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Throughout the course of history, the citizens of this amazing planet have always been undertaking the struggle for grasping the American Dream. Although the goals of an individual might be different than another’s, the final goal is similar for is to obtain happiness. Famous literature such as F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby, celebrated work such as Of Mice and Men done by John Steinbeck, and Mark Twain’s popular The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn all portray the happiness all the characters try to gain through their dream, the unfairness that life may award, and that the necessity to be thankful is greatly needed.
In his most famous work The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald draws attention to the dream of title-based character, Jay Gatsby. This man was a millionaire, living extremely well-off. When young, Gatsby was unfortunately poor and it was hard for him to rise up in the high clique of the wealthy. Because of this, his dream girl Daisy could not marry him and his love was lost. Hoping to strive to become happy and rich, Gatsby, when later found out in the book, began to smuggle alcohol and through it became extremely wealthy.
But for some reason, his happiness was never achieved and his low-spirited mood matched the permanent en of “Winnie the Pooch’s” Error. Fitzgerald, himself being a pursuer of happiness, displayed Gatsby as a man who dreamed about a life of happiness. “He had come long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he had hardly talked to grasp it” (Fitzgerald 180). True, this man did host a vast abundance of parties, but indeed these transcendent gatherings were manganese to bolster his hiding happiness.
With this, it suggests that the only reason Gatsby threw such lavish parties was because he thought she would enjoy them. Throughout his entire life, Gatsby attempted to reach that dream. And much to his disappointment, his dream of finally obtaining her never got accomplished. Indeed Myrtle Wilson, the suicidal woman with the horrific death was somewhat alike with Gatsby. Being married to a George Wilson, she believed her social status was much higher than those of a mechanic.
Like Gatsby, Myrtle isn’t happy with the class she was born to. She insists that she married someone beneath her, and she tries to talk about the “lower orders” as though she’s not one of them: “l told that boy about the ice! ” Myrtle raised her eyebrows in despair at the shiftlessness of the lower orders. These people! You have to keep after them all the time” (Fitzgerald 32). Realizing this, she began to engage in a relationship with a man who supposedly was of a higher stature than her present husband.
True to her belief, Fitzgerald indicates that Tom Wilson was actually a man of great wealth – “His family were enormously wealthy – even in college his freedom with money was a matter for reproach – he’d brought down a string of polo ponies enough to do that” (Fitzgerald 6). And with confidence, Myrtle deliberately leaves her man, and tries to obtain more happiness. Much like Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s Cubans, also was a man that lacked his desired felicity. This man was a perplexed character; he did not know what he wanted. At first, he falls in love with Daisy, Gatsby long lost love.
He treats her well, but times run through, and mistreat becomes common. This mystery man was hypocritical toward Daisy wanting to be with Gatsby, for he himself cheated on his wife with Myrtle Wilson, the spouse of Gatsby assassin. Cutting across the Valley of the Ashes, Nick and Tom stop by the Willow’s Garage. “We’re getting off,” he insisted. “l want you to meet my girl” (Fitzgerald 24). In this book, he is portrayed as a man with an aggressive attitude, a man with boundaries and restrictions for his lovely wife Daisy – a man with uncomfortably and a wish to be happy.
But as soon as he got acquainted with Myrtle, his dream became really wide and his desires became stretched. Jordan Baker, Nicks inconstant date, also was a woman that suffered a sort of melancholy. She was a golfer, an athletic Sock who had a critical desire to succeed and “become the best” through cheating. Her problem was her game. And she felt like she could never achieve happiness if she failed, so by cheating it felt good to win. Nick described her not only cheating in sports, but a cheat at life.
Jordan Baker instinctively avoided clever, shrewd men, and now I saw that this was because she felt safer on a plane where any divergence from a code would be thought impossible. She was incurably dishonest. She wasn’t able to endure being at a disadvantage and, given this unwillingness, I suppose she had begun dealing in subterfuges when she was very young in order to keep that cool, insolent smile turned to the world and yet satisfy the demands of her hard, Jaunty body’ (Fitzgerald 59). Throughout the book, she tries to win cheating her way through games, through life hoping to achieve a Tate of happiness.
Ironically, dishonesty doesn’t help, and instead leads happiness away. Much like The Great Gatsby, in Just 107 pages, John Steinbeck writes about the adventures of poor laboring men that worked on the Californian ranches. In his novella, Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck writes about George Milton and Leonie Smalls, two men struggling to acquire work to achieve their dream: to one day own land with a home they can call their own. George and Leonie never attain their dream, but the fantasy holds their remarkable friendship together. Their dream is real because it’s existent in their imagination.
The dream keeps Leonie cheerful and stops George from becoming “unkind” and lonely like other ranch hands. What makes this dream significant is Lien’s determination to achieve it. Got it by heart. You can do it yourself. ‘ ‘No, you. I forget some a’ the things. Tell about how it’s goanna be. ” (Steinbeck 14). Even though Leonie asks George maybe a couple times throughout the book to remind him of their dream farm, Leonie seems to know word for word, on how their dream goes, and is always finding happiness in talking and renewing his hope in his child-like fantasy.
Unlike Leonie, all Curry’s wife longs for is o experience the world for herself. She is practically a captive in her own home, barren of the power to transform her fate. When she was young, she fantasized of becoming a famous actress in a “show,” but when she married Curly, her entire life renewed to the inferior. After her marriage, the shattered ruins of her dreams and a happy, and not stuck with a man who showed her no attention. Mom! ” She put her hands behind her hack and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward.
You’re the new fell’s that Just come, anti yard (Steinbeck 30). In this scene, Curly wife portrays herself as a sex symbol. And being the only female live character, she publicized herself often in front of the men, trying to at least get a few nice words, or comments that gave a distinctly positive boost to her attention level. That’s why looking at Leonie, dumb as he was, she felt like she could obtain some affection from him, some sort of happiness for being loved. But to her dissatisfaction, he gave no pleasure, no happiness but a surprisingly random and permanent end.
Most of the characters in Of Mice and Men admit, at one point or another, to dreaming of a different life. Crooks, allows himself the pleasant fantasy of weeding a attach of garden on Lien’s farm one day, and Candy fastens on desperately to George’s vision of owning a couple of acres. What makes all of these dreams typically American is that the dreamers wish for untarnished happiness, for the freedom to follow their own desires and no matter how realistically possible it is to achieve it.
Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, often regarded as one of the finest American novels, and labels the hilarious yet illuminating adventures of a deprived country boy, who runs away and takes the river with an escaped African American slave. Huckleberry Finn, a smart boy that was ruthlessly mistreated by his alcoholic-driven dad, was basically an orphan that longed for a better treatment and a free choice. His dad is almost never there for him, so of course Miss Watson being the responsible one, attempts to teach him responsibility and schooling, Just like his friend Tom Sawyer.
But nobody taught Yuck Finn the social values and the right choices Just like Jim did. Through his indirect teaching and intelligence, Jim teaches Yuck against the stereotypical Southern segregation, and shows that an African American can show more affection than a close father. Yuck Finns dream is a unique one. In an effort to escape in his caged life and find a hope in something new, he escapes his present life and quests to discover an innovative one. For Yuck, the American Dream meaner being free, to have no limits or boundaries, and to relish the wide-open Western frontier.
And the Mississippi River offers the best definition and relaxation from both of their previous lives. “Jim, this is nice,’ I says, ‘l don’t to be nowhere else but here” (Twain 54). The splendor and freedom of this dream is shown almost as a requirement for Yuck, and certainly for Jim the slave. Jim, who is not even considered a person, but Just a piece of property, also had a dream very much similar with Yuck Finns. Much like the aspiration of other slaves at the time; he wished to be freed, to break free of captivity and again be reunited with his fame-bam. Slave work, is hard work.
And it takes a great amount of physical pain and labor to maintain loyal and hard-working towards an owner. Novella, you see, it ‘Uzi disc way. Ole missus – data’s Miss Watson – she pecks on me all De time, en treats me potty rough, but she awl’s said she would’ sell me down to Orleans” (Twain 50). After intercepting the knowledge of Miss Watson’ desire to sell Jim, Jim began to “get uneasy’ (Twain 50), and knew that the only way for him to receive liberty, would be to leave as soon as possible. To add to his agonizing hurt, had been disconnected from his wife and children.
It was his dream to be reunited, and to hold his family in his arms again. Jim missed them relationship status as a bachelor, that encouraged his criminal act of running away from Miss Watson, and sailing away with a white teenager. Unfortunately, when trying to accomplish the demand for contentment, realizing that life can be unfair can be a common thought. The phrase “Life is unfair” is quite popular amongst teens, but when examining it, it is the genuine truth. When being in the army, Gatsby was portrayed as a man lacking a strong financial status. “. That it must be the man she used to know.
It wasn’t until then, that I connected Gatsby with the officer in her white car” (Fitzgerald 77). Gatsby was indeed absent in wealth at first and this weakness most likely lead him to believe that life was unjust. For without money, he could not obtain his love. The story is much the same with Fitzgerald himself, for he himself lost his love Just because of his low financial status. It must’ve been terrible to participate in such a sad act, in the oxymoron “gaining a loss” of letting go of the girls of his dreams. Likewise, Daisy was a woman with a resembling story. She loved Gatsby and Tom.
But possessing both men was out of the question. It was unfair, for her love to both of these men was equal. “Gatsby? ” demented Daisy. “What Gatsby? ” (Fitzgerald 11). When hearing the name of the famous millionaire, she became how my English teacher Mr….. Borrowers calls it, “tingly’ inside. Excitement is definitely a small part of the definition of this word. And with this thrill Fitzgerald artists that Daisy’s time with Gatsby was a time of Joy and a definite fun. “As he left the room again she got up and went over to Gatsby and pulled his face down, kissing him on the mouth. You know I love you,’ she murmured. Yes, Daisy felt great affection to this rich man, but still through it all, her love for Tom did not diminish. She was stuck. Both men proved to be of equal likeness to her, and when asked it was hard for her to take away her truth of never loving Tom. “She hesitated. Her eyes fell on Jordan and me with a sort of appeal, as though she realized at least what she as doing -… ‘Even alone I can’t say I never loved Tom,’ she admitted in a pitiful voice. ‘It wouldn’t be true” (Fitzgerald 133). Although Daisy had a choice on two men, Leonie, in Of Mice and Men had no choice in his physical disability.
Leonie, as one would say in this current time period, “slow in the mind. ” Mere we going’, George? The little man Jerked down the brim of his hat and scowled over at Leonie. So you forgot that ready, did you? I goat tell you again, do l? Jesus Christ… ” (Steinbeck 5). Even though Lien’s disability is accustomed with George, it still proves to be slightly of annoyance to George; his unusual actions and constant memory loss, puts a great stress on his ability to maintain kindness. Yes, it isn’t Lien’s fault. No, he did not get “kicked in the head by a horse when he was a kid” (Steinbeck 22).
His weakness was not chosen, and even if it did get to the better of George, George held his own thoughts back and felt pity and sympathy for Leonie when Curly was a high-nosed prick in the small cabin room on the farm. “Say, what the hell’s he got on his shoulder? Leonie didn’t do anything to him” (Steinbeck 26). Identical with the mistreat, Jim was unfairly treated Just because of his skin color. True, segregation was a definite part in the United States culture back then, and many folks thought it was perfectly normal to treat blacks like garbage.
But even back then without realizing it, it was considered one of the top, unfair, extremely unreasonable and injustice actions that was taken place in the “Home of the Free” country. “Because Mary Jane ‘II will get an order to box these duds up and put ‘me away; and do you reckon a Niger can run across money and not borrow some of it? ” (Twain 180). Here, the Archduke is proclaiming that all black men steal—which, hypocritically, is exactly what the Archduke does himself. This is only a small portion of racism in the book, but there are lots more examples of such misconduct.
Undoubtedly, when chasing dreams, the dawning of life and its inequitable acts are sure to be exposed. Sometimes though, the thoughts of our illegitimate essence can be foreseen as almost an act of sin. When truly analyzing and evaluating the pros and cons of the time of the birthrate, to the present second, many people may overlook the fact that they are blessed with more than what’s deserved. “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, Just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (Fitzgerald 1).
Being Just the second sentence in the beginning of the novel, Nick Caraways’ father demonstrates one of the most important aspects of life and the benefits of being who you are. Following his father’s words, yes it does seem that Nick was indeed happy for what he had. Alas, other major characters in the novel never did seem happy for their current wealth and assets. When Gatsby was introduced to the knowledge that Daisy lived by the dock, he seemed to ignore his current benedictions. This man was insanely wealthy!
He had everything; a hover plane to enjoy on the lake, beautiful cars to ride around town, a giant mansion Just for himself – he threw parties every night! Despite having all of these delightedness, he strove for more, seeming like he was never thankful for what he already possessed. By saying, “Do you come to these parties often? ” (Fitzgerald 43) Jordan implies that Gatsby must have parties often, and yet he does not find much Joy in them. Each party, a great multitude of people came – people he didn’t even know, and without question, obtaining a girl would have been easier than taking a breath of fresh air. T disgustingly he strove for a married woman. Yes, she was his past, but it takes maturity to understand that sometimes what’s wanted is not necessarily yours. At the same time, Tom was Just like Gatsby; not necessarily as rich, but wealthy enough to buy his wife $350,000 pearls. And yet, he went after Myrtle, being greatly unappreciative of his current possessions. Tom was indeed a hypocrite. He loved Myrtle, and when he found out that Gatsby and Daisy had a relationship building up, suddenly he turned a defensive mode on toward his wife. “She is not leaving me! ‘ Tom’s words suddenly leaned down over Gatsby.
Certainly not for a common swindler who’d have to steal the ring he put on her finger” (Fitzgerald 133). Myrtle too, was a woman lacking her felicity for the blessings she received thereof. As a wife of a mechanic, she never showed any gratitude for the work Wilson did. “The only crazy part I was was when I married him. I knew right away I made a mistake. He borrowed somebody else’s suit to get married in, and never even told me about it… And then I lay down and cried to beat the band all afternoon” (Fitzgerald 35). Her reaction to Wilson renting a tuxedo is pathetic.
To cry over something like that, brings he common, rude but true phrase to thought – “Go kill yourselves… ” And ironically. That is exactly what she did. “A moment later she rushed out in to the duck, waving her hands and shouting – before he could move from his door the business was over” (Fitzgerald 137). This foolish act of suicide, Just explicates that many people do Leonie displays a sort of ingratitude with his desperate longing for ketchup. George always helps Leonie, but he always wants more. It is manifest in Chapter One. After finding a place to rest for the night, George offers Leonie some bearers for supper, and
Lien’s response is reply is quite unappreciative, as he announces “l like ‘me with ketchup. ” George explains to him that there is no ketchup and Leonie again repeats “l like ‘me with Ketchup! ” After this George loses his calm, and Leonie threatens by saying, “[I’m goanna] go off and live in one of them caves” (Steinbeck 12). Although Leonie is slow, he comprehends that his untruthfulness isn’t appreciated around George, and immediately indirectly apologizes asking thereafter about the dream farm they will someday own. Curly, the boss’ son, displays a sort of dissatisfaction tit his size, state and power.
His explosive anger engages when Leonie smiles at the delight of the memory of the ranch, comes up to him and says, Meat the hell you laughing’ at? … ‘Come on, way big bastard. Get up on your feet. No big son-of-a-pitch is goanna laugh at me. I’ll show you who’s yells” (Steinbeck 62). Curlers violent response to Lien’s blameless laughter shows not only Curlers frustration with his absolute lack of control, but his determination in being the most powerful, even if his physical stature is smaller than of somebody else. In the beginning of Adventures of
Huckleberry Fin, Yuck shows his lack of appreciation in Miss Wilson trying to make him literate. Back then, obtaining an education after elementary school was not often, and getting knowledge and not captivating it, showed Husks terrible ingratitude for an opportunity to learn a few more things and become more intelligent. “She worked me meddling hard for about an hour, and then the widow made her ease up. I couldn’t stood it much longer. Then for an hour it was deadly dull, and I was fidgety’ (Twain 10). It Just disgusts to see Yuck not taking the chance for a higher education when other adults or children acquired none at all.
Throughout the novel, Yuck and Tom pronounce their beliefs on the ungratefulness towards Jim running away. In the beginning, Yuck believes that Jim was too stuck up, and a high- demanding slave for him to run away from Miss Watson. She gave him everything, and Yuck felt like running away from her would be foolish. And later on in the novel, Tom says “l wonder if Uncle Sills is going to hang this Niger. If I was to catch a Niger that was ungrateful enough to run away, I wouldn’t give him up, I’d hang him. ” Tom and Yuck were not born hating the African American race, but they learned from t.
They believe that running away from your owner would be unwise, for an owner gives all that’s necessary to live and thrive. Ironically, Yuck himself was running away, so it made people like him a hypocrite. Therefore, when chasing dreams one can notice that many people are untruthful for what they already possess. Throughout the history of the United States, many fellow Americans have attempted to succeed in obtaining the American Dream. Many have tried, few have achieved it. Although obtaining the dream can be a definite struggle, dreaming can major help in overcoming obstacles.
The American authors of that time portrayed the American Dream as a fantasy, all a happiness that’s tried to be made. In the American Dream, Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, and Twain portrait that it has many flaws and commonalities, happiness is always tried to be acquired, and many of the current blessings are sadly ignored. Truthfully yes, life can be unfair, unjust. But by counting the current can a dream be reached, and a never ending felicity be finally obtained. As a whole, Benjamin Franklin was right; Pursuing happiness – all can do. But truly catching it is the difficult part.