The American Dream can be defined as the freedom to pursue one's goals and desires, the opportunity to overcome socio-economic barriers that previously held one in place. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the idea that the American Dream is just an illusion which dances on the waves of opportunity in America but never quite makes it ashore. Fitzgerald salutes the American Dream but warns against the dangers of living to fervently in a world full of erroneous perceptions of reality. The language used by Fitzgerald conjures up images of a long voyage, the forces of nature pirating the ship past its desired port while the captain believes the port lies directly ahead. Fitzgerald uses an alter ego, Nick, to give voice to his ideas of the American Dream. The figurative language Fitzgerald uses enhances his belief that the American Dream is pure, but often becomes corrupted while attempting to achieve it.…
