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Topic #4: Text Connections
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the author makes use
of text connections in order to keep the reader intrigued and associated with
the story. One thematic concept that the text and world shares is the story of
going from rags to riches. Jay Gatsby, originally known as James Gatz, was born
in a poor family whose career took place in farming. Later in his life, he got
to experience the rich and extravagant lifestyle after meeting a wealthy man,
who goes by the name of Meyer Wolfsheim. Inspired by this man, Gatsby makes it
his goal to live a similar lifestyle as Wolfsheim, and achieves this goal by
participating in organized crime. Similar to Jay Gatsby, the world is also
enthused to live an extravagant lifestyle, and does so in any way possible.
Specifically in America, where Capitalism encourages every citizen to earn as
much money as they can. To be able to live with affluence, one would look for
any way to earn the cash; whether it goes from their education or skill. It did
not matter how they got their money, but rather, how much money they got.
"Rags to riches," like you mentioned, is an accurate way to describe the American dream. Many people follow the beguiling path to happiness; it has occured incessantly throughout this nation's history. Even in the 21st century, Shania Twain, now one the world's most famous country singers, grew up in small homes or women's shelters, as her family was impoverished and seemingly hopeless. However, with the encouragement and assistance of her mother, Shania utilized her talent of a beautiful voice to provide for her family, now living comfortably and affluently--far from her days of poverty. Like Jay Gatsby, Twain does experience a period of decadence in which her dream decays. Her husband cheats on her with her best friend, leaving her divorced and depressed; anxiety and sadness damaging her vocal chords and impairing her ability to sing. Although Shania is recovering and discovering the road back to happiness, she, like millions of other people, live through the ragged route of rags to riches, and witness the true face of the harsh American dream.
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ReplyDeleteI agree, but I believe that Fitzgerald is also showing how rare it is for the "rags to riches" phenomenon to occur. The citizens who live in the valley of ashes can survive, but certainly do not have an excessive amount of wealth. Even among the wealthy, only those who reside on the west egg had to work for their money. The illusion that people often rise from nothing to everything has been perpetuated in America since the first factory system. It gives hope, but it isn't a realistic goal; Fitzgerald presents its implausibility.
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