The American Dream is originally about finding happiness, but by the 1920s happiness only came with wealth; Americans strived for wealth because they thought that money brought happiness. However, F. Scott Fitzgerald never used the words "American Dream" in The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald shows the difficulty of obtaining happiness through the American Dream. Fitzgerald uses motifs to demonstrate the unattainability of the American Dream.
One of the main motifs of the novel are parties. Gatsby throws his extremely extravagant parties in an effort to catch Daisy's attention; hoping that she would see the lights across the bay or hear about them. His attempts however, are useless because no one really knows who Gatsby is. Many of his guests make up his past and are only there to celebrate in the 'American Dream'. The corruption in this dream is evident. Men are fighting with their wives. They are unhappy with their marriages whereas the women feel as if they are being neglected. Plus, most of the guests only show up to increase their social standings and to bask in what they believe is the American Dream. These guests who feign their friendships with Gatsby do not show up for his funeral, which only exemplifies the corruption and superficiality of the American Dream.
Also, Gatsby's sole purpose for throwing these parties is to please Daisy, however she is not impressed by them. This demonstrates the impossibility of Gatsby attaining his American Dream (being with Daisy AND still having his wealth).
Overall, The Great Gatsby uses the party motif to show that there wasn't really an American Dream. The American Dream was perceived as having wealth and not really about true happiness. Wealth was thought to bring happiness, however, we should all know that money does not bring happiness.
One of the main motifs of the novel are parties. Gatsby throws his extremely extravagant parties in an effort to catch Daisy's attention; hoping that she would see the lights across the bay or hear about them. His attempts however, are useless because no one really knows who Gatsby is. Many of his guests make up his past and are only there to celebrate in the 'American Dream'. The corruption in this dream is evident. Men are fighting with their wives. They are unhappy with their marriages whereas the women feel as if they are being neglected. Plus, most of the guests only show up to increase their social standings and to bask in what they believe is the American Dream. These guests who feign their friendships with Gatsby do not show up for his funeral, which only exemplifies the corruption and superficiality of the American Dream.
Also, Gatsby's sole purpose for throwing these parties is to please Daisy, however she is not impressed by them. This demonstrates the impossibility of Gatsby attaining his American Dream (being with Daisy AND still having his wealth).
Overall, The Great Gatsby uses the party motif to show that there wasn't really an American Dream. The American Dream was perceived as having wealth and not really about true happiness. Wealth was thought to bring happiness, however, we should all know that money does not bring happiness.
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