Appearance versus Reality in the American Dream (F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night)
When the first settlers came to America many years ago, they found freedom and opportunity. With hard work and determination an average man or woman could be prosperous. This concept was not only revolutionary in theory, but has proven to be true for many successful individuals. This idea has come to be known as the 'American Dream.' Its foundation was based on good ethics; however, with the passing of time it has become distorted. The American Dream no longer stands for equal opportunity and hard work, it involves wealth, false happiness, materialistic possessions and high social status. Individuals who have achieved the materialistic 'American Dream' give the appearance of perfection. However, for many, their lives are not as ideal as what they seem. Issues such as sexual abuse, mental illness, alcoholism, adultery, greed and restlessness, affect the lives of even those who appear to live the 'American Dream.' In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night, the characters Daisy Buchanan and Nicole Diver give the appearance of a charmed existence, but it is in fact flawed.Daisy Buchanan was raised in a wealthy American family, and had the appearance of a perfect upbringing. I
After Daisy married Tom Buchanan, their marriage appeared to be a happy union. They traveled to many places and people commented, "it was touching to see them together..."(p.78). Although Daisy's marriage seemed idyllic, it regrettably was not. At a young age Daisy was forced to marry Tom, a wealthy businessman from Chicago. "She [Daisy] wanted her life shaped now, immediately - and the decision must be made by some force - of love, of money, of unquestionable practicality - that was close at hand"(p.151). Daisy entered this marriage only for the social status and financial security that she would gain. She knew that the marriage was a mistake and that her heart truly belonged to Jay Gatsby. However, she continued with the planned marriage. The "next day at five o'clock she married Tom Buchanan without so much as a shiver, and started off on a three months' trip to the South Seas" (p.77-78). The marriage began with a bad foundation, and as a result Daisy subsequently had an affair with Gatsby. Gatsby's superficial possessions and newfound wealth impressed Daisy so greatly that she cheated on her husband. On the exterior Gatsby had everything to offer Daisy, but in reality, he was a lonely, dishonest man who was obsessed with money. In Fitzgerald's novels The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night, the characters Daisy Buchanan and Nicole Diver give the appearance of a charmed existence, but it is in fact flawed. Similarly, both couples have achieved the materialistic 'American Dream,' but surprisingly are not content with their lives. Eventually both marriages are unhappy, and suffer conflicts. The American Dream with all its promises does not guarantee happiness. Even with great wealth and possessions people are not happy. True happiness comes from within, and not from the shallow possessions that are 'supposed' to make people happy. Overall, the concept of the American Dream is truly flawed; people externally have everything, but in reality they are missing the key to life, happiness.
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1841
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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