IndexThe foundation of the American dreamThe pursuit of wealth as a measure of successIllusion versus reality in the American dreamThe end of the American dreamConclusionReferences“So we continue to row, boats against the current, brought back incessantly into the past.” This famous closing line from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, encompasses the themes of disillusionment and the illusory nature of the American dream. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the novel explores the lives of the wealthy elite and serves as a scathing critique of the American dream and its unattainable promises. Through the characters' tireless pursuit of wealth and social status, The Great Gatsby reveals the corrupt and ephemeral nature of the coveted American dream. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The concept of the American Dream has been deeply rooted in the fabric of American society, embodying the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and success. However, as depicted in The Great Gatsby, the pursuit of the American Dream, particularly in the form of material wealth and social standing, can lead to moral decay and disillusionment. This essay will examine the fundamental elements of the American Dream, the characters' pursuit of wealth as a measure of success, the dichotomy between illusion and reality in the American Dream, the end of the dream, and the relevance of the novel's message to modern society. society. The Foundation of the American Dream To fully understand the illusory and corrupt nature of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby, it is essential to understand its fundamental elements. The American Dream embodies the principles of freedom, opportunity and success, promising individuals the ability to improve their social and economic status through hard work and determination. However, this idealized vision of the Dream has evolved over time, with its historical origins rooted in the pursuit of land ownership, entrepreneurship, and upward mobility. F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of The Great Gatsby, experienced firsthand the socioeconomic disparities of the 1920s, which heavily influenced his perspective on the American dream. In his writings, Fitzgerald described the dream as an unattainable and ultimately corrupt notion, characterized by its emptiness and moral decay. The Pursuit of Wealth as a Measure of Success The character of Jay Gatsby exemplifies the destructive nature of the American dream, particularly in his relentless pursuit of wealth as a means to regain his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby's opulent mansion, lavish parties, and extravagant lifestyle serve as symbols of his pursuit of the American dream, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Furthermore, the novel depicts how the relentless desire for material wealth becomes a marker of social status and identity, perpetuating a cycle of moral corruption and disillusionment. Illusion vs. Reality in the American DreamWhile The Great Gatsby depicts the facade of the American Dream through a life of luxury. and false identities, also highlights the emptiness of materialism and the broken promises of the Dream. The characters in the novel, particularly Gatsby and Daisy, eventually realize the hollowness of their pursuits, as material wealth fails to bring them genuine happiness or fulfillment. This stark discrepancy between the illusion and reality of the American Dream further highlights its corrupt and illusory nature. The End of the American Dream The tragic outcomes and disillusionment experienced by the characters in The Great Gatsby signal the end of the American Dream. The premature death of. 49-64.