Date
5-23-2025
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Arts in Literature (MA)
Chair
Ernest Enchelmayer
Keywords
American Dream, The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald, Deconstruction, United States, Materialism, Consumer, Consumerism, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda Fitzgerald
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | English Language and Literature
Recommended Citation
Sage, Juliet Hila Katherine, "A Deconstruction of the American Dream Through an Analysis of 'The Great Gatsby'" (2025). Masters Theses. 1300.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1300
Abstract
This thesis addresses the physiological, social, relational, and spiritual issues associated with materialism through Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. It examines wealth and prosperity, “The American Dream” through Jay Gatsby, and argues that Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship was shaped by Fitzgerald’s personal life experiences. Fitzgerald concludes that financial success and societal achievement cannot replace human connections. Through the character Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald illustrates that obtaining “The American Dream” does not guarantee success in all areas of one’s life. This paper dives deeper into the psychological, social, and spiritual ramifications of materialistic gain. As a result, the premise of this thesis concludes that there is greater gain to be found in personal relationships, social charity, and spiritual edification.
