Abstract

The Great Gatsby is the best novel of Fitzregald who is a great writer in the USA, which establishes his position in the literary history. The theme of this novel is the American dream, which is always one of people’s spirits around the world. The American dream can be dated back to the religious belief owned by the European Puritans. As the time flies, it evolves. In the 1920s, Gatsby has his own American dream. It can be divided into three parts: the dream of money, the dream of status and the dream of love. Realizing the first two dreams is the foundation of making the dream of love come true. He tried his best to accumulate the wealth to win Daisy back. He did everything for her. He even died at last to save her. After his death, his American dream vanished into the air like bubbles. All in all, social background, Gatsby’s personality and Daisy’s characteristics are doomed to Gatsby’s tragedy. 

Keywords: origin; evolution; the American dream; reasons; disillusionment;

Contents

Abstract

摘要

I.Introduction.1

II.The Origin and Evolution of the American Dream.2

2.1. The Origin of the American Dream.2

2.2. The Evolution of the American Dream3

III.The American Dream of Gatsby4

3.1. The Dream of Wealth.5

3.2. The Dream of Status6

3.3. The Dream of Love7

IV. The Reasons of the Disillusionment of Gatsby’s Dream.9

4.1 Social Background9

4.2 Gatsby’s Personality.11

4.3 Daisy’s Characteristics.13

V. Conclusion14

Referencesv