The deaths of Myrtle
The deaths of Myrtle, George, and Gatsby, who spent their life chasing the American dream, signified the end of the American Dream. The likes of the Gatsby pursued the vision until the end of life and failed in its success. Gatsby believed in the green light, which symbolized wealth, fame, and extravagance; however, the green light was unavailable; ” Gatsby distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away.” (Knowledge Builder, 2019). The representations of parties, automobiles, and houses failed Gatsby’s dream. Automobiles were among the most apparent elements of the movie, mostly as cars were a status symbol associated with the affluent during the twenties.
Although cars enhanced mobility, it was profound how common it is for vehicles to be used in costly signaling. The purchase of vehicles was not for use as a means of transport but also a way of displaying fortune. Owing to a car, attending high-end parties and luxurious houses signified living the American dream, and it is for these reasons, the main protagonist hired a personal chauffeur. Gatsby bought an expensive yellow car, which was not an efficient means of transport but a costly and distinct item for display. Additionally, cars related to the shortcoming of the American dream and caused the death of a character. The imminence of death prevented Myrtle from living the American dream. Myrtle died from a car accident; moreover, Wilson and Gatsby also met their demise through cars, a manifestation of wealth on the road. Despite expectations that they would make the lives of owners happier, they caused their deaths. Therefore, it is evident that natural selection prevented the likes of Myrtle from living the American dream.
Clashes of social classes affirm that the American Dream is not available to all. The newly rich found it challenging to blend with the “old money” who bragged about aristocracy and its benefits. You see, I think everything’s terrible anyhow, she went on. “Everybody thinks so—the most advanced people. And I know. I’ve been everywhere and seen everything and done everything … Sophisticated—God, I’m sophisticated!” (Knowledge Builder, 2019). Admiration of members from higher social classes also shows the clash of course; for example, it is highly probable that one reason why Gatsby was attracted to Daisy was because of her aristocratic origin. Despite the Aristocratic appeal, Gatsby failed to realize that it would be challenging to win Dais through monetary means as she was already used to all that money could buy. Class differences also manifest in differences between how the “old money” and the newly rich showed off their resources. Unlike Gatsby, who did not hesitate to show off that he had made it, Tom, who was as wealthy as Jay, was more conservative in his approach to costly signaling. Tom relied on caution and refinement to show off his fortune. Individuals struggled to impress others at their own expense. Gatsby, who typifies the newly rich, had much of his life for the show to assert his position in the dominance hierarchy, as portrayed by lavish parties, his big house, cars, flashy clothing, and the stunning swimming pool. Realization of the American dream, which would allow an individual to climb the social ladder, could only be realized through criminal ways such as bootlegging. Resorting to crime as a means to an end affirm the elusive nature of the American dream as those who relied on working hard and honesty in the acquisition of wealth were far from achieving the American goal. Classism shows that the American dream was unavailable to the newly rich but was synonymous with the autocracy.
Representation of people without dreams living the American dream affirmed the unavailability of the American dream to all. The Buchanan’s are an embodiment of the American Dream despite lacking goals and social values. Everyone is fascinated by Tom’s lifestyle. He is even considered a national figure, a man on top of the dominance hierarchy, and one of the few individuals who reach the peak of excellence at the tender age of twenty-one. Tom’s background is equally impressive as he came from a wealthy family who lived the American dream.
Nonetheless, Tom was an irresponsible and selfish person who failed to honor the institution of marriage, and those who emulated him were unable to live the American dream. The Buchannan’s set precedence for Gatsby’s failure as in becoming like Daisy and Tom who were careless individuals; “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy. They smashed up things and people, and then retreated into their money and their vast carelessness” (Knowledge Builder, 2019). Gatsby ignored moral and social principles and, in so doing, failed to realize the American dream. Individuals like Gatsby overvalued materialism and money instead of their pure ideals; thus, despite spending a lifetime striving for acceptance by the upper society and to live the American dream, they failed and even died in the process. The American dream was more elusive to those who actively pursued it.
Conclusion
Deaths of those who actively pursued the American dream, clashes of social classes, and representation of people without dreams living the American dream affirm the elusiveness of the American dream, as captured in the film The Great Gatsby. The American dream was more elusive to those who actively pursued it. Myrtle, George, and Gatsby, who spent their life chasing the American dream, died without living the dream. At the same time, The Buchanans family embodied the idea of the American dream despite lacking dreams, social values, and goals. It was profound how common it is for individuals to rely on illegal means and overvalue materialism and money rather than focusing on the pure ideals to live the American dream. Only a few could live the American dream confirming Franklin’s assertion that the American Dream is not available to all people.