The characters in the Great Gatsby all chase their own versions of the American dream. The American dream is a symbol of hope for common people to find success. This is essentially the idea that in a country of equality, anyone can achieve prosperity through hard work. The classic rags to riches story is celebrated in the media, and a driving force behind American immigration. However, this story of a poor boy living in the countryside and growing up to become a wealthy entrepreneur has simply been a source of inspiration that few are able to call reality.

Unlike many others, Gatsby was able to achieve the American dream. He was able to rise from an impoverished childhood in rural North Dakota to become extremely wealthy. He was able to throw grand, lavish parties each week, and built a facade as a mysterious but charming host. Gatsby became a sort of celebrity in New York, surrounded by gossip circulating about his uprising and lifestyle. Gatsby has achieved financial prosperity through what appears to be a combination of determination and luck. However, it is revealed in later chapters that he achieved extraordinary wealth through fraud and illegal activity. When it is further revealed after his death that he was just a poor farmer’s son from North Dakota, his carefully crafted image shatters. He goes from a mysterious and elusive “celebrity” to an adult who is helpless. His actions suddenly seem desperate instead of romantic. The parties he threw were only to attract Daisy, and in the end, she did not even attend his funeral.

Daisy and Tom are also extremely wealthy, but part of what is described as a more exclusive set. They do not throw lavish parties, but Tom is a known and respected figure in the East Egg. Fitzgerald’s comparison of the East and the West Egg also extends to an examination of Gatsby’s and Tom’s status. Both are inhabited by wealthy people, but the East Egg is considered the more fashionable of the two. The West Egg has many mansions, but it is new, similar to the way these two came about their wealth. Tom lives the traditional life, inheriting his wealth and spending it “quietly”. Gatsby, on the other hand, gained his own wealth and flaunted his money through a lavish lifestyle. 

On the surface, Gatsby and Tom have achieved the American dream and live privileged lives. However, this facade comes crashing down when their troubles are revealed. Tom is a wealthy heir who does not know what he wants. He peaked in college as captain of the rugby team at Yale. His existence is aimless. Gatsby, on the other hand, has lived the rags to riches story. He symbolizes the hopes that Americans have, and the life they want that is only possible in a country of liberty and equality. However, he is far from happy and desperately wants to be with Daisy, Tom’s wife. Buying a house in the west egg, throwing fabulous parties, gaining wealth, has all been a part of his plan to attract her. Even though Gatsby does all of this, Daisy still stays with Tom, and his attraction to her plays a pivotal role in his downfall. 

With this novel, Fitzgerald is presenting his view on the idealized version of American that is the American dream. He shows this view through Gatsby’s storyline. James Gatz becomes just as wealthy as the upper class through his own merits. However, he is rejected by the “old money” crowd, and killed after becoming entangled with them. Fitzgerald is criticizing the idea that America is a meritocracy where anyone can rise to the top through their merit and hard work. It is extremely hard to achieve the American dream, and few ever do. The restrictions in the system that prevent the working class from achieving the American dream are ignored. Even today, people still ignore the unattainable aspect of this dream, refusing to believe that even with wealth, there are barriers that prevent them from rising to the very top. 

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock is Gatsby’s house. It can be seen across the sea that separates the East and West Egg. It symbolizes a dream that is so close to Gatsby’s reach yet unattainable. The green light represents Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship. While they are now of the same social status, they could never be together. Even though Gatsby believes he loves Daisy, and Daisy resents Tom’s neglect of her, the two would never have a deeper connection than being “friends. Although Daisy likes Gatsby, she loves the idea of Tom more. Tom satisfies her materialistic vices. Even if she truly loved Gatsby, she would never leave Tom, because deep down, Daisy values status and wealth more than anything else. In a way, Daisy symbolizes a part of the American Dream that Gatsby has not yet attained - status. Gatsby is not in love with her, but he is very much in love with the idea of her. Born into wealth and married into wealth, she is a status symbol. Gatsby thinks that if he can successfully take her away from Tom, he has proven that he is also part of the “old money” crowd of the East Egg. Above all, Gatsby wants to be included in this elite circle and he sees Daisy as the key to achieving this.