Gatsby’s Dream and Daisy’s Conflicts in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldJay Gatsby, the central character of F. Scott Fitzgerald?s The Great Gatsby symbolizes theAmerican dream. The American dream offers faith in the possibility of a better life. Its attendantillusion is the belief that material wealth alone can bring that dream to fruition. Through Gatsby,Fitzgerald brings together both these ideas. Jay Gatsby thinks money is the answer to anything heencounters. He has the best of everything. The fanciest car, the largest house, and the finestclothes. Jay has everything except the object he most desires, Daisy. Gatsby believes he can winDaisy over with wealth, that he could achieve the ideal she stood for through his materialpossessions.
One look at Gatsby?s past and it could be seen that he was destined to get ahead in life.Mr. Gatz told Nick, ?Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this orsomething. Do you notice what he?s got about improving his mind? He was always great for that.He told me I et like a hog once and I beat him for it? (182). Gatsby?s determination to gain alarge bankroll is a huge part of the American dream. He believes that once he achieved hisfinancial goal it would lead to a better life.
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In America, the car is one of the greatest status symbols. Gatsby?s gorgeous machine isone of the most majestic cars created. Nick?s comments on the vehicle describe its luster, ?…andthere in its monstrous length with triumphant hatboxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes…Sittingdown behind many layers of glass in a sort of leather conservatory we started towards town?(68). The use of the symbolic automobile can be seen as a demonstration of how a…
…ul. When he met Daisy, hisdream was to be on a level with Daisy, and to show her what he had and to buy her love withmaterialistic things. This did not go off without a hitch, for Daisy had married Tom, and withthat came love for him. Although Daisy told Gatsby she loved him, there was still her affectionfor Tom. The way the conflicts created by Daisy help the theme are numerous. The mostsignificant way is that she is the central corruption of Gatsby?s dream. The dream began as asimple bid for happiness, yet Gatsby was corrupted by money. He wanted money, and hebelieved that money would make him happy. When he became rich, his dream then becamefocused upon Daisy. Daisy was the only thing (or at least he thought) between him andhappiness.
Bibliography:
Fitzgerald, Scott F. The Great Gatsby. Simon and Schuster, New York. 1925.
