"It seems like we're living the American dream
But the people highest up got the lowest self esteem
The prettiest people do the ugliest things
For the road to riches and diamond rings"
-Kanye West (All Falls Down)
I think Kanye West really touches on the big issues that we have read about in The Great Gatsby. Everyone that was held at such high esteem by people in their rich community but the fact is that no one in the book was truly happy in their situation. Gatsby was filthy rich but he was also a huge liar. Jordan was also a cheat in her golf tournaments and she did it to become part of this magical world of the wealthy but she lost her self respect along the way.
The American Dream in the book isn't as obvious to me as some may think. You have to look deeper then the fact that they are all just rich. Every single one of them had already achieved what the general definition of the american dream is which is to be rich and powerful yet they strived for more. Everyone had something else that they wanted and money had nothing to do with their biggest desires. Gatsby wanted love, Nick wanted a companion, Daisy wanted love, and Tom just wanted sex.
The american dream doesn't have a clear definition for everyone. It depends on who you are as a person and what your situation is. The largest reason why we have a huge immigrantion rate is because people here about this american dream of being a corporate billionaire and having celebrity friends. Driving fast cars, going to clubs and having the time of your life is what most call the american dream but I personally think the american dream is making yourself truly happy. Money can definitely help lift your srpirits and make life easier ut after reading The Great Gatsby it's obvious to me now that mooney is not the key to a good life.
