This is America
Lankston Peterson
O’Connor
Period 9
In the novel “The Great Gatsby”, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, readers are introduced to Jay Gatsby. Gatsby grew up poor, and earned wealth over the years by working with a rich man named Dan Cody. Gatsby did not always desire this wealth; it began when he met a woman named Daisy Buchanan. Unfortunately, even after he was able to accumulate this wealth, he was unable to get her love in return. In one way, Gatsby reveals that the “American Dream” is impossible because some people are never satisfied and always strive for more, whether it be a person or a more material wish. Despite this, America offers more opportunity than anywhere else, and this is what the “American Dream” truly rests on. Readers are shown that it is dangerous and unrealistic to strive for material wealth over other, more important things. This is shown through the stock market crash Gatsby endures before the Great Depression. From this novel and other readings this year, I have come to the conclusion that America is a land of relationships and opportunity.
In his childhood and early adult life, Gatsby is a good representation of the “American Dream”. He was born poor, and took it upon himself to increase his amounts of wealth and social class. His “parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people.” (98) This was the lifestyle he lived until he met and began working with Dan Cody. Gatsby had plenty of ambition and work ethic, and put it to use. While describing Gatsby’s current house, Nick says it is an “imitation of some Hôtel de Ville in Normandy.” (5) This past and present contrast shows the opportunities included in the “American Dream” through his humble beginnings to his more fortunate present. Gatsby achieved this dream.
Although Gatsby acquired all this wealth over the years, the writer shows that materialism does not come close to providing happiness. Just like the phrase “Money can’t buy you happiness”, Gatsby was unfulfilled by this materialistic wealth. Gatsby hosted weekly parties for almost anyone who wanted to come, invited or not. Unfortunately, many simply used Gatsby for his parties and his wealth, and for nothing else. Rumors spread during these parties, and Nick overheard one saying “he killed a man who found out that he was nephew to Von Hindenburg” (referring to Gatsby) (61). This simple quote demonstrates that Gatsby was unable to fulfill meaningful relationships with anyone at his parties, and furthermore he was unable to make any friends while he was pursuing Daisy. Fitzgerald explains through this that there are many more important things in life than money. After becoming friends with Nick and Daisy, Gatsby’s life almost turns upside down. He is more joyful and fulfilled emotionally.
Gatsby only had one funeral visitor from his parties: Owl Eyes. Nick, depressingly says “I was responsible for the funeral because no one else was interested” (172). This is greatly saddening, because despite all he hard work he put in, he was simply forgotten and left in the past by his guests. The “American Dream”s downsides are shown in this quote. This “Dream” has produced many selfish and insensitive humans. Their morals have declined, and Fitzgerald wants readers to know that if they choose to take this path they will be let down in the long run.
Fitzgerald ingrains in our heads the fact that because the “American Dream” is based on constant, and endless improvement, it is impossible to fully acquire this dream. For example, when Daisy proclaims her love for Gatsby, he still demands that she say that she never loved Tom- “Just tell him the truth- that you never loved him” (132). This is a perfect example of Gatsby’s never-ending strive for something more. Even after he reached his “end goal”, he found something else to add to it.
Another example I found of the importance of relationships was in the short story earlier this year called “The Rich Brother”. Pete was wealthy and interested in real estate. His brother was not as successful. Despite their financial differences, Pete would always help out his brother Donald. His brother was always grateful for the help: “Thanks for coming. You must be totally whipped” (4). Although the two had almost nothing in common, they respected each other and were still kind because of the relationship they had. Unfortunately, after a heated argument in the car, they gave up and Pete said “I don’t want to hear from you right now. You just keep quiet or I swear to God I won’t be responsible” (11). After this quote is said, the whole conversation goes downhill and becomes increasingly more intense. At the end of the story, Donald tells Pete he should go, and Pete leaves without him. Readers are left unsure of whether they ever talk again or not, but the fact is that they managed to ruin a relationship in the matter of minutes. Although it was not perfect, they were brothers and they loved each other. This is what can happen due to differences in material wealth and ideologies.
Although I had said that America is a land of opportunity, I believe that you must be careful of the opportunities you choose to take advantage of and not let these endless opportunities make you like one of the party guests, or like the rich brother. It is easy to become selfish and insensitive, especially while surrounded with such wealth and prosperity. We must not forget to pursue meaningful relationships alongside these opportunities to maximize our potential as members of such a beautiful society.
