The Great Gatsby - Symbolism

Literature

Some people believe The Great Gatsby is is about the pursuit of the American dream. In my opinion, The Great Gatsby can be viewed as the pursuit of the American dream in a symbolic nature. Taken literally, I do not see it as this pursuit.

In literal terms, Jay Gatsby is already living the American dream for the most part. The only part of the dream that he is missing is the girl. Getting the girl is his pursuit in the story. He already has the mansion, the famous friends, the expensive automobile, and the big parties. He is living the American dream

Symbolically, i think the story can be related to the pursuit of the American dream. Jay Gatsby's longing and attempts for Daisy is symbolic of the pursuit for the American dream. Gatsby sees what he wants, and it appears possible for him to have it. Therefore, he strives for it. He spends most of his time and energy trying to achieve his goals, in this case, Daisy. In the world he lives in, anything seems possible and its doesn't

seem absurd to live on a dream. In the end, he does not achieve his goals. He didn't seem to have taken notice in the obsticles which stood in the way of his dream. I think this can be related to the everyday

pursuit of the American dream. People live in a country where anything seems possible, but most don't see the major obsticles to their goals. People get frustrated or tired of pursuing these goals or dreams and give up.

-Jesus