The American Dream can be achieved in different aspects by different people. Wealth is one ideal that everyone wishes they had and are constantly trying to achieve. Ideally people believe that if they get a job then the wealth will just fall into their lap. This is an unrealistic idea and Gatsby learned that the hard way. Gatsby worked extremely hard to gain his wealth and it all payed off in the end.
Anyone who works hard, and pursues the ultimate goal of happiness, can, and will, live a fulfilling life. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the character of Gatsby to critique the idea of the American Dream. He uses Gatsby because, although he is an example of the American Dream, in the way that he went from rags to riches, he also contradicts the American Dream. He got to where he was because of illegal actions, not hard honest work. And yet there are people in the world, represented by Wilson in this book, that do work hard, honest jobs, yet they still suffer.
Patriotism, Dignity, and Economy are all words that are tossed around when America comes to mind. An idea that is probably the most common is the idea of and “American Dream.” Sometimes this dream can be fictitious, because it applies to people in so many different ways. Once again it isn’t a set standard because nobody is the same and we all have different dreams. This idea is that of a modern and stylish community where dreams are influenced by appearances and our possessions. This is something that we all have come to accept to be a very American idea.
The lesson learned here is each child is in control of his or her destiny. However, they may still feel enslaved by the broken social structure they too must react to the reality they have an equal right to pursue happiness which is the American Dream. The American dream as depicted in Emma Lazarus’s poem “The New Colossus” enlightens the reader to an immigrant’s perspective. The statue of liberty beckons with the promise of the American Dream. They come from lands where they have been stripped of their riches and rights.
Foreigners believe that success can be obtained in America with hard work, persistence, and determination. To them, America is the place where dreams can come true. Some Americans have a hard time grasping why immigrants would risk their lives in order to come to America. From an American’s perspective, one’s life is more valuable then any job opportunity or sum of money, however for an immigrant, a decent paying job is necessary in order to live a satisfactory life. Immigrants realize that crossing the border illegally could mean losing their life, but many believe the life they currently have is not worth living.
The novel clearly shows that this is true. Daisy Buchanan is a very important character in the novel. Gatsby adores her in every way and wants her to himself. According to Kevin Boon, "She is the object of Gatsby's love, the reason he has come to Long Island, and his primary motivation to becoming wealthy. "(Boon 65) In other words, Daisy is Gatsby's American dream.
“Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” - John F. Kennedy. Those who are willing to endure a tremendous risk of failure and loss in order to achieve something greater for themselves and the people they love and care for all while attaining the fullest stature of which they are innately capable of despite their position in society, acquiring something from nothing . . . now that’s the American Dream.
Or at least this is what I have come to understand. In American society everyone strives to make something out of themselves, jumping at the opportunity to make themselves rich. Although only the successful actually attain this dream its still was a very good motivator for immigrants and Americans alike. The American dream affected how most laws were made. With the way the government is set up the people who govern the country have to think about what is best for the average citizen.
Numerous people believe that the American Dream is about becoming rich and famous. However, the American Dream is not about how many fans one obtains, or even how much money one acquires annually, it is simply about achieving your own personal goals. A plausible definition of the American Dream is ones idea and belief in freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; which consents all individuals of the United States of America to be successful through determination and hard work. On the other hand, every US citizen definition of the American Dream differs, mainly because of their situation or lifestyle. For example, to some, it means living in a place without the limitations put on by their background, ethnicity, social status, race, or way of life.
“The American Dream: A Paradox” Most people want to be successful in their life, but most of them fail to produce the results they desire in the end. Money, social class and family stability are among some of the factors that could inhibit ones success. “Our national mythology abounds with the illustration of the American success story. The notion of success haunts us”. (Colombo 255-256) Paradoxes in American culture are caused by one's ability to achieve success solely based on the individual and their ability.