A Societal Illusion?

 The Great Gatsby is a novel that is representative of American life. Many symbols are used throughout the novel by Fitzgerald to showcase his opinion on the core values of our society. This is illustrated quite well by the quote "Gatsby's main goal in life, and by extension, America's main goal, which is to always achieve more, rather than be satisfied with what they have." We as people tend to place value on materialistic things as they can be a direct indicator of wealth. This idea of “greed” was pronounced during the 1920s-1930s as the effects of modernism and innovations brought wealth to many. Yet it also furthered the inequality between the few and the many, as time progressed and more people suddenly gained wealth, the idea of social mobility was idealized and romanticized by the impoverished. The reality though was that in pursuit of wealth was a false dream as most wealth is generational, those who are well off now had a high likelihood of being rich in the past. Social inequality was also present throughout this time, immigrants, African Americans and women had limited opportunities to achieve wealth. Most were used as stepping stones for white Americans. 

          To an extent Gatsby embodies the American dream, he rises from poverty to becoming rich from prohibition and throws lavish parties. He gains wealth, prestige and respect from his various peers but he lacks happiness. In his hollow gold mansion he cannot attain the one thing he truly values the most in his young life, the love of his dear companion. He dies and yet no one attends his funeral. Fitzgerald comments on the American dream through the love and actions of Jay Gatsby. Does it truly exist? Or is it simply a facade created by the impoverished in order to find hope? That is a question I will let you answer.