Its funny how one word can be thought of in so many ways when having the same meaning in the end. Number one, the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors. Number two, the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like. Number three, a successful performance or achievement. Success. Then there is the American Dream. The ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American, along with a life of personal happiness and material comfort. The American Dream is what makes our country so special. Every man has the choice of freedom, equality, and success. This year in Mrs. Dawson’s class I read a number of books, all representing or hinting the American dream. I believe the American Dream revolves around success.
The Great Gatsby was my favorite book we read in class this year. “Gatsby,” as Mrs. Dawson would call it, is a viewing life through Nick Carraway’s eyes. Nick is a fairly reserved individual, given the opportunity of a new neighborhood, new home, and new friends. Most interesting of all, was his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Jays dream was to live the rest of his life with a woman named Daisy. Daisy is living high society, with her husband named Tom, and a daughter. They live in a beautiful house and attend most high society events, like others of their status. Gatsby was brought up in a completely different lifestyle. Knowing how Daisy is, he completely changes his life, moves to East Egg, and builds a beautiful house while making up a new name, job, and past. Gatsby is completely dedicated to a woman he has not seen in years. “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” (p. 78) Throwing a large amount of social events to the open, hoping that one day their eyes will meet again, and he could possibly show her just how perfect he has imagined they could be. His neighbor, Nick, arrives to one of Gatsby’s events and eventually introduces himself. Gatsby later learning that...