How was 'the American Dream' portrayed in 'The Great Gatsby'?

The Great Gatsby is a tragic love story on the surface, but it's most commonly understood as a pessimistic critique of the American Dream. ..... read more

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses a variety of literary devices to portray the American Dream. One example is the the green light that symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for a life with Daisy. Another symbol is the Valley of the Ashes, which represents the ugly consequences of America’s obsession with wealth. read more

Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby, however, fail to achieve the American Dream. Jay Gatsby fails to achieve the American Dream because of his own shamelessness. Gatsby pursues wealth in any form he can. read more