Embodiment of the American Dream in "The Great Gatsby" and "Death of a Salesman"

We all have goals and dreams we want to accomplish. But the pursuit of a dream based on false illusions will ultimately lead to tragedy. This is true in Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman", and in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby". In both works, the main character is in pursuit of a dream for success that ultimately causes his demise. The American Dream is the idea that through hard work, courage, …

…for Gatsby. These men are chasing dreams that ultimately end in tragedy as they both die in pursuit of their goals. Arthur Miller and F. Scott Fitzgerald have embodied the corrupted American dream in their literary works through the main character in each. Willy Loman and Jay Gatsby have skewed visions of the American dream as success at any cost. They have dreams based on false illusions that ultimately lead to tragedy in their deaths.