“’Who is this Gatsby anyhow?’ demanded Tom suddenly. ‘Some big bootlegger?’” At this moment in the novel nobody would have guessed that Tom was right. During the time of Prohibition many newly rich people earned their money from the bootlegging business, selling illegal alcohol out of their back doors. And Jay Gatsby is one of them. But is Gatsby’s economic success nevertheless a realization of the American Dream?
It is important to ask that question because often The Great Gatsby is mainly associated with the American Dream and its typical lifestyle. Parties, money, expensive cars and women dressed in the typical fashion of the “Golden Twenties”. But there is much more behind Jay Gatsby’s story.
How did he make his way up to the top? And how important is wealth, success and his social status really in his opinion? In the following those questions will be given a closer look at.
At first a definition and the history of the American Dream will be given. Then there will be some general information about the Prohibition. The next point is about Gatsby’s wealth and his success with a special focus on his illegal affairs. Afterwards Gatsby’s reputation in society, also concerning his wealth and illegal means will be analysed. At the end the results will be summarized and an answer to the question whether Gatsby’s economic success is a realization of the American Dream, will be given in the conclusion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The American Dream
- Prohibition
- Gatsby's success and wealth
- Gatsby's reputation in society
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines Jay Gatsby's economic success within the context of the American Dream as portrayed in F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*. It explores the historical and societal factors contributing to Gatsby's wealth and investigates whether his achievements align with the idealized vision of the American Dream.
- The definition and historical evolution of the American Dream
- The impact of Prohibition on the rise of wealth and organized crime
- Gatsby's accumulation of wealth through illegal activities
- Gatsby's social standing and its relation to his wealth
- The complex relationship between Gatsby's success and the American Dream
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by posing the central question: Does Gatsby's economic success represent a fulfillment of the American Dream? It introduces the context of Prohibition and its connection to Gatsby's wealth, highlighting the discrepancy between the glamorous image associated with Gatsby and the deeper complexities of his story. The chapter outlines the structure of the paper, promising to explore Gatsby's rise to wealth, his social standing, and the multifaceted nature of the American Dream.
2. The American Dream: This chapter delves into the historical evolution and multifaceted interpretations of the American Dream. It traces its origins from the aspirations of early English settlers to its transformation in the 1920s, the era of *The Great Gatsby*, where it became closely linked to rapid economic advancement and materialistic success. The chapter discusses the various interpretations of the American Dream, highlighting both its materialistic aspects (wealth, status) and its more idealistic components (freedom, equality, pursuit of happiness), setting the stage for analyzing Gatsby's journey against these varying definitions.
3. Prohibition: This chapter provides crucial historical background on the Prohibition era in the United States, detailing the implementation of the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act, which outlawed the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. The chapter explores the widespread violations of Prohibition, leading to the rise of bootlegging and organized crime. It explains how Prohibition created opportunities for individuals to amass wealth through illegal activities, establishing a key context for understanding Gatsby's financial success and its moral ambiguities.
Keywords
American Dream, The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby, Prohibition, Bootlegging, Wealth, Social Status, 1920s, Materialism, Upward Mobility, Illegal Activities.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of *The Great Gatsby*
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of a paper analyzing Jay Gatsby's economic success in F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*, within the context of the American Dream. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main topics covered in this paper?
The paper examines Jay Gatsby's wealth, exploring its connection to the American Dream, the impact of Prohibition, and Gatsby's social standing. It analyzes the historical and societal factors contributing to his success and investigates whether his achievements align with the idealized vision of the American Dream.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and historical evolution of the American Dream; the impact of Prohibition on wealth and organized crime; Gatsby's accumulation of wealth through potentially illegal activities; Gatsby's social standing and its relation to his wealth; and the complex relationship between Gatsby's success and the American Dream.
What is included in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries offer brief overviews of each chapter. The introduction establishes the central question of whether Gatsby's success fulfills the American Dream. The subsequent chapters delve into the historical context of the American Dream, the impact of Prohibition, and the analysis of Gatsby's wealth and social standing.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, chapters dedicated to the American Dream, Prohibition, and Gatsby's success and reputation, and a conclusion. Each section builds upon the previous one, providing a comprehensive analysis of Gatsby's story in relation to the broader societal and historical context.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords include: American Dream, The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby, Prohibition, Bootlegging, Wealth, Social Status, 1920s, Materialism, Upward Mobility, and Illegal Activities.
What is the overall objective of the paper?
The main objective is to critically examine Jay Gatsby's economic success and assess whether it represents a true fulfillment of the American Dream, considering the historical and societal context, particularly the era of Prohibition.
What is the significance of Prohibition in the paper?
Prohibition is a crucial element, as it played a significant role in creating opportunities for individuals like Gatsby to amass wealth through illegal activities (bootlegging). This context is essential for understanding the moral ambiguities surrounding Gatsby's success.
- Quote paper
- Julia Straub (Author), 2016, Gatsby’s rise to riches. Is Gatsby's economic success a realization of the American Dream?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/464324
