"Breathing dreams like air..."

The American Dream originated in the early days of the American settlement as immigrants searched for new and hopefully better opportunities. It first manifested in the Declaration of Independence, which describes an attitude of hope. The Declaration of Independence states that “all man are created equal and that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.” In The Great Gatsby, the American Dream is almost an additional character.

F. Scott Fitzgerald describes a new kind of American Dream, one that his audience in the 1920s would appreciate, be a part of, or perhaps even still simply yearn. Most of the people appearing in The Great Gatsby are full of hope, especially Gatsby who hopes  to win Daisy back. He has an "extraordinary gift of hope" (Fitzgerald 6, 10) and he sacrifices himself, his identity perhaps, to fulfill his dream.

For Blog #13, explore the idea of the “American Dream." This should serve as a reflection of who you are now and who you wish to become- hey, we’re studying the 1920s; in that spirit, let’s be optimistic. It would also be wise to consider culture, social values, etc. AND connect your own thoughts to what you see Fitzgerald doing in The Great Gatsby. Remember, we’re thinking about TEXTS and CONTEXTS for this part of the course.

To help you get started, here are four guiding questions that will ask you to consider your opinion, contemporary society, and Fitzgerald's context:

1. How would you describe the “American Dream?” Compare your own definition to the American Dream of the 1920s, and the American Dream in Fitzgerald's novel. 

2. What is your definition of wealth? Consider your definition with regards to how Fitzgerald defines, depicts, and develops the concept of wealth in the novel. 

3. What are Americans’ attitudes toward wealth and poverty? Discuss key scenes or events in the novel where wealth and poverty are compared or contrasted. Notice the subtle social commentary by Fitzgerald!

4. What is your attitude toward wealth and poverty?