Blog topic #4: Text-to-World
F. Scott Fitzgerald employs text connections in his novel, The Great Gatsby, in order to relate to his widespread of readers. One of the principal themes conversed about during the entire novel is the concept of people aspiring to achieve the “American Dream”. Characters were developed along the plot of the story each with their own dream to reach their own ambitions during the roaring 20’s. Although not all of the characters are able to successfully fulfill their dreams, there are a few that accomplish their goals while encountering several bumps in the road that could have possibly led them off course from their triumphs. For example, the main character of the novel, Jay Gatsby, struggles with his fight to fit in with the new trend of the 1920s which was to gain a social status in society while also becoming wealthy and successful in life. With his newfound prosperity and popularity he had yet to gain one thing; the love of his life, Daisy. Following Word War 1, people began immigrating towards urban lifestyle, occupying city after city. The economy began to increase and the entertainment industry boomed as people now had more time to spend doing leisurely activities due to the shortening of work hours. Civilians became interested in high fashion and luxuries that they couldn’t previously have afforded, this became known as the “American Dream”. Along with this, the so-called dream offered a possibility of good fortune, individualism, revelation, and the pursuit of happiness.
Nick Carraway, the narrator of the novel, has a strongly negative attitude towards the way he views the wealthy people of New York. During his visit he finds he is less than satisfied with what he has experienced and whom he has met, with the exception of Jay Gatsby, who stood out to him as someone nothing short of “gorgeous”. Nick admires this man for his apparent luxurious lifestyle and success, he observes him as a respectable man who was born with nothing and made his life into something people desire. Nick, in fact, has his own aspirations of living the “American Dream” and looks to Gatsby as a role model as he is the only one who truly challenges Nick’s tradition ways of thinking.
The “American Dream” is still alive today. Although certain aspects have changed, people still desire to accomplish the best of their abilities. John Wooden once said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Life is not about what you get in life, but about the experiences you get out of life. The “American Dream” pertains to people who hope to live successfully and allow them to prosper just like several characters within this novel. Families all over the country see this dream as a sign of ambition for their futures. Altogether, the collaboration of success and hope help provide many to achieve their dream for a better future.
I completely agree with your ideas about society during the 20s. The people during that time focused a lot of their attention on their social life and the fun activities they were able to experience. The way that Gatsby lies to Daisy when he is younger and pretends to be more rich than he actually is shows how important money must have been in those days. The people of this era also reflect those ideas such as buying the latest product or being invited to a certain party, social standings have become very important and the 20s greatly contributed to this idea.
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