In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald describes characters and events within the context of his times. In the 1920's, just after the First World War, the American Dream that people had fought and died for was one of freedom, independence, and love of God and country. Within his novel, Fitzgerald draws upon these theoretical American ideals in order to examine the extent to which they exist in practice. Fitzgerald contrasts appearance with reality in order to shed light on the social, economic, and political truths about the society in which the characters live. This essay will examine the process through which Fitzgerald describes his characters' actions and highlights the contradictions in American society. Throughout the novel, the myth of the American Dream is contrasted with realities such as wealth, poverty, power, class, and racism.

Fitzgerald presents information about the characters through Nick, who is the narrator. Nick filters his...