We hold these
truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal
with
certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson writes these words in the
Declaration of Independence encompassing the idea of the American
dream, making the basis on which the country was built. Some people
perceive America as a land of promise and equal opportunity where
anyone can gain success through hard work. In addition, it
dissolves the barriers between social classes and wealth.
Immigrants originally came to America from other countries and all
people were forced to make their own life despite being born into
money and privilege. Throughout
the Great
Gatsby, the rights of life, liberty and pursuit of
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Nonetheless,
the characters are internally struggling with the quality and
happiness found in their life. Gatsby does not achieve his grail,
showing that money cannot buy love and friendship. The upper class
in The Great Gatsby buy many materialistic objects but they are
partially satisfied and only given temporary happiness. This theme
of hallow decadence is reinforced in the novel; Daisys face was
smeared with tears, and when I came in she jumped up and began
wiping at it with her handkerchief before a mirror (Fitzgerald
89). The disillusionment of the American dream is shown by how
Daisy had everything in the world including endless wealth that Tom
supplies her with. Despite having the privilege of these things,
Daisy is noticeably unhappy with her life. Another character that
embodies the artificial achievement of the American dream is Gatsby
because he ends up with no joy or peace, which he thought he would
gain from Daisy. Gatsby convinces Nick to arrange to have Daisy
over for Tea so they can reconnect and tour his house. Nick goes to
say goodbye to Gatsby and finds him with a bewithered face; A
faint doubt had occurred to him as to the quality of his present
happiness
There must have been moments even that afternoon when
Daisy tumbled short of his dreams- not through her own fault, but
because of the colossal vitality of his illusion(Fitzgerald 95).
Gatsby finally achieves his dream of impressing Daisy with his
wealth after many years of waiting. However, after accomplishing it
Gatsby has no motive or purpose in life and he is starting to
realize his emptiness. This foreshadows the ending of the novel and
the cease of Daisy and Gatsbys relationship because the dream does
not fulfil him like he pictured it would. Author Barbara Lupack
writes in an article about the American Dream,
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