Dissipation of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby
... 6 June 16, 2003 11:32 pm The Dissipation of the American Dream The American Dream is personified in the idea of a self made man. The dream is based on the assumption that each person could succeed in life, on the sole basis of his or her own skill and effort. ... Scott Fitzgerald wrote a novel called The Great Gatsby, which is about the corruption and dissipation of the American Dream, which was caused by the pursuit of wealth and fame. The American Dream is personified by Jay Gatsby who represents the ideal of a self made man. The corruption of the dream is embodied in Tom and Daisy Buchanan a wealthy couple who are in pursuit of fame and wealth. ... Gatsby feels he needs even more than that of the Buchanan’s to feel he could win Daisy over and live the life she lives.