Jay Gatsby a victim of the American Dream

Hi, can anyone help?

I am completing coursework about whether or not Jay Gatsby is a victim of the American Dream but having difficulties for both sides of the argument!

I have read the Great Gatsby and am still struggling!

Appreciate any help!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

Reply 1

nota bene

First of all I have to say that it is some time since I read the book, so I'll probably be talking heaps of crap...

I guess you'll have to bring up arguments from a little of both sides, but since the american dream is that anyone is able to obtain success. Firstly has Gatsby reached any success? (well money-wise sure... but isn't it so that people go to his parties because the parties are good and because they care about Gatsby, in fact he lacks friends) And what is success? (now I went philosophical, but is money=success?)

Hmm, victim of the american dream:O, well he tries to do what the American dream is about, obtaining success, although he ultimately fails.

Find nice qoutes supporting what you say and then you shall have a solid argumentation...

Reply 2

Darren.H

It’s not so much an issue about his money though. Jay Gatsby plays into the expectations of the American Dream. He has a certain status in society which he has personally built, or so we assume. Therefore that is a representation of his hard-working nature, arguable but a valid point providing you find some worthy quotations. He’s also sincerely lost in his life, yearning for something else - but he’s only craving for that (Daisy) when he isn’t around people, when he is he is noble, brave and virtuous. Gatsby’s a victim because his mind is in the Dream, but his heart isn’t.

Reply 3

hi there

Points to consider:
Gatsby is an archtype for America; his moral values and ethical stance parralles the movement of America into the "jazz age".
Is he not so much a victim of the American dream, but what society has come to represent - has society shifted the idea of "high class" as those with status and not moral decency, thus is Gatsby a victim of this and not what the American dream specifically?
How does Gatsby parrallel the algar Horatio myths? He is certainly different from them, and it is these differences that distance him from the true meaning of the american dream, hence consequently he will be subject to it
In which ways are others a victim of the American dream (look at Nick specifically!!!! He is very victimized by it!!!)