The word that can sum up many of the themes in the book is position. The word covers themes like class, wealth, social standing, and others. Social standing was very important in The Great Gatsby. For example, Tom's social standing allowed him to treat everyone, including his own wife, like dirt, except on rare occasions when he felt like being helpful. Gatsby's social standing allowed him to be generous, because everyone expected it of him after attending or hearing about one of his lavish parties.
Evan Cole March 6, 2012 English 101 Mr. Raines American Opportunities Dinesh D’Souza’s essay “Becoming American” notes three reasons why the American life style is sought after, better standard of living, social freedoms, and an egalitarian society. I agree, America is a land where people create their own destinies, a land where people make their own choices and have near limitless possibilities. D’Souza’s gives his views on how the Americans society is seen by other countries. D’Souza states that most American critics have an easy explanation for why the American idea of living is so captivating. It is simply the ability to make money.
People struggle determining what the American Dream is. No one can clearly define what the American dream is but can only describe what it means to them. Many say the American Dream is coming to America to have the many opportunities and live their lives in riches. Others demonstrate that the American Dream is being treated fairly and equally, no matter what race, color skin, and family they come from. Those who are blessed enough to be born in a life of wealth and comfortable livelihood may not be able to grasp the meaning of the American Dream, but others who struggle in life and are restrained by the opportunities that did not come their way, tend to understand what the American Dream is.
In “I, Too” the view of America changes as well. He (the narrator) realizes people don’t always do the right thing but eventually will be a great place and right will triumph. Finally in the poem “Chinese Hot Pot” the view of America is that it is a kind place and that everyone is tolerant and loving toward one another. The author also thinks that America gives an opportunity of freedom, far more than other countries. The pieces of literature are different in several
My Le Professor McNeil English 1101-113 6 October 2012 Paper 1 “Final Draft” The drive for a perfect lifestyle falsely pulls many people to America. Everyone views America as a place for freedom and prosperity. They come in search of the American dream but many just find a life full of greed. The American dream is known as a belief of gaining the flawless way of life through hard work and dedication. Each person has a unique take on what they believe the American dream is, but every person’s American dream has a goal of success and happiness.
When people here the words American dream most would say it’s to be wealthy, to have everything money can buy, but for others it’s having the simple joys in life. After reading and analyzing the book, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the points have become very clear, that some individuals in this world are materialistic; well others are set on things money can’t buy. Everyone wants to be happy in some way, for some it comes in the form of another person for others it comes in the form of green rectangular pieces of paper. The American dream is simply love, not matter what kind of love it is, for a person, money, or even a friend. Characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: the definition of being
Gatsby’s great parties gathered people of different social classes together, everyone dressed as fancy as they could afford so it was hard to distinguish the haves for the ‘have-nots’ the celebration of winning the war brought positives to the society, people became more equal but at the same time morals and principles were lost. There is a significant difference between the 2 eggs, although both consist of wealthy people, the west egg is filled with exciting events, music, alcohol and casual sex whereas the east egg follows a strict regime, traditional values must be kept, family names and social status must not be harmed. Gatsby’s parties allowed people from all over the area to forget who they are and let go of rules and expectations that they’re ordinary lives carry. It’s almost like the Cinderella story, the guests had little to worry about during Gatsby’s party. The host himself nevertheless could never let go of his aim, while others enjoyed themselves and their freedom, felt like survivors because they really were, Gatsby just watched the green light which is as close to Daisy as he could get, but he always remembered that she loved to dance and he had created all these massive events so that they could catch her eye, just the way the green light at the other side catches his eye.
This belief is somewhat consistent with the famous idea of the American dream, which is to achieve instant wealth or fame. Because America is the strongest nation in the world from, many people believe that this wealthy and powerful nation would help them withdraw their beautiful dreams. Therefore, the American dream attracts millions of talented people to come and make contributions to this nation. However, there are also some unexpected features included in the American dream, and people have to experience and face both good and bad aspects of the American dream. The essential concept of the American dream is to offer citizens a nation that provides liberty, peace, and happiness.
Keywords: enlightenment, fulfillment, happiness THE ULTIMATE HAPPINESS PRESCRIPTION 3 The Ultimate Happiness Prescription Most people are under the impression that happiness comes from becoming successful, accumulating wealth, being healthy, and having good relationships. There is certainly enormous social pressure to believe that these accomplishments are the same as achieving happiness. However, this is a mistake. Success, wealth, good health, and nurturing relationships are by products of happiness, not the cause. Everyone has observed people who are deeply unhappy even after they have attained incredible wealth and success.
American Dreams are slightly different for each individual. For one person, it may be making just enough money to support his family and live happily, but for another person, he may only be able to achieve happiness by making an extraordinary amount of money. The American Dream has become the pursuit of material prosperity instead of mere happiness. In James Truslow Adams’ book The Epic of America, he states that the American Dream is "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us ourselves have grown weary and mistrustful of it.