The Disillusionment of the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby"

Abstract

F. Scott Fitzgerald is regarded as the spokesman of the American "Jazz Age." "Jazz Age" denotes the temporal span, including 1919 to 1929. The economy flourished during this particular period in American history, leading to a significant shift in societal ideals. Consequently, a discernible decline emerged in individuals' cognitive and ethical faculties. The Great Gatsby, a literary work that portrays the terrible existence of Gatsby and carries notable scholarly and pragmatic ramifications, symbolizes the disintegration of the "American Dream." The cohort of individuals in the United States, commonly called the "lost generation" during the 1920s, saw a notable discrepancy between their aspirational objectives and the prevailing realities of their day. This study examines the fundamental significance of Gatsby's interpretation of the "American Dream" and uncovers the inescapable inevitability of Gatsby's sad demise and the disillusionment associated with the "American Dream" through a thorough analysis of the primary textual elements inside the novel. The primary aim of this essay is to enhance readers' understanding of the widespread appeal of riches and worldly possessions while encouraging them to reflect on the development of moral, healthful, and dynamic principles.