The Great Gatsby is a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which is widely recognized as one of the best novels ever written in English literature. The novel is set in the Roaring Twenties, a time of great economic prosperity and the height of the American Dream. The novel follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who is obsessed with achieving the American Dream. Throughout the novel, Gatsby’s pursuit of the Dream is explored, as well as the impact it has on the other characters. This article will explore the quotes about the American Dream in The Great Gatsby, and how the Dream affects the characters and their lives.
Gatsby’s Perspective on the Dream
The American Dream is a central theme in The Great Gatsby, and it is explored through the perspective of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a character who is driven by his desire to achieve the Dream, and his obsession with it is evident throughout the novel. He is constantly striving to better himself and his station in life, and he believes that the Dream is the key to his success. One of the most famous quotes from the novel is when Gatsby says, “I am going to fix everything just the way it was before.” This quote illustrates Gatsby’s desire to achieve the Dream, and his belief that it is possible to do so.
Gatsby also believes that money is the key to achieving the Dream, and this is evident in the quote, “Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!” Gatsby is convinced that money can buy him the life he desires, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to get it. This quote is a reflection of Gatsby’s perspective on the Dream, and how he believes that money is the key to achieving it.
The Impact of the Dream on the Characters
The pursuit of the American Dream has a profound impact on the characters in The Great Gatsby. Gatsby’s pursuit of the Dream is what drives him to do the things he does, and his obsession with it ultimately leads to his downfall. The other characters are also impacted by Gatsby’s pursuit of the Dream, as they are drawn into his world and become a part of his story.
The impact of the Dream on the characters is evident in the quote, “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness.” This quote illustrates how the pursuit of the Dream can cause people to become careless and destructive, and how it can lead to negative consequences.
The Legacy of the Dream
The Great Gatsby is a novel that has stood the test of time, and its exploration of the American Dream is one of the reasons why. The novel has left a lasting legacy on the concept of the Dream, and it has been used as an example of how the pursuit of the Dream can lead to both success and failure.
The legacy of the Dream is evident in the quote, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This quote reflects the idea that the pursuit of the Dream can be a never-ending cycle, and that it is ultimately a futile endeavor. It is a reminder that the Dream is something that can never truly be achieved, and that it can be both a blessing and a curse.
The quotes about the American Dream in The Great Gatsby illustrate how the pursuit of this Dream can have a profound impact on the characters in the novel, and how it can lead to both success and failure. The legacy of the Dream is evident in the novel, and it is a reminder that the pursuit of the Dream can be a never-ending cycle. The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic, and its exploration of the American Dream is one of the reasons why.
