Downfall
The American Dream remains viewed as the success which one obtains. The American Dream has had a great impact on literature as well as an impact on the changing of time periods. The 19th century Transcendentalists' idea of the American Dream focuses on reaching one's goals by honest, hard work. On the other hand, Gatsby's idea of the American Dream in the 20th century centers on becoming successful by way of illegal money that was not acquired through working. Ultimately, the Transcendental and Gatsby's beliefs reveal a great deal of contrast. The American Dream of the Transcendentalists centers on being all that one is meant to be. First of all, the ideas of the Transcendentalists did not revolve around society and materialistic possessions. Transcendentalists felt that "society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members"(from Self-Reliance 194). Also, Transcendentalists believed that "The nation itself, with all its so-called internal improvements, which, by the way, are all external and superficial, is just such an unwieldy and overgr
Although the Transcendentalists believed in honesty and working hard to reach their goals, Gatsby acquired his money as quickly and as wrongfully as possible without working. Initially, Gatsby felt that society and materialistic possessions made the better person. Owning a mansion, many cars, a pool, a hydroplane, and many servants, Gatsby viewed his materialistic wealth as the means by which he would be accepted by society. In addition, Gatsby did not live his life to the fullest in order to reach his potential. Gatsby could have been more than a boot-legger and a gambler, but he chose the way that would bring him wealth and what he thought was happiness. Moreover, he did not seek knowledge through nature, but through money. Money bought Gatsby everything he needed to know. The closest Gatsby came to nature was going for a ride in his hydroplane which he seldom did. Most importantly, the ideas of nonconformity and individualism in The Great Gatsby directly contrast from those values of Transcendentalism. Everyone in this book feels that they must act a certain way to be
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Approximate Word count = 725
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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