American Dream

Money can't buy happiness or success, it can help; but it will never replace hard work. The American Dream was unachievable for many during the 1920's, especially for one Mr. Jay Gatz. "He was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with that resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American..." (Fitzgerald 49). Gatsby is one version of America, the wealthy, beautiful, easy going rich boy, yet he is still unhappy with his life as are many people. The majority are more beaten down, tired, and worn out from working so hard for something out of their reach. Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. "Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her." (Fitzgerald 70) A part of the significance of the American dream is the idea of it, when seen written out on paper it looks amazing and achievable. Once you accomplish it, it might not be all it was cracked up to be. Sometimes you must live for yourself, and not the unreachable dream of the golden girl, too far off to grasp.