Based on the novel, The Great Gatsby, How does Jay Gatsby represent the American dream?

And also what was the condition of the American Dream like in the 1920s (dreams, wealth, time and the idea of America)

Jay Gatsby represents the American dream because he is born of humble beginnings and rises to a position of wealth and power. We are aware of his humble beginnings when we learn about his early meeting of Daisy while still a young soldier on a military base. Daisy initially loves him, but their romance is stymied by her parents and his departure for "The Great War."

After the war, Gatsby knows that the only way he could ever be an acceptable husband for Daisy is if he were to accumulate tremendous wealth. To that end, Gatsby begs, borrows and steals his way into the bootlegging industry. The wealth he accumulates from bootlegging buys him the tremendous house and parties Gatsby needs to once again catch Daisy's attention.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter how Gatsby made his money, just that he had a dream and achieved it (almost) through hard work and determination.


As Fitzgerald saw it (and as Nick explains in Chapter 9), the American dream was originally about discovery, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness. In the 1920s depicted in the novel, however, easy money and relaxed social values have corrupted this dream, especially on the East Coast. The main plot-line of the novel reflects this assessment, as Gatsby’s dream of loving Daisy is ruined by the difference in their respective social statuses, his resorting to crime to make enough money to impress her, and the rampant materialism that characterizes her lifestyle. Additionally, places and objects in The Great Gatsby have meaning only because characters instill them with meaning: the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg best exemplify this idea. In Nick’s mind, the ability to create meaningful symbols constitutes a central component of the American dream, as early Americans invested their new nation with their own ideals and values.

Yes, this novel looks at the American dream from a different perspective that overlooks those who distort these foundations in favor of their greedy delusions. I read The Great Gatsby in its entirety not long ago and found many interesting facts.