Throughout the novel The Great Gatsby by Scott F. Fitzgerald, the American Dream is symbolized as withering. It originated as the belief that America holds the opportunities for a person to become successful at anything they work for. However, this changed during the 1920s when prosperity became widely spread and a material excess emerged. The American Dream became about possessions such as lavish cars, houses, and other material objects. In some instances it became embedded with crime. The Great Gatsby explores the actions of people that led to the decline of values in America.

The American Dream as it is held by other people is a fantasy. People believe that everyone has opportunities in America. They believe that anyone can become rich and lead the perfect life. Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby both believe that they can fulfill their dreams by obtaining valuable possessions. It is also thought...