Great Gatsby theme

Great Gatsby theme

Many books are made up of themes, which are the fundamental and often universal idea explored in a literary work so authors can convey their messages to the reader. F. Scott Fitzgerald is known to have plays and literary work which is full of emotion betrayal, ironic conclusions and humour. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote the novel “The Great Gatsby” a novel that illustrates the society in the 1920's and the associated beliefs, values and dreams of the American population at that time. These beliefs, values and dreams can be summed up to be what is termed the "American Dream"; a dream of money, wealth, prosperity and the happiness that supposedly came with the booming economy and get-rich-quick schemes that formed the essential underworld of American upper-class society.
Jay Gatsby, the central character of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby symbolizes the American dream. The American dream offers faith in the possibility of a better life. Initially, he appears to be a self-made, wealthy man, and is a remarkable example of how hard work can lead to material prosperity. Although he is the child of “unsuccessful farm people” he manages to cross this social barrier and overcome his modest childhood. He is able to raise himself to his high social stature through hard work and perseverance. The one reason that Gatsby is determined to achieve material wealth is to recapture the love that he once shared with Daisy. Gatsby’s interpretation of the American Dream is where the charming hero-himself, becomes extremely successful and affluent and wins the love back of the “beautiful damsel in distress.” Gatsby embodies the mores of the American Dream. Gatsby’s dreams prevent Nick from witnessing the moral corruption in Gatsby that he sees in Tom and Daisy. Before Nick leaves to return home, he yells out “They’re a rotten crowd…You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together” (Ch.8, pg.214).
The theme of the American Dream in Great Gatsby is mostly...