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1. Show how the American Dream associated with America’s past has succumbed to mercenary, almost exclusively materialistic values, derived from get-rich-quick schemes. Find evidence of the historical basis in fact and corresponding evidence in the novel.

Throughout chapter 4, it is evident that the American Dream, which was at one point focused on the idea that through hard work one can achieve prosperity, is slowly crumbling into something completely different. All of the different events and happenings described in the text point to the falling apart of the American Dream.


 * Those who attend Gatsby's parties are all major powers in the U.S., people of well known status and position
 * //"From West Egg came the Poles and the Mulreadys... all connected with the movies in one way or another." (page 62)//
 * Gatsby also wishes to attain //his// American Dream, Daisy, by showing her his splendor and vast wealth
 * //" 'He wants her to see his house,' she explained. 'And your house is right next door.' ”(page 80)//

In correlation to history, the shattering of the American Dream can be seen in the time of prohibition, which started in the early 1900's. People went to many levels to attain wealth and prosperity at the time, even going to the levels of breaking the law, by bootlegging liquor, and selling it to the American populous. The selling of liquor was both immoral, and illegal, but people still used it to gain material wealth.

//"When I sell liquor, it's called bootlegging; when my patrons serve it on Lake Shore Drive, it's called hospitality."// >> -Al Capone



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