Fitzgerald's exploration of the American dream in The Great GatsbyF. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is one of the best stories written during a chaotic period in our country's history, The Jazz Age. The 1920s were a time of social experimentation, self-indulgence, and dissatisfaction for the majority of Americans. Fitzgerald portrays all of these characteristics throughout the novel with its interesting themes, settings, and characters. The most elaborate and symbolic character that Fitzgerald presents to his readers is Jay Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby as a vehicle to explore the idea of the American Dream, which was a key element in the formation of American society and its citizens. Fitzgerald does not water down his definition of the American dream, but lets his protagonist express these elements and its decline, prompting the reader to explore the true nature of America in the 1920s. Jay Gatsby, like many average Americans, dreams to become prosperous and noble. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby decides to pursue the American dream as a young adult. Gatsby came from a poor social class, which required him to work hard even though he would not enjoy a high status in life. Gatsby knew this, but he always remained very ambitious and refused to settle for a life of "janitor work." It wasn't until he was 17 that Jay found his true inspiration to succeed. Before World War I, Jay Gatsby met Daisy and instantly fell in love with her. Unfortunately for Ga...

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