Gatsby's rise to riches. Is Gatsby's economic success a realization of the American Dream? (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 2,3, University of Constance, course: British and American Studies, language: English, abstract: "'Who is this Gatsby anyhow?' demanded Tom suddenly. 'Some big bootlegger?'" At this moment in the novel nobody would have guessed that Tom was right. During the time of Prohibition many newly rich people earned their money from the bootlegging business, selling illegal alcohol out of their back doors. And Jay Gatsby is one of them. But is Gatsby's economic success nevertheless a realization of the American Dream?

It is important to ask that question because often The Great Gatsby is mainly associated with the American Dream and its typical lifestyle. Parties, money, expensive cars and women dressed in the typical fashion of the "Golden Twenties". But there is much more behind Jay Gatsby's story.

How did he make his way up to the top? And how important is wealth, success and his social status really in his opinion? In the following those questions will be given a closer look at.

At first a definition and the history of the American Dream will be given. Then there will be some general information about the Prohibition. The next point is about Gatsby's wealth and his success with a special focus on his illegal affairs. Afterwards Gatsby's reputation in society, also concerning his wealth and illegal means will be analysed. At the end the results will be summarized and an answer to the question whether Gatsby's economic success is a realization of the American Dream, will be given in the conclusion.