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THE PROBLEM OF THE “AMERICAN DREAM” IN F. SCOTT FITZGERALD’S THE
GREAT GATSBY AND NATHANAEL WEST’S THE DAY OF THE LOCUST
Mavlyanova Leylo Shokhrukhovna
Second-year student of the Faculty of Russian Language and Literature,
Jizzakh State Pedagogical University named after A. Qodiriy
Abstract:
This article explores the concept of the "American Dream" as depicted in the works of
20th-century American writers — F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nathanael West — examining its
origins and its influence on literature, creativity, and the masses. The concept of the "American
Dream" is revealed as a myth of a society based on "equal opportunities," invented to create and
sustain national and social values. However, there is a darker side to this pursuit of self-
realization: the ideology destroys the personality of honest individuals, who lose themselves in
the relentless chase for wealth; an obsessive desire for material success can ultimately lead to a
tragic downfall — what may be called an “American tragedy.”
Keywords:
American Dream, ideal, search for meaning, society, illusion, chaos, selfishness
The “American Dream
”
is an ideal according to which every individual, regardless of origin or
social status, can achieve success and happiness through hard work, talent, and perseverance.
This concept has become a symbol of opportunity and freedom in the United States, yet its
realization is often questioned, especially in literature, where authors highlight the social,
economic, and moral costs of this idea. One of the key aspects of the American Dream is the
illusion of equal opportunity. In reality, social barriers, inequality, and class divisions often
hinder its achievement. As for material values, success within the framework of the American
Dream is frequently measured by wealth, which leads to moral decline.
Many protagonists of 20th-century literary works strive to fulfill the dream of a better life, but
their pursuit often ends in tragedy [3].
The idea of the "American Dream" has been shaped throughout the entire history of the United
States and has undergone various interpretations, reflecting changes in the country’s society and
economy. In the colonial period, the dream of freedom and the opportunity to build a new life in
the New World became the foundation for the first settlers, who sought religious liberty, social
equality, and the chance to own land. The Declaration of Independence of 1776 enshrined the
principles of equality, freedom, and the right to pursue happiness, which later became the core of
the American Dream. In the 19th century, the dream of material prosperity was closely linked to
Westward expansion
,
the Gold Rush, and the Industrial Revolution, when many pursued wealth
and
new
opportunities.
In the 20th century, mass culture
,
Hollywood, and industrialization promoted the idea of “rags to
riches,”
which
became
a
symbol
of
success
and
social
mobility.
However, in the 21st century, the American Dream is being reconsidered
.
In the context of social
inequality, discrimination, and environmental challenges, many now view it through a critical
lens, focusing not only on personal achievement but also on issues of justice and societal
sustainability
.
In literature, the American Dream is represented in various forms and expressions, each
reflecting the aspirations and values of society at different stages of its development. The
economic dream is associated with the idea of success and prosperity through capital
accumulation and the attainment of high social status. Symbols of this aspect include wealth,
home ownership, a car, and career advancement — all representing material well-being and
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success. The political dream is based on the principles of freedom and equality before the law.
Inspired by democracy and human rights, it emphasizes the struggle for civil rights and equality
as core elements of the American social order. The social dream focuses on opportunity for all,
regardless of race, gender, religion, or background. This dimension reflects the desire to combat
discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for every individual, forming an essential part of
the national ideology. The cultural dream affirms the value of unique identity and freedom of
expression, symbolizing individualism, creativity, and freedom of speech. In this context, the
American Dream is associated with the recognition of diversity and the encouragement of
personal ambition. The educational dream, in turn, represents the aspiration to make quality
education accessible as a pathway to a better life. It highlights the importance of knowledge and
learning in achieving both personal and societal goals, traditionally considered a key to success
in American culture. Thus, the American Dream encompasses not only the pursuit of material
wealth but also the values of freedom, equality, individuality, and education, reflecting the ideals
and ambitions that have evolved alongside society.
The reflection of the American Dream can be found in various cultural domains, where it takes
on different forms and interpretations depending on the context. In cinema, this idea is often
examined from a critical perspective. For example, in Citizen Kane (1941), the protagonist's
tragedy—achieving material success but losing his sense of self—illustrates the illusory nature of
the American Dream, where wealth fails to bring inner fulfillment. In The Wolf of Wall Street
(2013), greed and immorality that often accompany the pursuit of wealth are exposed. The
documentary American Dream (2020) explores contemporary issues of racial and economic
inequality, raising important questions about social justice.
In
music
,
the
American
Dream
is
also
frequently
called
into
question.
Bruce Springsteen, in his songs, portrays the struggles of the working class and the illusory
nature of the dream. In contrast, Jay-Z, in «Empire State of Mind», idealizes New York as a
symbol
of
success
—
a
place
where
dreams
can
come
true.
In Childish Gambino’s «This is America», a harsh critique of social injustice and violence is
expressed, highlighting the obstacles that prevent many from realizing the American Dream in
reality.
Visual art also actively reflects this theme. Edward Hopper, in his paintings, often depicts
loneliness and emptiness, symbolizing the alienation that can accompany the American way of
life. Andy Warhol, on the other hand, draws attention to commercialization and mass culture in
his works—elements that have become central to the modern interpretation of the dream of
material prosperity. In politics, images of the American Dream play a significant role in election
campaigns. Barack Obama spoke of a “return to the roots of the dream,” while Donald Trump
popularized the slogan “Make America Great Again,” appealing to ideas of national revival and
prosperity.
In business, the success stories of entrepreneurs such as Henry Ford, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk
illustrate the dream of self-realization and ingenuity. They serve as examples of how individuals
can achieve success through innovation and entrepreneurial initiative. In advertising, the
American Dream is also employed as an ideal. Products and services are often associated with
the fulfillment of this dream—for instance, Coca-Cola has become a symbol of all-American
optimism and the pursuit of a better life.
Modern criticism of the American Dream focuses on several key aspects that call into question
its accessibility and realism in today’s society. One of the central issues is social inequality. The
growing gap between the rich and the poor makes the dream of material prosperity and success
unattainable for a significant portion of the population. While a small group continues to
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accumulate wealth, the majority faces economic hardship, challenging the validity of the “rags to
riches” ideal. In addition, racial and gender discrimination have historically limited — and
continue to limit — access to the American Dream for women and minorities. Opportunities
promised by the dream were far less accessible to people of certain races and genders. Despite
progress in civil rights, many minorities still face systemic barriers that prevent them from
achieving what is considered “American success.”
Environmental issues also raise questions about the relevance of the American Dream in its
traditional form. The idea of endless growth and expansion, which underpins the dream,
contradicts today’s ecological challenges. The ecological crisis and the finite nature of natural
resources demand a rethinking of the concepts of progress and material prosperity, calling into
question the sustainability of a model based on unchecked consumption and expansion. Finally,
the American Dream is increasingly associated with a culture of consumption and materialism,
rather than the spiritual values that may have once formed its foundation. The pursuit of success
and happiness is now often equated with financial gain and accumulation of goods, distancing
the dream from deeper, humanistic ideals. All of this contributes to the growing perception of the
modern interpretation of the American Dream as utopian and unattainable for the majority of
people in the face of today’s social, economic, and environmental realities.
The idea of the American Dream has transcended the borders of the United States and has been
exported worldwide through mass culture, media, and politics, becoming a symbol of capitalism
and democracy. In different countries and cultures, it has been adapted and reinterpreted
according to local realities and social contexts. The American Dream continues to serve as a
powerful cultural concept, emdiving aspirations for success, freedom, and self-actualization.
However, its perception has changed. In many parts of the world, it is no longer viewed solely as
a positive ideal, as it was during the peak of its popularity. Today, the American Dream is both a
subject of in-depth analysis and an object of critique. In developing economies, where the dream
of material success is still associated with the Western model of prosperity, it may be seen as a
symbol of social mobility and individual opportunity. At the same time, in cultures where the
emphasis on capitalism and consumerism conflicts with local values, the concept is often
criticized for its excessive materialism and exploitative nature.
Various authors have either supported or challenged the ideal of the American Dream in their
works. One of those who supported the concept was James Truslow Adams, who introduced the
term “American Dream” in his book The Epic of America (1931). He described it as an ideal in
which every individual, regardless of social background, could achieve success and prosperity
through honest work, ambition, and personal initiative. Adams claimed that “America is a land
of opportunity,” where everyone is given a chance for personal and social well-being.
Similarly, in his poetry, Walt Whitman portrayed America as a land of opportunity, where each
person could find their place and build their own life. He was a strong advocate of democratic
principles, believing in individual freedom and equal opportunity, which are closely aligned with
the core values of the American Dream.
Although Franklin D. Roosevelt was not a literary figure, he had a significant impact on the
perception of the American Dream through his political activity. In his 1932 inaugural address,
delivered against the backdrop of the Great Depression, he emphasized the need to restore the
American Dream. Roosevelt highlighted the importance of work ethic and social justice as
fundamental values that should uphold the ideal of equal opportunity for all citizens. In a time of
economic crisis, he called for the creation of a more just and sustainable society, where every
individual would have a chance to improve their life. Thus, Roosevelt not only defended the idea
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of the American Dream but also adapted it to the realities of his era, proposing ways to restore it
through government reforms and social responsibility.
Theodore Dreiser, in works such as Sister Carrie and The Titan, explored how an individual
could achieve success in American society.Human aspirations are confronted with the harsh
realities of capitalism, offering a more critical perspective on the concept of the American Dream.
Many American authors have either supported or expanded upon the idea of the American
Dream, enriching it with various aspects such as hard work, social mobility, and the possibility
of achieving success regardless of one’s background. However, equally significant is the fact that
many writers have criticized this concept, emphasizing that not everyone can attain prosperity
and success despite their efforts and ambitions. These authors drew attention to the existing
social, economic, and racial barriers that hinder the realization of the American Dream for the
majority of people. In their works, they analyzed how these obstacles limit opportunities and
leave individuals in unequal conditions, rendering the dream of prosperity unattainable for many.
One of the first such authors was Frank Norris, who depicted how monopolies and corporate
giants hinder ordinary citizens from achieving the American Dream, making it accessible only to
a privileged few. John Steinbeck, in his famous novel The Grapes of Wrath, vividly exposes
social injustice, illustrating how the poor and oppressed become victims of harsh economic
conditions and corporate power, especially during the Great Depression. Steinbeck emphasizes
that the American Dream becomes unattainable for workers and farmers facing systemic barriers.
Richard Wright, in his novel Native Son, portrays the harsh realities of African Americans in the
American South, criticizing racism and social injustice that prevent many—particularly Black
Americans—from achieving what is traditionally associated with the American Dream. Similar
issues of racial inequality are explored in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, where
through the character of Atticus Finch and his fight against a biased justice system, it is shown
how the dream of equality and justice often remains unfulfilled for African Americans and other
marginalized
groups.
Ken Kesey
,
in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, critiques the American system
,
including psychiatric institutions and social structures that suppress individuality and the desire
for freedom. Through characters like Randle Patrick McMurphy
,
Kesey demonstrates how
society can oppress personal aspirations
,
calling into question the reality of the American Dream
.
Toni Morrison, in turn, often explores issues of racism and the legacy of slavery in her
works. She challenges the notion that the American Dream is accessible to everyone, especially
to
African
Americans,
who
face
numerous
barriers
and
social
exclusion.
Arthur Miller, in Death of a Salesman, criticizes the concept of the American Dream
through the character of Willy Loman, a man disillusioned with life and the idea that success and
material
wealth
are
the
keys
to
happiness.
These authors criticize the American Dream through various social, economic, and racial
lenses, highlighting its limitations and inaccessibility for many groups of people, despite official
claims of equal opportunity. The American Dream, as a powerful cultural and social ideal, has
consistently attracted the attention of writers, serving as a foundation for the critique of societal
structures and human ambitions. Through the fates of their characters, the authors show that the
dream of wealth and success can lead to moral decline and tragedy. Literary works continue to
remind us that true success is not always tied to material wealth, and that happiness lies in
spiritual
values.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, is rightfully considered
one of the most important works of American literature. This novel not only tells the story of
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love and ambition of its main character, Jay Gatsby, but also offers a deep analysis of the
problems of American society during the "Roaring Twenties" — a time of rapid economic
growth, cultural change, and social inequality. At the center of the plot is the story of Jay Gatsby,
a young man who, starting from nothing, strives for wealth and success, believing that this will
bring him happiness and love. However, as the novel shows, his dreams and ideals turn out to be
illusions. Gatsby is a man willing to sacrifice morality and honesty for the sake of his goal, using
questionable means to achieve financial prosperity, including involvement in illegal schemes.
Despite his material success, he remains lonely and never finds true fulfillment. The essence of
Gatsby’s tragedy lies in his dream of reliving the past — of reclaiming the love of Daisy
Buchanan, the woman he once loved. For him, Daisy is not just a woman, but a symbol of an
idealized past he is desperate to recreate at any cost. Yet Daisy, like the society she represents,
proves to be unattainable and hollow, unable to appreciate his sacrifices. Through Gatsby’s
character, Fitzgerald criticizes the American Dream, portraying it as a distorted pursuit of
material wealth and status, stripped of genuine human values. Gatsby becomes a symbol of this
dream turned illusion — one that bears little connection to true happiness or spiritual fulfillment.
The novel sharply highlights the conflict between outward prosperity and inner emptiness — a
defining feature of the 1920s, when society was undergoing a drastic shift from traditional moral
values to a culture of consumerism and individualism. Fitzgerald depicts a world where money,
status, and surface-level success have become the ultimate goals — yet in the end, these values
lead nowhere. Even the arrogant and shallow characters like Tom Buchanan and his wife Daisy
are not truly happy; their lives are built on lies, irresponsibility, and a lack of depth. The
relationships between the novel’s characters also reflect the themes of emptiness and alienation
within
society.
Jay Gatsby, despite his deep passion for Daisy, finds himself trapped in his own
illusions, while Daisy either cannot or does not want to acknowledge the true nature of their
relationship. Against the backdrop of this idealized world, Fitzgerald masterfully portrays the
tragedy
of
lost
opportunities,
shattered
hopes,
and
unfulfilled
desires.
The Great Gatsby is not merely a story of love and tragedy; it is a philosophical and
social analysis that explores the nature of human aspirations, illusions, and disappointments, as
well as the disintegration of the dream of happiness in a world where material values dominate
over spiritual ones. As the narrator reflects: “And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown
world, I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of
Daisy’s dock… I became aware of the old island here that flowered once for Dutch sailors’ eyes”
[1, p. 246]. The novel illustrates the cultural and moral contrasts between East and West in the
United States, symbolizing a broader philosophical opposition. “This story is really about the
West, after all—Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, we were all Westerners, and perhaps
we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life” [1,
p. 124]. Even as the East seduced the characters with its promise of glamour and success, the
narrator confesses to feeling “a haunting loneliness sometimes, and a vague unpleasantness” [1,
p. 125]. The hedonistic lifestyle of the 1920s, depicted through Gatsby’s lavish parties,
underscores the illusion of fulfillment through wealth: “On buffet tables, garnished with
glistening hors d’oeuvres, spiced baked hams crowded against salads of harlequin designs... By
seven o’clock the orchestra has arrived—no thin five-piece affair but a whole pitful of oboes and
trombones and saxophones and viols and cornets and piccolos” [1, p. 29]. The guests “formed
and dissolved themselves in the same breath,” revealing the ephemeral nature of such gatherings
[1, p. 48], while others confessed: “I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there
isn’t any privacy” [1, p. 35]. Fitzgerald highlights how the characters, including Tom, Daisy,
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Gatsby, and Jordan, struggle to find their place in society, yet all ultimately fail to escape
hypocrisy and moral collapse [1, p. 123]. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy and his dream of
reliving the past culminate in his disillusionment: “He had come such a long way to this blue
lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. But he did
not know that it was already behind him” [1, p. 246]. The house he built as a monument to his
dream became for him more real in a photograph than in its actual presence: “It was a
photograph of the house... he had shown it so often to his friends that it had become more real
than the house itself” [1, p. 116]. Thus, Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by portraying it
as an illusion—one that promises happiness and success, yet often leads to moral decay,
alienation, and unfulfilled desires. The novel reminds readers that the pursuit of material
prosperity may obscure deeper values, and that the dream, once so near, may already belong to
the
irretrievable
past.
The author portrays society as chaotic and morally bankrupt. The upper classes,
exemplified by characters such as Tom Buchanan, act without regard for consequences,
displaying selfishness and destructive behavior. East Egg and West Egg, divided not only
geographically but also culturally, symbolize the profound rift between old aristocratic wealth
and the unstable, newly acquired bourgeois affluence. This division emphasizes that even within
the elite there is no unity; instead, the pursuit of material superiority prevails over moral values.
Gatsby embodies the tragedy of the American Dream, which is built on the illusion of equal
opportunity and the attainability of happiness through wealth. His green light, symbolizing that
dream,
remains
out
of
reach
despite
all
his
efforts.
Fitzgerald illustrates that the American Dream is mired in corruption, vanity, and moral
emptiness. It becomes a mechanism that drives individuals to pursue an unattainable ideal,
ultimately leaving them disillusioned and hollow. He argues that American society has lost its
foundational values, replacing them with a cult of wealth and superficial success. Fitzgerald’s
critique is universal, extending beyond the Jazz Age to any era in which materialism takes
precedence
over
spiritual
and
ethical
integrity.
The story of Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s eponymous novel serves as a cautionary
tale, illustrating that a dream detached from reality inevitably leads to downfall. The protagonist,
Jay Gatsby, aspires to an idealized vision of success and social status, attempting to construct his
life around unattainable ideals. His efforts to conform to the notion of the "American Dream"
ultimately end in tragedy, underscoring the fragility and illusory nature of that dream.
The story of Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s eponymous novel serves as a warning that a
dream detached from reality is doomed to collapse. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, aspires to an
idealized vision of success and social status, attempting to shape his life around unattainable
ideals. His efforts to align himself with the "American Dream" ultimately end in tragedy,
highlighting
the
fragility
and
illusory
nature
of
that
dream.
The story of Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of the same name serves as a
cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing a dream divorced from reality. The protagonist, Jay
Gatsby, aspires to an idealized image of success and social status, attempting to construct his life
around unattainable ideals. His efforts to conform to the expectations of the “American Dream”
ultimately end in tragedy, emphasizing the fragility and illusory nature of this cultural concept.
At the same time, in Nathanael West’s novel The Day of the Locust, the author uses the
character of Tod Hackett to illustrate how a society consumed by the pursuit of success
ultimately becomes a victim of its own ambitions. Unlike Gatsby, who actively strives to attain
the American Dream, Tod Hackett embodies the destructive consequences for an entire society
that, in its chase for wealth and fame, collapses into its own abyss. Thus, both works offer a
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critique of the illusory nature of the American Dream; however, The Day of the Locust
emphasizes collective downfall, whereas The Great Gatsby focuses on the tragedy of individual
aspiration.
Nathanael West’s novel The Day of the Locust, published in 1939, presents a powerful
satirical analysis of American society—particularly of Hollywood—through which the author
explores the dark underside of the dream of fame and success. The novel reflects the destructive
consequences of the pursuit of recognition, especially within the cultural and social atmosphere
of 1930s America. By constructing this grim portrayal, West reveals how the desire for
popularity and material prosperity turns into a catastrophe both for individuals and society as a
whole. One of the central themes of the novel is the critique of illusions associated with
Hollywood as the heart of mass culture and the dream industry. The characters live in constant
anticipation of a miracle that will transform their lives, yet despite their efforts, most remain
disillusioned. Hollywood in The Day of the Locust is not only a dream factory but also a symbol
of a society consumed by the thirst for fame, wealth, and recognition—where outward prosperity
masks inner emptiness and moral decay. In West’s vision, Hollywood appears as a cruel and
cynical machine that relentlessly exploits people’s ambitions and dreams, only to discard them,
leaving behind nothing but shattered lives. The protagonist, Tod Hackett, initially filled with
enthusiasm and admiration for the cinematic world, dreams of becoming a part of this glamorous
and mysterious realm. However, his romantic ideals gradually give way to deep cynicism and
disillusionment. He witnesses how the Hollywood industry crushes human lives, pushing people
to chase unattainable ideals of fame, only to abandon them in isolation and ruin. In this context,
Hollywood becomes a metaphor for the American Dream—a vision that promises a great future
but ultimately leads to deception and spiritual emptiness. The characters in the novel frequently
find themselves in a state of deep depression and despair. Their relationships are marked by
selfishness, deceit, and the desire to exploit one another for personal gain. For example, the
character Madge, a young and ambitious screenwriter, realizes that the world of Hollywood
offers no space for honesty or sincerity, and her pursuit of success ultimately leads to moral
compromise and self-destruction. The interactions among characters throughout the novel reveal
a stark absence of authenticity, love, or emotional connection. Their actions are driven purely by
self-interest, emphasizing the emptiness and cruelty of this world. Another significant theme is
the self-destruction of individuals who, obsessed with recognition, lose their sense of identity
and moral compass. West vividly depicts this process as a collective cultural collapse in which
success becomes the only value, while personal integrity and ethics are pushed aside. Despite
their aspirations for success, the characters end up profoundly unhappy and spiritually hollow,
destroyed
by
the
very
dreams
that
once
inspired
them.
Nathanael West’s The Day of the Locust also addresses issues of social injustice, racial
and class inequality, illustrating how Hollywood—and the broader cultural landscape of the
United States—unjustly exploits individuals, turning their efforts and hopes into deeper
alienation and loneliness. The novel is not only a dark and satirical critique of Hollywood but
also a disturbing exploration of the destructive consequences of the “American Dream” in its
most distorted forms. Thus, The Day of the Locust is not merely a narrative of personal tragedies,
but a portrayal of an entire era in which society relentlessly chases false ideals, and happiness
and success are transformed into inescapable traps: “Many of them wore sports clothes that were
not really sports clothes. Their sweaters, socks, light slacks and blue flannel coats with brass
buttons were costumes. A fat lady in a yachting cap sailed into a grocery store instead of a yacht
basin; a man in a hunting jacket and Tyrolean hat had come from a brokerage office, not the
mountains; a girl in slacks, tennis shoes, and a bandanna had just left a switchboard, not a tennis
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court” [2, p. 244]. “He already regretted interfering. But when the dwarf came out of the
bathroom wearing a hat, Tod felt better. The hat almost made everything right. That year
Tyrolean hats were all the rage on Hollywood Boulevard, and the dwarf had a splendid specimen.
It was the proper magic green, with a tall, conical crown. All that was missing was a copper
buckle in front. Otherwise, it was perfect. Unfortunately, the rest of his outfit didn’t match the
hat. Instead of turned-up shoes and a leather apron, he wore a blue double-breasted suit and a
black shirt with a yellow tie. Instead of a crooked stick in his hand, he held a folded copy of the
Daily Racing Form” [2, p. 248]. “All these people came here with a dream, but Hollywood
offered no hope. It broke them, drained their last strength, and left them to die under the bright
sun like so much garbage” [2, p. 375]. West underscores the dissonance between the promises of
freedom and equal opportunity and the actual social barriers that persist beneath the surface. The
novel reveals how the dream of success, when manipulated by systems of entertainment and
power, becomes a mechanism of exploitation and despair. Hollywood, in this portrayal, serves as
a deceptive beacon—a site where illusions flourish but authenticity and humanity are
systematically
erased.
From the above analysis, it can be concluded that in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott
Fitzgerald, the critique is directed at how the pursuit of material wealth leads to spiritual
emptiness. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, becomes a symbol of the illusionary nature of the
American Dream, as despite his riches and achievements, he remains unfulfilled and unable to
attain true love or genuine recognition. On the other hand, Nathanael West’s The Day of the
Locust portrays Hollywood as a symbol of the American Dream taken to the extreme. The
characters encounter a reality in which the entertainment industry transforms their dreams into
nightmares,
ultimately
destroying
their
hopes
and
personal
identities.
Thus, literature analyzing the concept of the “American Dream” reveals that its
realization requires not only individual effort, but also the overcoming of structural obstacles
such
as
social
inequality,
discrimination,
and
the
cult
of
materialism.
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the society of the Jazz Age is depicted as one
dominated by hedonism, emptiness, and superficial values. Wealthy characters such as Daisy and
Tom Buchanan emdiv the heartlessness of the elite: “You see, Nick, I think everything’s
terrible anyhow... Everydiv thinks so—the most advanced people. And I know. I’ve been
everywhere and seen everything and done everything” [1, p.15]. “At every party the laughter
grew louder and freer, and the behavior more uninhibited and natural. Groups formed and
dissolved
with
equal
spontaneity”
[1,
p.30].
In Nathanael West’s The Day of the Locust, Hollywood is portrayed as a world of
glamour, behind which lie disillusionment, poverty, and deception. The crowd, a recurring motif
in the novel, symbolizes the destructive potential of mass society. The final scene, where the
mob transforms into a chaotic force, reflects the egocentrism of a culture obsessed with fame and
wealth: “When the stars start showing up, they’ll have to double the police force. The crowd
goes berserk when it sees its heroes and heroines” [2, p.384]. “There was no hysteria in this part
of the mob. On the contrary, most of the people seemed to enjoy themselves. In front of Tod
stood a fat woman with a man pressed tightly against her from the front. His chin rested on her
shoulder and he had his arms around her waist. She paid no attention to him and chatted with her
neighbor. ‘I hardly knew what was happening,’ Tod heard her say, ‘and then all of a sudden
everydiv started to rush.’ ‘Yeah. Someone yelled, “There goes Gary Cooper!” and that was it.’
‘That’s not it,’ said a short man in a linen cap and pullover. ‘We’re part of a riot.’ ‘Yes,’ said a
third woman, with gray hair snaking around her face and shoulders. ‘A degenerate attacked a
child.’ ‘He ought to have been lynched,’ everyone agreed fervently. ‘I came from St. Louis,’
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announced the fat woman. ‘We had one of those degenerates living on our block. Cut a girl up
with a pair of scissors.’ ‘He must’ve been crazy,’ said the man in the cap. ‘What kind of
entertainment is that!’ Everyone laughed. The fat woman turned to the man embracing her. ‘Hey,
you,’ she said, ‘do I look like a pillow?’ The man smiled blissfully but didn’t change his position.
She laughed without trying to free herself. ‘He’s a sly one,’ she said. Another woman laughed.
‘Yeah,’ she said, ‘today’s the day to grab what you want.’ The man in the pullover thought they
were laughing again at his earlier joke. ‘Cutting a girl with scissors! That’s not even the right
tool!’ He wasn’t wrong. They burst out laughing louder than before. ‘You’d do it differently, huh,
uncle?’ said a young man with a kidney-shaped head and waxed mustache. Both women
laughed”
[2,
p.393].
Members of the upper class take pleasure in the chaos unfolding on the streets: “Among
the crowd were people in costume mingled with others of a different sort. Their clothes were
drab and poorly tailored—ordered by mail. While the others moved briskly, darting in and out of
bars and shops, these lingered near intersections or stood with their backs to shop windows,
watching every passerby. When someone met their gaze, hatred flared in their eyes” [2, p.244].
“All their lives they had toiled at tedious, exhausting jobs—behind counters, desks, in the fields,
or at mind-numbing machines—saving penny by penny and dreaming of the day when their
savings would buy them leisure. And that day finally arrives. They receive a steady income, ten
to fifteen dollars a week. Where else to go but California—the land of oranges and sunshine? But
when they get there, they find that sunshine alone is not enough. Oranges lose their appeal—and
even avocados grow tiresome. Nothing happens” [2, p.386]. “Here, at the ‘Persian Canal,’
thousands of people had gathered... When the stars appear, the crowd will become
uncontrollable” [2, p.384]. “Faye explained why. He had nothing to offer her—no money, no
beauty—and she could only love a handsome man” [2, p.252]. “‘You’re just being mean. Think
how happy you’ll be showing it to your guests and listening to their genuine gasps of
admiration’” [2, p.257]. “‘It’s not about talent. It’s about connections. What does Shirley Temple
have that he doesn’t?’” [2, p.339]. The author depicts a chaotic and fragmented society steeped
in
conflict
and
social
injustice.
Disillusioned by the monotony and routine of their lives, people turn to vivid yet
superficial symbols of success and happiness. In this context, Hollywood serves as a metaphor
for a society of illusions—a place where outward appearances and the cult of personality prevail
over genuine value and substance. Self-interest and materialism become the driving forces
behind personal relationships and professional achievements, leading to cynicism and social
fragmentation. The “American Dream,” once a symbol of opportunity, equality, and individual
success, has long captured the attention of writers—both its proponents and its critics. In
literature, this idea has been repeatedly subjected to in-depth analysis, serving as a lens through
which social, economic, and moral dimensions of American life are explored. The novels The
Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West stand as
prominent examples of a critical approach to this concept. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald
illustrates how the pursuit of wealth and status—the foundations of the American Dream—leads
to spiritual emptiness and tragedy. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, achieves material success but
remains lonely and disillusioned. His yearning for love and recognition becomes a symbol of the
illusory nature of that dream. Through Gatsby’s character, the author underscores how a dream
rooted in material values can become a destructive force, undermining lives and eroding the
moral foundations of society. In turn, Nathanael West’s The Day of the Locust portrays
Hollywood—the embodiment of the American Dream of fame and success—as a site of
disillusionment, despair, and the loss of human dignity. The novel’s characters, in their pursuit of
Volume 4, issue 6, 2025
147
fame and recognition, encounter a reality in which their dreams are doomed to failure. West
depicts Hollywood as a factory of illusions, where a society obsessed with success transforms
into
a
destructive
mechanism,
obliterating
individuality
and
humanity.
Both works expose the darker aspects of the "American Dream," revealing how it can
become a source of disillusionment and destruction. Despite differences in setting and narrative
approach, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West
are united by the idea that the American Dream can be illusory and unattainable for the majority.
They explore themes such as social barriers, selfishness, material dependency, and human
alienation.
Thus, the “American Dream” in literature appears not only as an ideal but also as an object
of criticism. These works remind readers that true happiness is not always linked to wealth or
recognition and emphasize the importance of human values such as compassion, sincerity, and
spiritual fulfillment. The literary critique of the American Dream remains relevant today, as its
analysis helps to better understand not only the past but also contemporary society.
REFERENCES:
1)
Fitzgerald, F. The Great Gatsby. — Moscow: AST, 2020. – p. 246
2)
West, N. The Day of the Locust. — Moscow: Inostranka, 2019. – p. 395.
3)
https://tr-page.yandex.ru/translate?lang=en-
ru&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAmerican_Dream
4)
https://ru.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%
D0%B9_%D0%93%D1%8D%D1%82%D1%81%D0%B1%D0%B8
5)
https://ru.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%94%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8C_%D1%81%D0%B0
%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%87%D0%B8
6)
http://loveread.me/read_book.php?id=84972&p=3
