"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The American Dream can be defined as the freedom to pursue one's goals and desires, the opportunity to overcome socio-economic barriers that previously held one in place. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the idea that the American Dream is just an illusion which dances on the waves of opportunity in America but never quite makes it ashore. Fitzgerald salutes the American Dream but warns against the dangers of living to fervently in …

…a certainty. Fitzgerald clarifies his literal statement using figurative language and a great deal of imagery. Fitzgerald warns against the attempt to deny reality using Gatsby's character. Through Gatsby's failed attempt to reach his dream, Fitzgerald portrays the tragic death of American morals. The high society is represented as being shallow, greedy, and spiritually empty. The Great Gatsby is a novel based upon the voyage through the life and death of the American Dream.