Literary Analysis: The American Dream in Classic Literature

Locations and the American Dream

Places depicted by the author:

“A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight before reaching the narrow pool.“ (Page 3)

“This is a valley of ashes — a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air.” (Page 17)

The Valley of Ashes represents the remnants of the American Dream. The setting symbolizes poverty, and the author critiques the Lost Generation.

Female Archetypes in the Era

“The sister, Catherine, was a slender, worldly girl of about thirty, with a solid, sticky bob of red hair, and a complexion powdered milky white. Her eyebrows had been plucked and then drawn on again at a more rakish angle, but the efforts of nature toward the restoration of the old alignment gave a blurred air to her face.” (Page 22)

In this passage, Catherine is portrayed as a flapper. She represents a lower-class flapper in comparison to Daisy Buchanan. It is estimated that 90% of flappers belonged to the lower class, which is why this characterization reflects the broader society of the time.

Masculinity and Social Dynamics

“Seems like Curley is cockier'n ever since he got married.” George grunted. “Maybe he's showin' off for his wife.”

Curley’s behavior reflects the expectations of masculinity during that period and how men sought to impress women.

The Symbolism of the Green Light

“...and distinguished nothing except a single green light.” (End of Chapter 1)

Situated at the end of Daisy’s East Egg dock and barely visible from Gatsby’s West Egg lawn, the green light represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future. Gatsby associates it with Daisy, reaching toward it in the darkness as a beacon to lead him to his goal, as his quest for Daisy is intrinsically linked to the American Dream.

The Illusion of Success

George seems to believe he could achieve the elusive American Dream of having his “own little place” if he were only smarter. However, the narrative suggests it has little to do with intelligence and everything to do with the odds being stacked against him. If everyone could achieve the American Dream, would it still be a dream?