The Great Gatsby Theme of Visions of America

America in The Great Gatsby is presented mostly through the scope of class: the rich, the poor, and everyone in between are identified by how much money they have. We see America in the microcosm of New York City (and its suburbs), where all classes are pitted fairly close together. There’s Wilson, the working-class man who has to work constantly to stay afloat; the Buchanans, who have an unimaginable amount of money; and Nick, who’s upper-middle-class existence allows him many luxuries, but not everything he wants. Then there’s Gatsby. Even when Gatsby gets to the top, he’s looked down upon by those with old money.

In Gatsby, the American Dream seems corrupted. Whereas it used to stand for independence and the ability to make something of one's self with hard work, in Gatsby, the American Dream seems more about materialism and selfish pursuit of pleasure. Not to mention, no amount of hard work can change where Gatsby came from, and the old money folks maintain their sense of superiority because of that simple fact. The indication is that merit and hard work aren't enough. The idea of the American Dream proves to be disappointing and false in Fitzgerald’s classic novel.

1. Does Gatsby achieve the American Dream? If yes, when exactly can he say that he reaches it? If no, what prevents him from truly achieving it?
2. Do you agree with Fitzgerald’s criticisms of American culture during the Jazz Age? Would you rather be living then, or are you happy in present-day America?
3. Would you rather live in East Egg or West Egg? The North-East or the Mid-West? Why?
4. How would the novel be different through Tom or Daisy’s eyes? How do you think their view of America would differ from Nick’s?
5. Nick leaves the East coast, jaded by his experiences with Gatsby, the Buchanans, Jordan Baker, etc. Do you think he’ll remain cynical even in the Mid-West, or will he leave his disgust in New York?

Gatsby’s experiences in New York prove that the “American Dream” is not only a difficult goal to reach for, but is truly an impossible dream to achieve during this era of American life. Nick’s narration presents a very cynical, critical view of American life in the 1920’s.