The American Dream, as it is understood, is that if a person works hard enough then they can have the life that they dream of. This, of course, is anything but true in the Great Gatsby, so this novel is about the dark underbelly of the American Dream. Nothing is truly as it seems in Gatsby...no one is who they say they are (excpet maybe Nick). The corrupting nature of wealth and power are shown numerous times and we watch as poor Jay dedicates his entire life to the attainment of his dream (Daisy) only to watch it slip away through his fingers.
