Perspective on the American Dream

Running head: PERSPECTIVE ON THE AMERICAN DREAM 1
Perspective on the American Dream Paper
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PERSPECTIVE ON THE AMERICAN DREAM 2
Perspective on the American Dream
Introduction
Both Fitzgerald and Gibney’s works reveal the apparent loss of perfect democracy which,
in its substance, represented the perception of America as the land of opportunity. For nearly a
century, America provided the possibility for prosperity, assertiveness, persistence, and riches.
The characters in the Park Avenue documentary, therefore, represent the current degradation and
corruptness of the American society, whereas those in The Great Gatsby show the rise in
materialism. Consequently, this paper analyzes how the American Dream of prosperity and
wealth as initially identified in The Great Gatsby is no longer achievable because of the wealth
disparities noticeable in Gibney’s Park Avenue.
1. Support Your Thesis Statement by Comparing the Concept in Each Text
Fitzgerald’s book symbolizes a new era and generation in American history in which
individuals were hugely liberated after World War I, and had started to realize the beauties
behind all that was illegal. His works thus provide insight into a civilization that had been hoping
for a bright and glittering future after being put through hostilities caused by their naivety
(Nakić, 2014). In Gibney’s documentary, the main focus is on the wealthy and powerful
individuals who reside in Park Avenue in New York. These countable individuals appear to have
control over finances and politics both in the United States and globally. Most people who hear
the name Park Avenue automatically associate it with a neighborhood located in New York
City’s affluent Upper East Side. However, there is another Park Avenue, more commonly
referred to as South Bronx, located across the river which is inhabited by a few of the poorest
people globally (Gibney, 2013).

PERSPECTIVE ON THE AMERICAN DREAM 3
Per the American Dream, people living in the South Bronx could one day reside in the
prestigious side of Park Avenue if only they were willing to work as hard as the elite Park
Avenue residents did (Ng, 1993). Fitzgerald also displays this belief in the American Dream
through the use of Nick Carraway, an internal narrator, whose observations reflect objective
thinking, and the possibility that people could still become successful through determination and
their efforts. Though, the author’s reluctance at the likelihood of success was made visible
through Gatsby’s abrupt death, which could be interpreted to signify a failure in the real
realization of the American Dream despite the accumulation of great wealth. Similarly, Gibney’s
documentary revealed the sad truth that the possibility of moving to Park Avenue from South
Bronx is highly unlikely because the wealthy had already rigged the game of wealth and
influence in their favor (Chow, 2000).
2. Analyze How These Texts Use Aesthetic Features and Stylistic Devices for Particular
Effects
The Great Gatsby employs imagery to depict the characteristics of literature written
during the jazz age. He used imaginary portraits of the young and glamorous as representatives
of the wealthy living their American Dream of prosperity, money, and happiness; their lives
could, thus, never experienced grief or tragedy (Adams, 1941). Fitzgerald also used the theory of
naturalism to show the motives behind specific situations, for example, the fact that it was more
important to attain a particular goal despite the potential consequences. Naturalism is evident in
the success of Meyer Wolfsheim, a sports gambler known for having escaped jail because of his
wit. He also used visual characterization in Gatsby to border on travesty when he wore a pink
suit alongside the other wealthy class dressed in white. His attire left an ironic impression which
uncovered slackness and lack of emotion in the main character (Nakić, 2014).