and such can have us be quick judge to character and meaning in life; nothing. But the 1920's were filled hot shots and drugs and lifeless people so he seemed pretty exclusive from everyone else. Still being in gangs can change a person for life whether it was for a good purpose or not they can instantly click back to their old ways by their worse fear.
The Great Gatsby does not teach us that the American Dream must be achieved through illegal or unethical activities, but rather uses such attempts to demonstrate the opposite of how the American Dream should be achieved—and how karma can erupt in ways that can happen to almost any individual in real life. This is shown in the fact that towards the conclusion of the novel, bad things inflicted upon all the characters that committed wrongdoings. Ultimately, each of the following characters has had to face consequences for their unjust decisions: Tom Buchanan, a wealthy, arrogant man whose consequence for carrying an extramarital affair, was being cheated on by Daisy in return (with Gatsby). The consequence of Myrtle Wilson, the concubine of Tom Buchanan, for her extramarital affair and belittling her husband was death at the hands of her lover’s wife. Daisy Buchanan, the wife of Tom Buchanan, faces her consequence for carrying an extramarital affair by living the remainder of her life knowing that she murdered someone. Lastly, Jay Gatsby paid the ultimate price: he was involved in illegal activities and carried an affair with Daisy, eventually to be shot and killed for a crime he was innocent of.
Looking from a feminist perspective, Jordan Baker would normally symbolize what women generally desire to be: a recognized woman for her strength, independence, and motivation. However, Jordan defeats the purpose of epitomizing that symbol by cheating; even if only once, cheating during any game is unacceptable.
Thats just the way people are, some are willing to do anything to get ahead and in the end if you decide not to do it someone else will. This can be found as far as adam and eve who ate the apple to live forever.
-Daniel Hernandez
Although a sad and wrong path many people did and continue with the path of illegality. The American Dream can be proclaimed as overrrated for this instance because to many the Dream consisted of an honest living and where anything can happen. For that second comment it is true that anything can happen and unfortunately its not always the right actions that lead to it. As for your example of what occurred in the World Series in 1919; it defines this perfectly. Many unfortunately sacrificed family, time, money, to get here to find that this American Dream is as flawed
Rebecca Dayton
With Wolfshiem introduced as this corrupt businessman, Nick now questions Gatsby's true wealth and fortune even further. Gatsby, being the central character who epitomizes the America dream itself, engages himself in characters such as Wolfshiem to alleviate the past struggles that Gatsby was desperate to move along from. This idea in itself mirrors the path taken by many Americans during the roaring 20's. Was it truly ethical to partake in illegal and elicit activities to make your quick fortune? To many, it would not be. But of course, in our own moralistic and humanly flawed ways, we would take the chance simply because we "saw the opportunity". The more and more that we dwell into The Great Gatsby, we see a side of the American dream deemed immoral and most prevalently pretentious: it is the sheer human interactions with their societal status, economic wealth, and opulence.
In order to decide why people do unethical things to earn money, I think it is important to first define the American Dream. I think the original American dream was to be well-off, maybe upper middle-class, an honest living, white picket fence, and comfortable enough to spend time and money on various enjoyable things and activities. However, as the years go by, expectations rise. With this comes the more extreme American dream; extremely wealthy as a result of little or no real work. The intriguing part of the American dream was always that it could be attainable by anyone who wished to work hard enough, however, the more extreme version of the American dream is almost contradicting the original. Everyone can't be ultra-wealthy, and not everyone can have one great idea or talent and make billions. In my opinion, there is really no such thing as the American dream, because is everyone is wealthy, then no one is.
Chloe Slovinsky
Our society wants to become the next big American story. Once they have the wealth and power they start to take advantage of that, turning them into selfish people. Gatsby is an example of this. He wanted to please his lover so he lied and used his wealth and power to try and manipulate.
Cobrin Humphery
the author F. Scott Fitzgerald is stating that the American Dream we all determine to achieve through ethics and hard work is no longer necessary that other means of achieving money and fame through cheating and passing illegal barriers is a way to reach that dream
Imran S. Hoque
I feel it is very true that for people to make a ridiculous amount of money you have to take every opportunity possible even if that means cheating or betraying someone. The only reason why is because to come out on top of others you have to push someone down. But, maybe that is why there is not that many millionaires. Maybe there is good people that do not take this opportunities. I don’t know that is what i think.
Jordan Baker is one of my favorite characters in the Great Gatsby. She is so unique for a female character and especially one from this era. She plays such a different role than any other female counter parts. She is beautiful yet completely independent on top of that men look up to her for being a professional golfer.
In this society, corruption is definitely prominent. Gatsby represents this because he has achieved his money only through illegal means, not honest living or through inheritance. I feel like this is a reflection of our society today. It almost seems that if someone wants to become rich, they have to do it through corruption. Or rather, they don't have to make an honest living anymore.
Jordan is very different from the rest of the women in this novel. first of all, she is independent, although she reached it through corruption. I think this juxtaposes the idea that women are dependent, and shows how women can be if they are independent, in a negative light.
-Kimberly Parra
In the past when America was still a young[er] prospering nation filled with "opportunity", people immigrated to this country for three main reasons; religion, economic welfare, and glory. The American Dream to every individual is different and unique. Some would consider that by simply being in America and being content with what you have is enough, but others desire something more. To me, the Dream is a cycle that follows our nation's very own economic trend. If our economy is stable the Dream is still there, but the opportunities are slim to make it big for there are not much factors present that will feed the flame. I believe that only after a Great Recession, like the one we are currently in today, is the only time that the ultimate "opportunity" will show itself and thus bring back to life the American Dream.
People commonly envision the American Dream as being achieved through hard, honest work. From what I have seen in present times and in the Great Gatsby, people are willing to do whatever it takes to attain the American Dream. People are willing to fulfill their goals illegally and through immoral ways. I guess the American Dream is now about attaining a better condition of life through any means necessary, whether it be through legitimate ways or not.
I believe that Gatsby's association with Wolfsheim is a foreshadowing of Gatsby's association to illegal business. I believe that this novel is a statement about human nature and about the 1920s and about the era we live in today. Basically the point made is that people only worry about themselves. If they see an opportunity they will take it. This can be seen in other instances also. For example this is shown in the movie Wall Street where the character takes advantage of others and wall street to make a fortune.This is also seen historically in the 1920 entrepenuers took advantage of workers and buyers by raising prices on goods produced by their monopolies because people had no other choice than to pay for the goods. This even happens now with big businesses taking advantage of wall street. This even happens with athletes. Look at Reggie Bush and Cam Newtons father. They both say an opportunity to make a profit illegally and did and are now suffering the consequences.This shows that this book made a comment on the time period, the time period today and human nature in general.
From the feminist perspective Jordan Baker is an example of a pro feminist character. The reason is that she has her own career and relies on athletic ability.
The American Dream is a centeral theme in this story and the experinces of teh cahrcters show that. Ever snice America has existed there has always been dishonestly and there even was with the charcter of Gatsby. The American Dream has changed so much over the eyars that it can not really even said to be evident and the last couple of years have shown that has well. By focusing on his forture and trying to gain the most out of life Gatbsy lost want he truly valkued and in his sense lost his American Dream. Likle many today who justify gross deads by saying "they had the oppurtunity" Gatsby proved to be an greedy man who focused on money and power.
Fitzgerald's take on America and the American Dream are exposed in this passage. He is disillusioned. Upset. The wealthiest characters in this book are people who engage in unethical behavior in order to get their money, and they really don't mind at all. It seems the American Dream is nothing but a contest of who is greediest.
To begin with, I think that the ideal of American dream is still the same- work hard and become more prosperous. Yet corruption is an every-day circumstance, and it has been since man ruled the planet. Now, with the level of corruption that has existed, we cannot cal illegal or unethical obtained riches a new version of the American dream, beacuse it has always been the same one! And if someone follows the ideal American dream, without hurting anyone in the process, well God bless their goodhearted souls! We must think about it in a different light: the American dream has been adopted by so many people throughout the centuries that when Europeans, or Asians or Latinos were finally able to make it into the country, they realized there was-and still is- A LOT of competition. So of course people will get hurt and trampled over, but unfortunately, that is just the way things work.
For people during the 20's, as well as some people today, don't really care for the sake of others, so long as they can make a quick buck. They will do anything to reach the desired level they so "rightfully deserve". As for Jordan Baker, she seems to be the woman who wants to have all thats she wants, as she is willing to do anything for her golfing career. What is a bit surprising is how she is helping out Gatsby. The reason is still unclear to me, but I do know that she has a motive in doing so.
I believe that the author is implying that the "american dream" is corrupted. People in the book do not need to work hard for their money to become wealthy. They either inherit their money or in Jay Gatsby's case earn their money illegally. Scott Fitzgerald is telling us that you do not necessarily need to work hard to achieve the American dream.
The message that F. Scott Fitzgerald is trying to convey is that the American Dream is corrupt. That greed is becoming more of a necessary trait than something more along the lines of perseverance and hard-work. Not only is the "American Dream" corrupt, but it contaminates those trying to persue the American Dream. So what is more important, trying to achieve the American Dream and let absoultely nothing stand in their way? Or stay away from the obsession of money and wealth and social status?
Alexandra Daigle
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