1. How would you describe the “American Dream?”
- For me the American Dream to me is the idea of becoming something more than what you started off with. This can be motivated fiscally, personally, or socially but ultimately the American Dream can be boiled down to the idea of progress and the pursuit of happiness (as defined by the individual).
2. What is your definition of wealth?
-To me wealth can be a lot of different thins, one of which is definitely the idea of fiscal wealth. However, I believe there are quite a few other types of wealth and to me they are more important than the idea of fiscal wealth (i.e. social wealth, or being surrounded by people who genuinely and truly care about you.) I also, believe that some people find wealth in altruistic pursuits and the memories and joy that come from these endeavors.
3. What are Americans’ attitudes toward wealth and poverty?
-Wealth in America is generally regarded as being tied to the size of one's bank account. This is an idea that is present in The Great Gatsby, as the idea of materialism is what defines the characters. As for poverty, here in America there is a widely held believe that a person can escape from poverty by working hard to improve one's situation (see Gatsby for an example of this idea.)
4. What is your attitude toward wealth and poverty?
-To me wealth is something that is accrued in part through fiscal means, but also through memories, friends, and family. As for poverty, I do not agree with the stigma that it is something that can be overcome by little more than hard work, due to the fact that people in intense poverty are put at a significant disadvantage through socioeconomic standards, and will often need outside assistance to get back on there feet.
Having examined the American Dream, it is clearly a large part of Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and the problems with the American Dream are explored inside the novel. For instance, Gatsby possesses all the money anyone could ever need or want, yet he is left unfulfilled in his life due to not possessing Daisy. Ultimately, the novel is asserting that materialism and financial gain will result in a hollow life if not paired with success in relationships.
Dear Dawson,
ReplyDeleteI really like your thoughts on the American Dream. I think the idea of progress is very interesting and definitely an accurate representation of what the American Dream is. Furthermore, I agree with your ideas on the definition of wealth. I think the word can be combined with a plethora of adjectives and create a phrase defined as rich in (adjective). In addition, I am impressed by your extensive vocabulary, it is awesome!
However, in your response to the Americans' attitudes towards poverty, you mentioned how one can escape poverty by working hard, and cited Gatsby for an example of this. While Gatsby definitely is an excellent instance of escaping poverty, do you feel as though this idea has changed from the 1920s? As society has developed have we experienced any new ideas of thought on the topic?
Love,
Ryan Donnelly
Dear Dawson,
ReplyDeleteI really like your thoughts on the American Dream. I think the idea of progress is very interesting and definitely an accurate representation of what the American Dream is. Furthermore, I agree with your ideas on the definition of wealth. I think the word can be combined with a plethora of adjectives and create a phrase defined as rich in (adjective). In addition, I am impressed by your extensive vocabulary, it is awesome!
However, in your response to the Americans' attitudes towards poverty, you mentioned how one can escape poverty by working hard, and cited Gatsby for an example of this. While Gatsby definitely is an excellent instance of escaping poverty, do you feel as though this idea has changed from the 1920s? As society has developed have we experienced any new ideas of thought on the topic?
Love,
Ryan Donnelly
Dawson, I like you connection of wealth and the American Dream back to Gatsby. It shows your knowledge of the depth of his character. However, I wish that you had included more specific examples in your commentary within your answers.
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