The Great Gatsby and the American Dream

Name
Instructor
Course
Date
AMERICAN DREAM
Part 2
The American dream is essentially dishonest in the Great Gatsby, where Gatsby rises from humble beginnings to be a wealthy man through dubious means. When compared to the ‘old money’ people like Tom Buchanan, who did not flaunt their wealth Gatsby, wanted recognition. The character of Gatsby shows that he American Dream is dishonest as he gets to accumulate wealth quickly and illegally. The notion that everyone who works hard and takes advantage of the opportunities will achieve success is simplistic. “The more money you have, the more entitled and deserving,” (Gibney et al). After working many years for Dan Cosby, Gatsby realized that he was not going to achieve much if he earned an honest income. Gatsby was dishonest and driven to reach his goals, in whatever way possible.
Those already born in wealth did not have to work hard, or use their talents if they inherit great wealth. In the end Gatsby, loses his ill gotten wealth a reminder that the American Dream may also wither away over time. Despite Gatsby’ attempts at wooing Daisy using his wealth, he fails in his attempts when she rejects him. His dishonest ways have not fulfilled all his dreams as he hoped and he was unhappy. Gatsby project an image of one who was wealthy rather than one who came from a dirt poor family, and he was chasing a fantasy even after getting rich.