Dinari Clacks '23 Recruiting Profile

The Oxford Encyclopedia defines the American dream as" the ideal by which equality of opportunity is available to any American." Many Americans have upheld this dream, from immigrants to people born in the states. Books like The Great Gatsby also are filled with characters who believe in this idealism. One such character is Jay Gatsby. Through the character of Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald suggests the lengths people will go to try and achieve their American dream even if they never reach it.

The story of The Great Gatsby is mainly about a man's desire to accomplish his version of the American Dream. In professor James Nagel's analysis of The Great Gatsby, he states that "Fundamentally, the novel is the story of two men who pursue the national dream, the one who became known as Jay Gatsby and who was James Gatz, and another Midwesterner who narrates, Nick Carraway" (Nagel). Nagel believes that the entire story is based on two men and their willingness to throw their lives away for the American dream. In Nagel's words: "Gatsby is not educated, and in an attempt to win Daisy, he grasps at the most superficial aspects of the American Dream, gaining wealth without acquiring knowledge, insight, or wisdom" (Nagel). Nagel says Gatsby wanted the quickest and easiest way to accomplish his dream and impress Daisy. He even seems to resort to crime in the book showing the lengths he would go to reach his goal.

Like Gatsby I have been molding himself to accomplish my dreams. The narrator in chapter 6 writes, "So he [Gatsby] invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception, he [Gatsby] was faithful to the end" (Fitzgerald 105). The quote illustrated how I have worked to develop my identity to achieve my dreams as a young man. Also, it shows how unwavering one should be in the pursuit of their dream. I am always working towards creating my goal academically, athletically, and as a member attempting to enhance society.

Furthermore, Gatsby almost does accomplish his dream, but author Fitzgerald shows that all American dreams are not accomplished. James Nagel once again exclaims, "Gatsby has an opportunity to give Daisy a tour of his opulent home, and his display of wealth causes her [Daisy] to weep. At this instant in the novel, the American Dream for Gatsby seems to have been an astonishing success" (Nagel). Fitzgerald makes it seem early in the book that Gatsby's efforts were not in vain, as he would accomplish his dream. With Gatsby having Daisy aghast at his wealth, it seems like he has done enough to show he is worthy of Daisy's love. Gatsby not only wanted Daisy's love, but he wanted the past Fitzgerald states," One of them was that, after she [Daisy] was free, they were to go back to Louisville and be married from her house—just as if it were five years ago" (Fitzgerald 118). Gatsby's entire dream seems to end when Daisy says she does not want to redo the past with him. Fitzgerald, the author, shows how close people can get to their dream, never to reach it.

I desire to continue my education and football-playing career at an educational institution where I can grow and develop to live my most extraordinary life. An institution that will challenge me to think outside the box and allow me to create something that enhances society. College is about having the opportunity to step outside your comfort come and more broadly prepare oneself for success in life. To become an engaged and enlightened citizen capable of thinking critically and communicating clearly, ultimately able to thrive in their well-being. College for me is the next chapter in my life where I continue to shape and identify my life purpose and identity. I understand the commitment and effort required to achieve one’s individual and collective team goals.

To conclude, millions of Americans have immigrated to this country in search of the chance to accomplish their dreams. Likewise, Jay Gatsby was born to a lower-class family in search of a better life. The book exhibits how much Gatsby will go to reach his American dream. Likewise, I am committed to achieving my dream.