Exploring the dynamics of wealth and social power in the american dream
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Date
2024
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University of Oum El Bouaghi
Abstract
The American Dream emerged as a compelling ideal promising a better life—a vision intertwined with achieving a comfortable existence through home ownership, a car, and a family. While this concept has long existed, it reached its zenith in the early 20th century, becoming a defining symbol of success within American society. Renowned authors, like Scott Fitzgerald, explored its impact on individuals, notably in his novel "The Great Gatsby." This era of prosperity and technological advancement saw the United States ascend as a global powerhouse. However, Fitzgerald portrayed a corrupted version of this dream in his work, vividly illustrating an era dominated by materialism, where wealth and status were paramount. Characters like Gatsby, rising from modest beginnings, resorted to illicit means to realize their aspirations, while elites such as Daisy and Tom Buchanan effortlessly enjoyed inherited wealth. This analysis provides insights into the period depicted in the novel, a celebrated literary work that also scrutinizes the disillusionment and ultimate failure inherent in pursuing the American Dream.