Examples Of Idealism In The Great Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a grand book that depicts American idealism as a social satire of the U.S. during the roaring twenties. Fitzgerald reveals the American Dream to be generated by over indulgence making it a flawed fantasy. The American Dream is a concept of total equality. It means individuals could and should have equal opportunities to success on the basis of their abilities and effort, and not on their status or background. In the Great Gatsby American morality, idealism, and morals have been corrupted. Set in the 1920s, The Great Gatsby was in a time of fine dining, great taste, and elaborate parties. It was also a time of social and technological change. Victorian values were abruptly disregarded, there was an increase of alcohol consumption, and the Modernist Era was brought about. It was now time for people to forget their troubles and have fun. This guideline created a society obsessed with materialism and not their spiritual health. Morals and traditional beliefs were thrown out, and society became so occupied in a life like Gatsby's, a life of pointless indulgence. …show more content…
His father says “whenever you feel like criticizing someone, just remember that all the people in this world have not had the advantage that you’ve had” (pg.1). The American Dream can mean being endlessly wealthy, and people would go over the brim to achieve it. Fitzgerald shows readers the unnecessary materialism depicted in the Great Gatsby, the overwhelming amounts of money, the so called authority, and status can't give a person acceptance or love. Our society relies so greatly on wealth, social standings, and material possessions. A poison to our society and that's what Fitzgerald wanted to convey through this