The American Dream

After reading over the New York Times graphic and finishing The Great Gatsby, I have come to realize that moving up and down in terms of class is very much so possible. Of course I knew moving amongst classes was capable, but having proof to back it up makes it that much more believable.

In the graphic that I analyzed, not only do people believe that it is possible to start out poor, work hard, an become rich, but up to at least forty-six percent of Americans believe that it is much easier to move up among the social classes (especially in America). Statistics were also shown in this graphic that nearly forty percent of people think that it is more favorable to move up in social class status than it was just thirty years ago and that their current class now was higher that it was growing up (the average income is growing significantly over the years). Many Americans can accomplish the quote on quote "American Dream" if they ever so please to do so.

With this, the American dream can very well relate to the central theme in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Gatsby encountered difficulties in his life and did not have much money at all, but through this hard times, he managed to work hard and accomplish many things making him very wealthy. He became very successful and very rich. "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther..." (p. 180). This quote shows the hope and willingness Gatsby had. That no matter what he was not going to give up and keep working hard to see what tomorrow held.

It's evident to see that both the graphic and The Great Gatsby have many things in common and that will hard work and determination anyone can move up amongst the social classes. Go out in life with high dreams and goals and set out to accomplish them!