The Great Gatsby: Theme & Key Quotes: The American Dream

Chapter Overview: The American Dream

Pertinent Quotes and Descriptions:

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.” This metaphor depicts Gatsby’s enduring pursuit of the American Dream, a mirage that keeps tempting yet eluding us.
“The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his platonic conception of himself.” This statement introduces Gatsby’s self-made man narrative, a crucial aspect of the American Dream.
“There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.” Nick’s commentary on the ceaseless chase of dreams explores the relentless aspiration and exhaustion associated with the American Dream.

Essential Character Developments:

“He had a big future before him, you know. He was only a young man but he had a lot of brain power here.” This reflection by Gatsby’s father signifies Gatsby’s embodiment of the American Dream - started from the bottom, rose to the top, all due to his innate abilities.
“Her voice is full of money.” Gatsby’s description of Daisy’s voice symbolises the tantalising lure of wealth and status that epitomises his American Dream.

Exposure to the American Dream:

“We drew in deep breaths of it as we walked back, just as many people had done before on their way to get married.” This quote underscores the traditional notion of the American Dream that promises personal happiness through love and marriage.
“He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way…I could have sworn he was trembling.” This end imagery of Gatsby longing for the green light amplifies the myth and unattainability of the American Dream.

Symbolism and Rhetorical Devices:

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This simile strikingly encapsulates the struggle and futility of chasing the American Dream, depicting a timeless human condition.
“Across the courtesy bay the white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water.” This visual imagery depicts the materialistic opulence and superficial charm of the American Dream considered through geographical symbolism.