The American Dream Flashcards
What does American dream actually mean ?
Land of opportunities.
Anything is possible.
Anyone can be successful
What does gatsbys ‘extraordinary gift for hope mean’
Audience encouraged to recognise gatsby as an embodiment of the American dream
What else is linked to the American dream ?
Self improvement.
If you work hard / live an honest life and respectable you’re bound to improve position in world.
Eg the list gatsby writes to improve himself and reach perfect ability
Getting rich quick.
It wasn’t hard work that enabled him to make the lavish purchase (huge mansion in 3 years) but was due to criminal activity
How is the American dream not working ?
Vast gap between privileged and disadvantaged.
Buchanan’s born into wealth.
George can’t escape it even tho he works very hard
New beginnings.
The possibility of making a fresh start.
Gatsby tries to re create himself, concealing the last and apparently abandoning his parents.
American dream in novel.
End of novel.
