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Why Is The American Dream Important In The Great Gatsby

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The American dream of rising in wealth and social class has been popularized for decades and it has become a part of America’s culture. But we must question the likelihood of achieving this appealing dream. By attaining wealth and prosperity, one can move up the social ladder. However social class is based on a number of different factors: race, demography, family background, level of education, environment, culture, politics, economics, and more. Considering these factors, many are restricted in drastic movements in social class because their background limits them by discouraging and demolishing their motivation for a better life.
America is deemed as the “land of dreams”, however, this is not always the case. Americans have grown up with the belief that hard work strictly leads to success, this is discussed in Dan Kopf’s article on how the American dream is a fallacy. In fact he states, “Americans have unusually strong beliefs in the fairness of the economic system, and the relationship of hard work to success.” This is similar to Jay Gatsby’s ideology in Scott F. …show more content…

With more time, there is more leeway for errors and setbacks. In this case, the end goal is looking out for the future generations so they could possibly reach the american dream. But as the years go on and the economy fluctuates, the american dream will also fluctuate. The Obama’s approach to social class mobility is a very tedious process that very few would actually follow. People focus more on their own goals and don’t see the big picture like the Obama’s. They would rather be searching for a their own fortunes and aspirations rather than the future generations of their families. Gatsby’s death could have ultimately been avoided if he was not so focused on his single goal- winning Daisy back. This mindset will lead to the unlikelihood of them moving up the social

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