Known for its satire, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby critically examines the social depravity of the Roaring Twenties. Set in an era of rapid economic growth and intense pursuit of the American Dream, the novel follows the life of Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic millionaire with a relentless pursuit of wealth, love, and social status. Nevertheless, the 1920s was also characterized by excessive materialism, deception, and social inequality. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald depicts the disillusionment of the American dream by highlighting the complex relationship between characters, emphasizing the decay of morality, and using powerful symbolism.

The disillusionment of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby is extensively portrayed through the connection between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. This can be seen when Gatsby expresses his desire for Daisy to declare that she never loved Tom, stating, "He wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: 'I never loved you'" (Fitzgerald 70). This quote highlights the intensity of Gatsby's dream, and his infatuation with Daisy is merely based on an idealized image. He believes their love is the key to achieving his version of the American Dream. However, this illusion is shattered when Daisy shows her materialistic tendencies by choosing the comfort and security provided by her wealthy husband, Tom. Furthermore, the book mentions, "There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams." (Fitzgerald 61) This suggests that even when reunited with Daisy, Gatsby realizes that Daisy is growing farther and farther from what he ideally wanted her to be. It hints at the disappointment and disillusionment he experiences as the gap between his dreams and reality widens.

Fitzgerald further portrays the disillusionment of the American Dream through the characters' decay of morality and values. Tom and Daisy Buchanan's marriage is a prime example of how pursuing wealth and social status can corrode one's moral boundaries. Fitzgerald describes them as "careless people... They smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness" (Fitzgerald 114). This quote emphasizes how Tom and Daisy prioritize their selfish desires over ethical considerations. Both of them participate in extramarital affairs, manipulate others to fulfill their own desires, and ultimately escape the consequences of their actions.

In addition, the symbolism used by Fitzgerald plays a vital role in summarizing the disillusionment of the American Dream. The green light at the end of Daisy's pier is a powerful symbol. This beacon of hope represents Gatsby's impossible dream of gaining Daisy's love and the elusive American Dream itself. As Nick realizes, the green light is "no longer a symbol of hope" but rather a reminder of "the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us" (Fitzgerald 115). The green light, representing the American dream, eventually symbolizes an unattainable ideal. Another example is the "valley of ashes." Fitzgerald describes it as "a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke" (Fitzgerald 16). This barren land contrasts with the luxurious mansions of the Gatsby and Buchanan families. It is a metaphor for the painful reality of poverty under the illusion of improved living standards in the 1920s.

It is worth analyzing why such disillusionment emerges, and it is actually closely related to the author’s life. Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda, was likely the inspiration for the novel's disillusionment theme. As a talented artist and writer, Zelda was Fitzgerald's muse and companion during the Jazz Age. However, their relationship was tumultuous, with financial struggles, infidelity, and mental illness constantly imposing pressure. Zelda's struggles with mental health and her own pursuit of the American Dream as an artist likely contributed to Fitzgerald's understanding of the hollowness and disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of wealth and success. Through the characters of Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson, Fitzgerald explores the societal pressures and expectations placed on women in the 1920s, including the pursuit of beauty, youth, and social status. The disillusionment and tragedy that both Daisy and Myrtle face in the novel can reflect the struggles that Zelda and other women may have experienced in the 1920s.

Evidently, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a poignant reminder of the invisible "traps" in pursuing the American Dream. By highlighting the intricate interactions between the characters, underscoring the deterioration of ethics and moral values, and utilizing potent symbolism, Fitzgerald depicts the illusion of wealth, love, and social status under the Roaring Twenties. The book warns against the dangers of excessive materialism and pursuing an unattainable ideal. The novel's themes and messages remain resonant in modern times, urging readers to reflect on their values and priorities. Overall, The Great Gatsby is a thought-provoking novel that offers valuable insights into human nature and society, making it a timeless classic.

Works Cited

Fitzgerald, F. THE GREAT GATSBY the Great Gatsby. www.bcscschools.org/cms/lib/IN50000530/Centricity/Domain/642/The%20Great%20Gatsby.pdf.‌

Keshmiri, Fahimeh. “The Disillusionment of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Dreams and Ideals in the Great Gatsby.” Theory and Practice in Language Studies, vol. 6, no. 6, June 2016, p. 1295, doi.org/10.17507/tpls.0606.21.

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