Here is one example and perspective of The American Dream. In The Great Gatsby, the protagonist Jay Gatsby is the symbol of The American Dream. He went from being very poor to one of the richest men in West Egg because of the hard work he did. What measures did he take to get there? What motivated him to get to that point?

Well, Daisy Buchanan is what motivated Gatsby. Daisy, a traditional rich woman married to Tom Buchanan. Gatsby and Daisy had history before Tom and Daisy. His love for her is what kept him going to achieve his wealth and social, just for Daisy to accept him. However, he had to particpate in illegeal activities in order for him to achieve his wealth and Daisy was married whenever he came back. His story shows that The American Dream is achievable with the right mindset and taking risks as he did.

One thing his story did not guarantee was his happiness and life. Even with all of the sacrfices he made to be able to get with Daisy, she still stayed with Tom. And he still died unhappy with very few people at his funeral. Daisy was not even at his funeral. Would you call his story a success? He achieved wealth and a social status, everybody knew him. But was it worth it? What does this say about the American Dream if Gatsby symbolizes it? He achieved The Dream, but it did not work out in the end.