Topic > Obsession with the American Dream: Willy Loman and Jay Gatsby

Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" and F. Scott Fitzgerald's film "The Great Gatsby" both deal with a related theme, fighting for the American dream. This unrealistic idea boils down to a happy lifestyle thought by many Americans in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success for all. The protagonist of "Death of a Salesman", Willy Loman, stops at nothing to achieve his idea of ​​the American dream, as he is truly a stubborn character. On the other hand, Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's film, had to face several conflicts. Considering his financial situation, his problems stemmed not from money but from the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. The protagonists chase the illusion of the American dream to satisfy their desperation to live a fulfilling life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Jay Gatsby dedicated his life to recreating his past, but it was never enough to impress the woman of his dreams, Daisy. He threw great parties every Saturday, she was never truly impressed and she looked for the best and richest when Jay was in trouble. Despite the fact that she eventually gained wealth and can now afford everything that money can buy, Daisy was simply a self-centered character and only cared about who she could provide better and who her wealth was greater. Gatsby tried to put things back the way they were because he thought his money would help him succeed this time. This simply implies that he was a wealthy man, according to Nick “in his monstrous size with triumphant hatboxes, dinner boxes and toolboxes… Sitting behind many layers of glass in a sort of leather veranda, we set off towards the city . " In Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman tries to recreate his vision of the American dream by improving his personality to be the most loved person, which meant more meaning to Willy than it should. He believed that likability was the key to success . Willy was too proud of "who he dreams of being", despite his poor financial situation, he rejected a job offer from his neighbor as it was in his nature to refuse offers and then continue to regret “Because that time I'm not went to Alaska with my brother Ben! That man was a genius, that man was the embodiment of success! In the end he dies without realizing his dream; the American dream. The death of a traveling salesman foreshadows Willy's obsession with the American dream which will lead to his death to be an elite salesman, but instead realizes that he is not as well-liked as he thought and that he is not a good salesman. Willy Loman believed that success was measured by wealth. The rubber hose symbolized Willy's suicidal inner self , as much as he tried to present himself as the best, something didn't seem right. F. Scott Fitzgerald's Jay and Arthur Miller's Willy both dreamed materialistically perfected how to dress, speak and act like part of a privileged family when in reality he was raised very poor. He was very triggered when Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, said that Jay was nothing like him despite having the same money, as he had grown up differently. “They were all different from you. You see, we are born different, it's in our blood. Nothing you do, say, steal or dream.