《了不起的盖茨比》美国梦论文
论《了不起的盖茨比》与美国梦
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论《了不起的盖茨比》与美国梦作者:郭淑亭来源:《青年文学家》2017年第02期摘要:司各特·菲茨杰拉德是现代美国文坛上的杰出作家。
其代表作《了不起的盖茨比》中不同社会阶层中的典型人物反映了爵士年代美国的各个价值观对物质主义和道德的不同反应和行为,被认为是反映爵士乐时代气氛的典型的美国小说之一,尤为深刻地揭示了美国梦的幻灭。
本篇论文将通过对小说历史背景的分析阐述何为美国梦以及爵士时代下盖茨比的美国梦幻灭的原因。
关键词:了不起的盖茨比;美国梦;爵士时代作者简介:郭淑亭(1997-),女,辽宁鞍山人,研究方向为汉语国际教育。
[中图分类号]:I106 [文献标识码]:A[文章编号]:1002-2139(2017)-02--01司各特·菲茨杰拉德作为“美国梦”的代表作家,其代表作《了不起的盖茨比》讲述了爵士时代人们迷惘、幻灭的生活状态,抨击了一战后人们道德沦丧与资产阶级的传统道德动摇的现状。
主人公盖茨比的悲剧揭示了美国梦的不可避免的悲剧和幻灭,在这样一个时代,一个国家一起在做着梦,做着这样一个世俗成功的梦。
这是对年轻一代在爵士时代的幻灭和焦虑的真实描写,盖茨比的梦想成为这个时代的永久历史镜子。
一、美国梦与爵士时代为了逃离政治迫害和寻求新大陆的自由,一些英国人开始了他们的航行,来到了北美。
1620年,35名清教徒和67名非清教徒乘坐一艘名为“五月花”的著名船只漂泊到北美。
在他们着陆之前,41名旅行者签署了一项条约“五月花公约”。
这是普利茅斯殖民地的第一个统治文件,也是记录着那些移民北美的人们的最古老的历史文件。
这份契约不仅规范平等和正义,而且暗示了清教徒的艰难精神。
虽然美国梦在不同的时代有不同的定义,但在政治迫害下,这些盎格鲁撒克逊人希望创造新的生活与政治平等。
这是美国梦的开始。
不同的人对美国梦有不同的理解,并且实现他们的美国梦的方式也是各种各样的。
美国梦的定义可以分别在广义和狭义上引入。
通过《了不起的盖茨比》讨论美国梦的含义
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了不起的盖茨比与美国梦简介《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家菲茨杰拉德于1925年出版的一部小说,被认为是20世纪美国文学的经典之作。
本文将从《了不起的盖茨比》的情节和主题入手,探讨其中关于美国梦的含义和意义。
1. 美国梦的定义首先,我们需要明确美国梦的定义。
美国梦是指每个人都有机会在美国通过努力工作和自由选择来追求自己的成功、财富和幸福。
这一理念在美国历史上扮演着重要角色,并深深影响着整个社会。
2. 主人公盖茨比与美国梦盖茨比是小说中一个神秘而富有的年轻人,他以追求爱情及物质成功为目标,展现了对于美国梦的追求。
通过他塑造出来的形象,我们可以看到美国梦在现实生活中可能面临的挑战和困惑。
3. 物质繁荣与空虚小说揭示了20世纪二十年代的物质繁荣和人们对财富的追逐。
然而,这也带来了美国梦背后的空虚和虚假。
通过盖茨比身上的形象,作者向读者暗示了物质得失对个人幸福感所带来的影响。
4. 社会阶层与无法逾越的鸿沟小说中描绘了当时美国社会严重分化、阶级差距明显的现象。
尽管美国梦宣扬每个人都有平等机会,但实际上社会阶层仍然是无法轻易逾越的鸿沟。
盖茨比作为一个农民家庭出身的人,在社会地位上一直面临困扰。
5. 爱情与背叛小说中,盖茨比对于女主角戴西深深地爱着,并将她视为实现他美国梦的象征。
然而,这段爱情最终以背叛收场。
这一细节反映了美国梦在现实生活中常常充满着不确定性和矛盾。
6. 对美国梦的反思与启示通过《了不起的盖茨比》,菲茨杰拉德暗示了对美国梦的反思。
小说展现了虚假繁荣背后的现实和社会阶层固化,同时也呼吁人们在追求成功与财富的过程中不要忽略爱情和内在的幸福感。
结论通过《了不起的盖茨比》这本小说,我们可以看到美国梦并非一蹴而就。
它是一个持续发展和不断追求的过程,并且其实质可能因个人观点和境遇而有所不同。
这部小说引发了对美国梦的深入思考和讨论,使得读者们反思人生价值观、社会理想以及追求真正幸福的方法。
注:以上内容为本文关于《了不起的盖茨比》用于讨论美国梦含义所编写,仅供参考。
了不起的盖茨比论文范文6篇(精品推荐)
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了不起的盖茨比论文范文6篇(精品推荐)了不起的盖茨比论文范文6篇(精品推荐)本文关键词:盖茨,了不起,精品,推荐,论文范文了不起的盖茨比论文范文6篇(精品推荐)本文简介:范文第一篇题目:论小说《了不起的盖茨比》的悲剧意识摘要:《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家菲茨杰拉德的代表作品。
在菲茨杰拉德这一部作品当中,其塑造了盖茨比等悲剧性的人物,表现了极为浓厚的悲剧意识,这些包含了菲茨杰拉德对于社会与人性的彻底思考与批判。
因此,要深入分析《了不起的盖茨比》中的悲剧意识,要了不起的盖茨比论文范文6篇(精品推荐)本文内容:范文第一篇题目:论小说《了不起的盖茨比》的悲剧意识摘要:《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家菲茨杰拉德的代表作品。
在菲茨杰拉德这一部作品当中, 其塑造了盖茨比等悲剧性的人物, 表现了极为浓厚的悲剧意识, 这些包含了菲茨杰拉德对于社会与人性的彻底思考与批判。
因此, 要深入分析《了不起的盖茨比》中的悲剧意识, 要深入到故事情节与人物塑造等方面, 充分的分析这种社会因素与个人因素交缠下的宿命悲剧, 才能够深刻的体会菲茨杰拉德的批判意识。
关键词:菲茨杰拉德; 《了不起的盖茨比》; 人生悲剧美国作家菲茨杰拉德所创作的《了不起的盖茨比》, 是一部蜚声文坛的小说。
菲茨杰拉德在自己的人生当中提取出自己的经历和感情思想, 在《了不起的盖茨比》里面创作了盖茨比这一悲剧性的人物。
《了不起的盖茨比》主要是以20世纪初期第一次世界大战之后一直到资本主义经济危机爆发之前的整个社会危机作为自己的创作背景, 以盖茨比的人生轨迹作为主要的线条, 揭示了盖茨比这一悲剧性人物的美国梦想破碎以及其个人性格的异化过程。
在这一部小说当中, 美国青年盖茨比实际上是曾经有着自己梦想的, 并且带着自己的梦想参与到第一次世界大战之中。
可是自己成为战斗英雄之后, 回到国内依然是面对着非常多的悲剧。
所以盖茨比的性格在经历了这些事件之后产生了异化, 特别是在世间无情讽刺的条件下, 盖茨比对于人生的认知有着逐渐的转化。
利用《了不起的盖茨比》探讨美国梦的意义
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利用《了不起的盖茨比》探讨美国梦的意义1. 引言1.1 概述《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家F·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德于1925年所创作的一部经典小说。
该小说以20世纪20年代为背景,通过描绘主人公盖茨比和其他角色的命运,深入探讨了美国梦在现实生活中的意义与局限性。
本文旨在通过分析《了不起的盖茨比》所提供的视角,对美国梦进行探讨,并重新思考其真正含义。
1.2 文章结构本文分为五个主要部分:引言、美国梦的定义与背景、主要人物及其追求美国梦的旅程、美国梦实现与破灭之间的冲突和隔阂、结论。
每个部分将详细探讨并阐述相关观点和论述。
1.3 目的本文旨在透过对《了不起的盖茨比》这一名著进行分析,揭示美国梦在现实生活中所包含的意义,并对其价值和启示进行思考。
通过探讨小说中人物角色对美国梦的追求及其遭遇到的困境,我们可以更好地理解美国梦的内涵以及其在社会中的地位和影响。
最终,本文将提供一个全面的视角,重新定义美国梦对个人追求与社会发展的重要性。
2. 美国梦的定义与背景2.1 美国梦的起源与演变美国梦是一个广泛流传的概念,代表着每个人都有机会通过自己的努力追求幸福和成功。
这个概念最早可以追溯到美国建国时期,当时的美国社会被认为是一个拥有无限机遇和自由的土地。
在19世纪末和20世纪初,随着移民潮和工业革命的兴起,美国成为了一个吸引世界各地人们前往追求更好生活的地方。
然而,对于不同人来说,美国梦可能有不同的定义。
对一些人来说,美国梦意味着实现财富、权力和社会地位;对另一些人来说,它代表着平等、自由和机会均等。
随着时间的推移,美国梦逐渐演变,并在社会中产生了深刻影响。
2.2 美国梦在社会中的地位和影响美国梦在过去几个世纪里一直是一个核心价值观和信仰系统,在塑造美国社会以及吸引全球移民方面起到了重要作用。
它鼓励人们追求更好的生活,并相信通过个人的努力和才能可以实现成功。
然而,随着时间的推移,一些人开始对美国梦的可持续性和公平性提出质疑。
了不起的盖茨比论文
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了不起的盖茨比论文引言《了不起的盖茨比》是一部经典的美国小说,由斯科特·菲茨杰拉德(F. Scott Fitzgerald)创作并于1925年出版。
这部小说以20世纪20年代的美国为背景,以盖茨比这个神秘的人物为中心,揭示了无尽的追求和欲望对人们的影响。
本论文将探讨《了不起的盖茨比》中的几个核心主题,包括社会阶层、幻想与现实、爱情和破灭。
通过分析这些主题,我们可以更好地理解小说中的人物关系和情节发展。
社会阶层《了不起的盖茨比》通过不同社会阶层的人物之间的关系,展示了20世纪20年代美国社会的复杂性。
小说中的人物分为新贵人士(如盖茨比)、上流社会(如汤姆·布坎南)和社会底层(如尼克·卡拉威)。
这三个社会阶层的对比反映了社会不平等和金钱对人们生活的影响。
盖茨比是一个自力更生的新贵人士,他从贫苦的家庭出身,通过努力工作和谋划,成为了一个财富拥有者。
他通过炫耀奢华的派对和奇特的装饰来吸引上流社会的注意,并试图实现他心中的幻想。
然而,尽管他已经拥有了经济财富,但他并不被上层社会真正接受,因为他没有正确的血统和教育背景。
尽管如此,盖茨比仍然坚定地相信自己可以通过金钱来克服一切,以便重返他与黛西·布坎南之间曾经的爱情。
值得注意的是,在小说中,菲茨杰拉德通过描绘不同社会阶层人物之间的交往和互动,暗示了一个社会阶层壁垒不可动摇的观点。
这种观点在小说结尾时体现得尤为明显,当盖茨比死于悲剧性的结局,他被社会所遗忘,也暗示了社会中个人努力与社会等级和约束之间的冲突。
幻想与现实《了不起的盖茨比》中的主人公盖茨比是一个相当幻想主义者。
他对黛西·布坎南抱有一种执着的爱情幻想,这种幻想驱使着他成为了一个事业有成的人,但同时也成为了他自己的枷锁。
这个主题反映了20世纪20年代的美国社会,被誉为“繁荣的疯狂”时代,被金钱和物质所主导。
盖茨比将黛西视为他的救赎和幸福的象征,他通过建造一座豪华的房子和举办流光溢彩的派对来吸引她的注意。
(英语毕业论文)《了不起的盖茨比...
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摘要“美国梦”是贯穿美国历史,最能体现美国人的传统价值观念和民族精神的理想。
是对平等、自由、进取和成功的理想主义信念。
美国梦所体现出来的机会均等、人人都能通过自身的奋斗取得成功吸引着成千上万的人奔赴到这片热土。
但是,20世纪20年代爵士时代的发言人司各特•菲茨杰拉德在他的经典之作《了不起的盖茨比》中却为世人反应出了一个看似光鲜实则堕落腐败的社会,展示了盖茨比梦想破灭, 象征着他所代表的那一代人的“美国梦”的幻灭。
本文旨在通过运用文体学理论分析《了不起的盖茨比》中的人物特性及他们各自心中所追求的“美国梦”,最后探究美国梦破灭的根本原因。
本文最后发现通过变换叙述视角,运用倒叙的时间性叙述,以及运用不同的叙述焦点将有助于展现美国梦的破灭这一主题。
关键词:美国梦盖茨比幻灭文体学A Stylistlc Analysis on the Characters’ American Dream in TheGreat GatsbyAbstractAmerican Dream has penetrated during the whole American history, which greatly accentuates the ideal of traditional values and national spirit in the concept of American, which is also an idealistic belief of equality, freedom, progressiveness as well as success. That the chance are even, everyone could achieve success through his hard work which reflected in American dream attracts a myriad of immigrants abroad flooding into this promising land. However, the illustrious work The Great Gatsby of Scott Fitzgerald who is universally acknowledged as the spokesman of the 1920s Jazz Age of flaming youth has exhibited a rotten society under the guise of prosperity with the disillusion of the protagonist Gatsby‟s American Dream, in effect, the disillusion of Gatsby‟s American Dream is the disillusion of the American Dream of that whole generation. This thesis will adopt the theory of stylistics to make an analysis about the characters together with their American Dream in The Great Gatsby, and the fundamental reason procuring the disillusion of American Dream will be analyzed. The findings in this thesis reveal that the shift of point of view, flashback as the chronological sequencing and different descriptive focuses are helpfull in presenting the disillusionment of the American Dream.Key words: American Dream Gatsby Disillusion StylisticsContents摘要 (1)Abstract (2)1 Introduction (4)1.1 Introduction of The Great Gatsby (4)1.1.1 Introduction to Scott Fitzgerald (4)1.1.2 Introduction to the Novel (4)1.2 Introduction to the History of American Dream (5)1.3 Organization of This Paper (5)2 Literature Review (6)2.1 Researches Abroad (6)2.2.Researches at Home (7)3. Theoretical Framework (9)3.1 Point of View (10)3.2 Fictional Sequencing (10)3.3 Descriptive Focus (11)4 A Stylistic Analysis of the Characters and American Dream (12)3.1 Gatsby (12)3.2 Daisy (13)3.3 Myrtle Wilson (15)3.4 Nick Carraway (16)5 Money Procuring the Disillusion of American Dream (18)6 Conclusion (21)References (21)Acknowledgement (23)1 Introduction1.1Introduction of The Great GatsbyThe Great Gatsby which was published in America in 1925 for the first time opened to much critical acclaim for its profound ideological content and the artistic way the author developed the topic in it. The following part will make a brief introduction of the author Scott Fitzgerald as well as this illustrious novel.1.1.1 Introduction to Scott FitzgeraldFrom 1920 to 1930, American literature boomed. It was its the golden age During those 10 years, batches of excellent writers emerged and outstanding works came out in an unending flow. At that time, America had just experienced the First World War, its economy was prosperous, but the social conscience was particularly corrupt[1]. Francis Scott Fitzgerald was a shining star in American literature circle during this period. His life was short but it was full of epic glory. His writing career was only 20 years, but he left four classical novels and 160 short articles. Those achievements made him an outstanding novelist in 20th century literary. He is called the representative writer of “Lost Generation” by his contemporaries as well as later generations and also considered as the “Poet Laureate” in “Jazz Age” and the excellent chroniclers[2].1.1.2 Introduction to the NovelWith time passed by, an increasing number of Americans began to realize that not everyone could achieve their American dream. Great Gatsby is Fitzgerald‟ s most famous novel and is also one of the greatest American novels.When it was published, it was regarded as “the first step the American novel has taken since Henry James” by T﹒S Eliot. There is a very special feature of this book that it touches the deep inside[1]常耀信。
《了不起的盖茨比》的美国梦与幻灭
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了不起的盖茨比的美国梦与幻灭《了不起的盖茨比》是弗朗西斯·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德的代表作,这部小说深刻地描绘了20世纪20年代美国社会的风貌,尤其是对“美国梦”的追逐与幻灭进行了深刻的探讨。
小说通过主人公盖茨比的悲剧命运,展现了一个时代的缩影,揭示了美国梦背后的虚伪与空洞。
一、美国梦的追逐小说中的美国梦,是指通过个人奋斗实现财富、地位和爱情的梦想。
盖茨比,一个出身贫寒的青年,通过不懈的努力和奋斗,最终积累了巨额财富,成为了一个富有的商人。
他的生活充满了奢华和享乐,他的豪宅夜夜笙歌,成为了纽约社交圈的焦点。
盖茨比的成功,似乎印证了美国梦的可能性,他的故事激励着无数人去追逐自己的梦想。
二、幻灭的开始然而,随着故事的深入,我们逐渐发现盖茨比的美国梦并非那么完美。
他的财富并非来自正当的商业活动,而是通过非法的途径获得。
他的爱情,也是建立在对黛西的幻想之上,而非真实的了解和感情。
盖茨比的美国梦,实际上是一个建立在虚假之上的空中楼阁。
三、悲剧的高潮盖茨比的悲剧在于他始终无法认识到自己的美国梦的虚幻。
他坚信通过财富和地位能够赢得黛西的爱,却忽视了黛西的自私和冷漠。
当盖茨比发现黛西并非他想象中的完美女神时,他的梦想开始崩塌。
而当黛西的丈夫汤姆揭露了盖茨比的过去,盖茨比的美国梦彻底破灭。
四、幻灭的结局小说的结尾,盖茨比的死亡成为了美国梦幻灭的象征。
他的葬礼冷清而凄凉,那些曾经围绕在他身边的宾客们无一人出席。
盖茨比的一生,就像他的梦想一样,最终化为泡影。
他的悲剧,不仅是个人的悲剧,也是整个时代的悲剧。
菲茨杰拉德通过盖茨比的故事,对20世纪20年代的美国社会进行了深刻的批判。
五、对现代的启示《了不起的盖茨比》对现代社会依然具有启示意义。
它提醒我们,追求梦想固然重要,但不应忽视梦想背后的现实。
在追逐梦想的过程中,我们应保持清醒的头脑,不被表面的繁华所迷惑,不被虚假的承诺所欺骗。
只有这样,我们才能避免盖茨比式的悲剧,实现真正意义上的成功和幸福。
通过《了不起的盖茨比》探讨美国梦与现实社会的反思
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通过《了不起的盖茨比》探讨美国梦与现实社会的反思了不起的盖茨比是美国作家F·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德于1925年创作的一部小说。
这部小说通过讲述主人公盖茨比的故事,深入探讨了美国梦与现实社会之间的关系。
在本文中,我们将从多个方面进行分析,并对其所传递出来的反思进行探讨。
首先,值得注意的是,小说以20世纪20年代繁荣时期为背景,在这个时期,经济兴旺、消费观念强烈并伴随着巨大贫富差距。
正因如此,《了不起的盖茨比》可以被视为对当时美国社会现象及其价值观念进行批判性挑战。
首要问题是美国梦与现实生活之间存在着何种冲突和落差?《了不起的盖茨比》通过描绘主人公Jay Gatsby追求爱情与财富之梦而引发玛莉尔黛西死亡事件展示出一个缩影。
Gatsby努力追求成功以重新获得他失去的爱情,并基于金钱和地位建立自身形象。
然而,在他所有物质成就的背后,他仍然感到空虚和孤独。
这种冲突暗示了美国梦所带来的实质性问题,即追求权力和物质成功是否真正能够带来幸福与满足。
其次,《了不起的盖茨比》通过对社会阶层界限探讨进一步呈现了现实社会中存在的问题。
小说描述了上流社会精英们高度奢华、享受尽情狂欢之余却缺乏真诚关系及道德底线等个体特点。
这些人在自己看似完美而富有的生活背后隐藏着种种不快乐、假面具以及内心脆弱。
而Gatsby作为一个新兴富豪,则被排斥于上流社会圈子之外,无论如何努力都无法摆脱他出身低微素质普通家庭事实。
“旧金山”的意象则是对霓虹灯下表面繁荣而内里漏风雨大厦倒塌温哥华市地铁工程故障案例进行象征化处理。
此外,在小说中还可以看到对女性角色描写也透露出作者对当时婚姻制度和女性地位的思考。
黛西·布坎南这个角色展示了上流社会妇女的局限与无奈,虽然身居显赫地位并享有一切物质条件,但却被束缚在男权社会中不能够自由追求内心真正温哥华代写论文梦想。
而Myrtle则是通过长期争吵痛苦婚姻而感受到从小康之家变为贫穷常态后的压力所驱使欲望以及对金钱获得幸福虚荣盲目追逐。
了不起的盖茨比对美国梦的探讨
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了不起的盖茨比对美国梦的探讨美国梦是许多美国人心中追求成功和幸福的理想。
这一理念贯穿于美国历史,并在许多文学作品中得到探讨和表达。
其中,弗·司各特·菲茨杰拉德的小说《了不起的盖茨比》便是一个充满思考和反思的例子。
小说以20世纪20年代的纽约为背景,通过主人公盖茨比追求美国梦的故事,揭示了这一理想的幻灭和社会阶级的差异。
本文将探讨《了不起的盖茨比》对美国梦的探讨,并分析其中揭示出的现实问题。
首先,小说中的盖茨比是一个富有的商人,他通过一系列努力追求自己心目中的美国梦。
然而,随着故事的展开,我们逐渐意识到,盖茨比追求的并不是真正意义上的幸福和成功,而是他对失去的爱情的无尽追忆。
他的繁荣和豪华只是为了吸引心爱女子黛西的注意。
这种以外在物质来迎合内心的空虚和寂寞,暗示了美国梦的虚幻性和它对于真正的幸福感的曲解。
菲茨杰拉德通过盖茨比的故事,对于那些过度追求物质成功的人进行了警示。
其次,小说中巨大的社会阶级差距也对美国梦进行了深入的思考。
盖茨比来自贫穷的家庭,但他通过发迹成为大亨,并创造了自己的虚假形象,试图让自己融入上流社会。
然而,无论他如何努力,他的出身和过去始终是他无法逾越的鸿沟。
小说中,也隐含着社会等级制度对个人梦想的局限性。
无论盖茨比对美国梦的追求有多么顽强,社会的现实仍然将他束缚在某种程度上。
这种阶级意识的存在,暗示了美国梦在社会现实中所面临的挑战。
此外,小说中对于财富与幸福之间的关系遭受了质疑。
虽然盖茨比成功地积累了财富,但他却没有获得他所追求的幸福。
相比之下,低收入的绿灯牧场的主人威尔逊与他的妻子米尔希尔虽然物质贫乏,却拥有着他们认为的幸福。
通过这对比,小说给我们呈现出了财富并非幸福的保证,而是应当从内心追求满足和幸福感。
这种对幸福的重新定义,进一步考察了美国梦的本质和追求途径。
总之,《了不起的盖茨比》通过对主人公盖茨比追求美国梦的故事进行深入探讨,在文学作品中揭示了现实中美国梦的虚幻性和挑战。
从《了不起的盖茨比》看美国梦的崛起和幻灭
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从《了不起的盖茨比》看美国梦的崛起和幻灭一、本文概述《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家F.斯科特·菲茨杰拉德的代表作,这部小说以20世纪20年代的纽约和长岛为背景,通过对主人公杰伊·盖茨比的人生轨迹和悲剧命运的描绘,深刻揭示了美国梦的崛起和幻灭。
本文旨在从这部作品出发,探讨美国梦的内涵及其在当代社会的意义,分析盖茨比追逐美国梦的过程及其悲剧结局,进而反思现代社会中人们对于成功和幸福的追求。
本文将首先介绍《了不起的盖茨比》的主要情节和人物关系,概括盖茨比的人生经历和他所追求的美国梦。
随后,本文将深入探讨美国梦的内涵和历史背景,分析它在不同历史时期对人们的影响和意义。
接着,本文将重点分析盖茨比追逐美国梦的过程,包括他的努力、奋斗、挫折和失败,以及他对爱情和友情的执着追求。
本文将反思现代社会中人们对于成功和幸福的追求,探讨如何在追求个人梦想的同时保持对生活的真实和深刻体验。
通过对《了不起的盖茨比》的深入解读,本文旨在揭示美国梦的复杂性和矛盾性,以及它在当代社会中的价值和意义。
本文也希望引导读者反思自己的价值观和人生追求,以更加理性和成熟的态度面对生活中的挑战和困境。
二、美国梦的崛起:盖茨比的奋斗与成功《了不起的盖茨比》这部小说,通过主人公盖茨比的人生经历,生动描绘了美国梦的崛起过程。
盖茨比,一个出身贫寒的年轻人,怀揣着对未来的憧憬和信念,孤身一人来到充满机遇与挑战的纽约城。
他的故事,就是一部典型的美国梦奋斗史。
盖茨比的美国梦,首先体现在他对财富和地位的追求上。
他坚信,只要通过不懈的努力和奋斗,就一定能够实现自己的价值,赢得社会的尊重和认可。
他凭借自己的聪明才智和勤奋努力,逐渐在商界崭露头角,最终成为了一位富有的社会名流。
他的豪宅、豪车、豪华派对,都成为了纽约城上层社会的一道亮丽风景线。
然而,盖茨比的美国梦并不仅仅局限于物质财富和地位的提升。
他更渴望得到爱情和友情的滋润,希望能够在精神上实现自己的梦想。
毕业论文-浅析《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦
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本科毕业论文中文题目:浅析《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦外文题目:An Analysis of American Dream inThe Great Gatsby院系英语学院专业英语(翻译)年级学号浅析《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦摘要:《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家弗·司各特·菲茨杰拉德1925年所写的一部以20世纪20年代的纽约市及长岛为背景的短篇小说。
《了不起的盖茨比》的问世,奠定了弗·司各特·菲茨杰拉德在现代美国文学史上的地位。
本论文讨论了美国梦与美国下层阶级之间的关系。
论文首先介绍了美国梦的基本情况,即历史回顾、历史起源和它的发展,旨在找出美国梦在20世纪20年代失败的原因。
随后论文阐述了美国梦和美国下层阶级的矛盾,论述理想美国梦和物质对美国下层阶级诱惑之间的矛盾,以及理想美国梦与美国下层阶级道德观的改变之间的矛盾。
关键词:《了不起的盖茨比》;美国梦;美国下层阶级An Analysis of American Dream in The Great GatsbyAbstractThe Great Gatsby is the most renowned masterpiece of F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, depicting a story that happened in New York city and Long Island during the 1920s. Due to its birth, Fitzgerald has gained his reputation in contemporary American literature history. This paper consists of two parts. The first part of the paper introduces American dream which concludes historical retrospect, historical origin and its development, aiming to trace back to the reasons that give rise to the failure of American dream. Then, the paper demonstrates the conflict between American dream and the lower classes of American society, including the conflict between American dream and the lure of material world real, and the conflict between American dream and change of moral standards of American lower class.Key words: The Great Gatsby; American Dream;American lower classAcknowledgementsFirst and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Zuo, both for her intellectual guidance and for her warm and constant encouragement during the process of writing this thesis. With patience and prudence, she labored through drafts of this thesis and pointed out defects in my theorizing. Therefore, I owe all the merits in this thesis, if any, to her, though I am fully aware that the thesis might still contain some mistakes, for which I bear the whole responsibility.My cordial and sincere thanks go to all the teachers in the College of English, whose interesting and informative courses have benefited me a lot during my college years. The profit that I gained from their profound knowledge, remarkable expertise and intellectual ingenuity will be of everlasting significance to my future life and career.I am also very grateful to my classmates, who have given me a lot of help and courage during my stay in the University and throughout the process of writing this thesis.Last but not the least, big thanks go to my family who have shared with me my worries, frustrations, and hopefully my ultimate happiness in eventually finishing this thesis.Contents中文摘要 (ⅰ)Abstract (ⅱ)Acknowledgements (ⅲ)Introduction (1)Ⅰ. The American Dream (3)A.Origin of American Dream (3)B.Development of American Dream (5)Ⅱ. The Contradiction Between American Dream and the American Lower Class in the 1920s (7)A.The Contradiction Between Ideal of American Dream and MaterialTemptation for American Lower Class in the 1920s (8)B.The Contradiction Between American Dream and Change of Moral Standardsof American Lower Class in the 1920s (12)Conclusion (15)Notes (18)Bibliography (19)An Analysis of American Dream in The Great GatsbyIntroductionFitzgerald was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 24, 1896. He was the only son of an upper middle class Catholic family. While he was at Princeton university, the young Fitzgerald developed his talent in writing. When the First World War broke out, he enlisted in the army, and in a training camp in Alabama, he met and felt in love with Zelda sayre, the southern belle who became his wife and who was the model for most of the beautiful and gay heroines of his fiction. His life with her was a mixture of great happiness and great misery and pain. In 1925, Fitzgerald published his most famous novel the Great Gatsby. Before long, his wife became mentally ill. Fitzgerald declined as a writer. He worked regularly as a script—writer in Hollywood from 1937 to 1939, when he succumbed to alcoholism. He died of heart attack in 1940. His wife, Zelda, was sent to a sanitarium and died in a fire started by herself in the sanitarium.Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s greatest writers, whose works were the samples of the Jazz Age, a term he coined himself. Many critics have seen Fitzgerald’s artistic achievement in terms of his ability to depict the American society, its history and its people1. Fitzgerald is considered a member of the Lost Generation of the 1920s. He finished four novels, This Side of Paradise, The Beautiful and Damned, Tender is the Night and his most famous, the celebrated classic, The Great Gatsb y—his masterpiece which is often taken as an account of the story of America. A fifth, unfinished novel, The Love of the Last Tycoon was published posthumously. Fitzgerald also wrote many short stories that treat themes of youth and promise along with despair and age.The thesis consists of two parts. In order to tracing back to the reasons that give rise to the degradation of American Dream, the first part bases its explanation on the retrospect of American history and American Dream. Then, the second part will be primarily focused on the conflict between American Dream and the lower classes of American society, including the conflict between American Dream and reality, andthat between American Dream and the lure of material world.I. The American DreamOne of the things that makes America such an unusual place is that it is perhaps the only society in history in which a vast number of its members are living their private dream. It is a world that teaches the primacy of the personal, of oneself, which ironically leaves people powerless.1 Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States mentioned in his inaugurated speech that This is our moment. This is our time----to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one. The American dream means that everyone, no matter what social status is, can achieve his goal through his own hard work. The ideology is based on the origin of the America, as a belief carved in people’s minds.The lifestyle of Americans provides infinitive possibilities for individuals on the basis of the political economy.2 The best example is Abraham Lincoln. He was a person who had nothing at his early years, but he became the 16th president of the United States through his own efforts.A.Origin of American DreamBecause the Roman pope didn’t agree that the England king Henry Ⅷdivorced with his wife, he decided to break up with Roman pope in political relationship and establish new national church, England church. But this kind of new church didn’t reform in its meaning and ritual. This caused dissatisfaction of the protestant who wished to purify the state church, and then came the puritans. Puritans believed that one’s success on his work or career is the sign of God’s select. The moral principle of the puritans is diligent work and good qualities.3 But some ideas of puritans was a threat to the England state church which led to extreme persecution ofsome people. Some were thrown to jail, while others were punished to death. In order to escape from the political persecution or seek new life from new continent, some Englanders began their journey to the North America. In 1620, 35 puritans and 67 non-puritans drifted to North America in a ship called May Flower. Before they landed, 41 travelers signed a treaty—Mayflower Compact. The original text like this: “In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc.Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.”4It was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony and the oldest historical document about immigrants towards North America. The compact not only regulates equality and justice, but also implies the spirit of hard work and struggling of the puritans. Even though American dream has different definitions in different periods, yet under political persecution, these Anglo-Saxons wished political equality to create new life. This is the origin of American dream. In this area with abundant resources which were not developed, people must work hard if they wanted to become wealthy and as long as they worked hard, they can improve their living standards. Since 1783, under the encouragement of federal government and state government, “ going to the West and going to the West to seek one’s American dream” has become urgent need and practical action for most of Americans. The abundant western land didn’t belong to government, didn’t belong to someone, but belonged to those who arrived earliest and developed it.B.Development of American DreamIn the early 1930s, from 1929 to 1933 when the United States went through Economic Depression, Adam, a historian mentioned American dream in an article, that is, American dream is that common people can change their own future through their own efforts in this state. When this concept was put forward, most Americans were inspired, at the same time, many Europeans and people around the world poured to the United States and tried to become a part of the American culture. Some succeeded, but most people failed. Nevertheless, American dream was still goal for most Americans.If the early American society was agricultural economy, then after industrial revolution, the realization of American dream can be finished by commercial activities.5Most of individual possessions in the United States were brought by those successful merchants and these merchants used less capital to start an enterprise. Compared with agriculture, Americans preferred business, because doing business was a quick way to make individual become wealthy. Before 100 years, the Americans established huge national industry, such as Morgan who founded bank, Fort who invented car production line whose common character was from a person with nothing to millionaire. These facts made most Americans adore these commercial heroes as heroes who developed an uncultivated land. In 1990s, people began to do business on Internet. Such companies as Amazon and Yahoo developed to big companies under the impact of the financial threat. Such successful entrepreneur as Steve Paul Jobs who invented apple computer and Bill Gates, the giant of Microsoft Corporation, their successful experiences encouraged most Americans invest to open their own companies. Americans like a word very much, that is, I’m my own boss. American dream has new connotation, that is, people can gain material success through one’s own efforts and by applying commercial wisdom. The core of American dream is high living standards.Nowadays, all kinds of immigrants with different background and skills havefound ways to enter the United States. American dream still has huge attract to immigrants from different periods, and the United States is still the melt to attract immigrants around the world. The reality is that those immigrants with powerful economy and good educational background are easy to gain success in the United States. In the end of 2006, financial crisis caused by American subprime mortgage crisis stroke the whole world and the American economy began to decline. But for most Americans, America was still a place with equal opportunities and one can gain success through one’s own efforts.II. The Contradiction Between American Dream and the AmericanLower Class in the 1920sThe American Dream is the national Dream of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.6The concept of a lower class in the United States is used to describe those at or near the lower end of the socio-economic hierarchy. As with all social classes in the United States, the lower class is loosely defined and its boundaries and definitions subject to debate and ambiguous popular opinions. Sociologists such as W. Lloyd Warner, Dennis Gilbert and James Hensley divide the lower classes into two. The contemporary division used by Gilbert divides the lower class into the working poor and underclass. Service and low-rung manual laborers are commonly identified as being among the working poor. Those who do not participate in the labor force and rely on public assistance as their main source of income are commonly identified as members of the underclass. Overall the term describes those in easily-filled employment positions with little prestige or economic compensation who often lack a high school education and are to some extent disenfranchised from mainstream society.7The contradiction lies in two aspects: one is between ideal of American dream and Material Temptation for American Lower Class in the 1920s; another is between Ideal of American Dream and change of moral standards of American lower class in the 1920s.A. The Contradiction between Ideal of American Dream and Material Temptation for American Lower Class in the 1920sIn An Informal History of the Nineteen Twenties, the author points out that the so-called American Dream is a fantasy to pursue one’s own happiness without following the present situation of the American society, which is an epidemic disease of the American teenagers in the 1920s. Fitzgerald sharply notices the hypocrisy and harm of this idea and beat the death knell of American Dream with the tragedy of Gatsby.8From this comment, people can see that The Great Gatsby has revealed some nature of American society from a new perspective and has exposed the huge difference between the American Dream in real life and the American spirit of the origin in the United States. The American spirit represents these thoughts adored and cherished by Americans which are democracy, freedom and equal rights. America is a society with pursuing success and in every corner of the United States, you can see the desire for success, endeavour made for success and praising for the efforts of success. The spirit of the American nation is composed of the desire for success and the faith for success. The American spirit is considered to be the spiritual power which makes the United States become a powerful nation in only 200 years and creates various kinds of American myth. The American spirit raises all efforts for achieving individual values into divine duties and rights given by God. In An Informal History of the Nineteen Twenties, the author points out that Americans believes that there is a close relationship between successes in the world and faith in God.9Those Americans who lives in North America prove and strengthen this consciousness in their independent business and social practice. Success has then become the core value of American life. Americans know that accumulating fortunes doesn't simply mean owning fortunes. Under this condition, Americans don't care whether he was a poor man in the past and don’t care his background, and as long as he wins success, he is a hero. Americans advocate wining success by one’s own qualities and efforts and advocate becoming wealthy by hard work, which forms their unique individualand independent consciousness.However, since in the 1920s, the international circumstances and economic basis of American life have taken great changes. The economic prosperity has provided unprecedented opportunities for those Americans with dream of becoming wealthy and provided unprecedented possibilities of being opportunistic. Such consciousness as honest labor and equal competence are challenged in life. Stock exchanges produce many upstarts and the illegal management has become the effective method to accumulate fortunes. Though desire for success and efforts made for success is still powerful, the way and method of fighting has been greatly changed. However, Americans who adv ocate success and praise success don’t care about it, on the contrary, they still are addicted to fighting of success and the delight of success.In The Great Gatsby, people can see that so-called success in real life has two sides. One aspect is that it shows the infinite possibilities for individual development. Another aspect is that these infinite possibilities for individual development are just about occupations --- money, fortune, rights and dignity which are just meaningless occupations. Fitzgerald emphasizes the latter aspect in The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald pointed out that money made many Americans’ original dream changed. They didn’t follow what the American spirit had taught them, on the contrary, as long as they could become wealthy, they could do anything to achieve this goal and they didn’t care whether their method was legal. What they knew and cared was just how to make themselves happy everyday.Before the 1920s, the American people have their own dreams which are very original and beautiful, they want to achieve their goal through their hard work in a legal way, and in their eyes, money doesn’t mean anything to them. While in the 1920s, Americans, especially for those who belong to American lower class, their American dream was tortured, what they cared was not achieving their dream through their hard work in a legal way. The most important thing for them was money. As long as they can become wealthy, they can do whatever they could, no matter whether their method was legal or not. Gatsby used to be deeply influenced by Benjamin Franklin, believing that industry and hard work can make him succeed. He firmly confirmedthat he could become a successful person, as long as he did what Franklin had done. However, the reality went against his willing. When he met Daisy, he was a poor guy. And because of this reason, Daisy married Tom who was rich young man belonging to American upper class. In Gatsby’s eyes, Daisy was all he had. She was the symbol of the perfect, purified and rich. Even though she married Tom, she was still the goddess in his heart. So in order to regain Dai sy’s heart, his dream changed. At this time, his dream in his life was just only one goal, that is, making money. The way to achieve this goal was not very important to him, and he didn’t care whether the way was legal or not. Therefore, he abandoned his former belief and became a person who sold alcoholic in an illegal way to accumulate fortune. He innocently believed that as long as he had money, he can achieve all his wishes, including regaining Daisy’s heart. For Gatsby, American dream only means money, he can do anything he wants as long as he has money.The United States in the 1920s was described as a period of material success and spiritual frustration or confusion and purposelessness. At that time, American dream in people’s eyes, especially in American lower class’ eyes, lost its traditional meaning. The capitalism entered into the phase of imperialism and the industry of capitalism was developing rapidly at a surprising speed, which deepens the gap between the rich and the poor. And the capitalists have accumulated a lot of fortunes. In a society like this, if a person wants to gain success through hard work and wisdom, it is just a dream which is impossible to realize. Gatsby is the typical representative. When he was young, he dreamed of becoming a person like Franklin, who gained success through his own efforts and wisdom. But in a society of the 1920s, it is impossible for Gatsby to realize his dream. Because American dream at his time has changed. At his time, success just means money. As long as you can get rich, you are successful. In fact, almost everyone at his time were pursuing money and longing for money. If illegal activities can make them earn money, they would use illegal method. All friends of Gatsby were like this. Their fortunes have been achieved through illegal activities. What Gatsby did was illegal and he got his money through these illegal activities. And we can find this point from the beginning of The Great Gatsby to itsend. The fundamental reason for this is that there is a big problem in that society and individual can’t avoid being influenced by the society.B.The Contradiction Between American Dream and Change ofMoral Standards of American Lower Class in the 1920sCompared with other countries, the history of America is rather short, but has its unique quality, that is to say, every important historical event can cause great influence on American literature. Such representatives of Lost generation as Hemingway and Fitzergerald actually were the products of the First World War,and most of writers who belonged to this school were young writers who took an antipathy to war and feared war, but can’t find the way out of thoughts. So they became the Lost generation for losing their way.10 What war brought to people was influential, change for people’s moral standards.What made the special period from any others were many aspects. During this period, the most important event was the First World War which was the United States involved in foreign affairs for the first time. The war had great influence on the United States. In order to make the world safe, people entered the war with unexpected enthusiasm. By selling munitions, America earned a huge fortune and suddenly became the wealthiest country in the world. This misled most of Americans. People in the United States believed that money was everywhere, and everyone had the opportunity to make money. Because of the war, the world’s order was broken. Any country who participated in the war got seriously wounded. The death toll of the war was 6 million. Besides, it made the economy of most of the countries decline. However, it was on the contrary for the United States. For America, there was no any fighting which led to stimulating its economy and technology. Because of the development of its economy, America decided to emphasize on developing its technology and commerce. As a result, such new products as automobiles, televisions and radios had been made. And these products helped to widen the horizon of its people and increase their knowledge. The entertainments enriched people’s life, notably Jazz music. Mass production, mass consumption, and mass leisure became essential to economic and cultural life and were soon to dominate the nation’s cultureand institutions. The trend of social revolution was going on. Furthermore, these changes were not good for Americans, because these changes changed people’s moral codes. Old moral codes were breaking down. Even though most of Americans became wealthier than before, they were becoming more indifferent, selfish and ruthless.The United States in the 1920s was described as a period of material success and spiritual frustration and confusion or purposelessness. Car has caused great influence on American society in the 1920s. Car is the pillar industry of the United States and America is called “the country on the wheel”. Without cars, it is impossible to imagine what the country will be like. So car has become a important part of the American values and has become a vital part of social status and American culture related to moral values. So after WWI, car has become the fashion pursued by young men. Preference for car then becomes adore for fortune and material and makes American society vast, vulgar and showy without real worth. In The Great Gatsby, people can see that car has many symbol meanings.This degradation of moral standards can be seen in the Great Gatsby clearly. At very beginning of the novel, people wanted to flatter Gatsby, wanted to become good friend of Gatsby, because he had a lot of money. But when Gatsby died, nobody came to attend his funeral. From this point, people can see how indifferent they were.Car has become the symbol of individual fortune and social status. In the 1920s, even though the car industry has developed very fast in the United States and the cost of car production has been dropped, at that time, car has still belonged to rare things and it is still a dream for most Americans to have a car. Naturally, car becomes the tool to show off for a few Americans. And Gatsby is one of them. He wants to regain Daisy’s heart by showing off and the expensive car is one of his tools to show off.His car was very glorious, like his mansion, liner and luxurious banquet which were all the material foundation to regain Daisy’s heart were the carriers to convey his information of being rich to Daisy. Wilson who had no his own car had a dream of owning his car and his dream had been beyond the car itself. Actually, he was dreaming that he could enjoy the life of the upper class. And Ms Wilson saw the car as the symbol of individual identity. Ms Wilson went to date with Tom. She let four cabspassed and then chose a new cab whose color was purple. The new car of course feels good than the old one and the purple is the color of the rich, as if she could become a rich lady when she sat in the impressive cab. From Ms Wilson’s choice of the cab, we can see that she was a flamboyant and treasure-loving woman.American moral standards in the 1920s collapsed, gender relationships have been heavily destroyed and the relationship between men and women are very chaotic. Some people think it is car that destroyed the traditional relationship between husband and wife, because car has increased more opportunities for date. Car may have caused impact on people’s living pleasure and moral standards. Barker was the first close contact with Nick in Tom’s car; the adultery of Tom and Ms Wilson began in a cab; the car became the new place for courting. Car was one of the reasons which destroyed the traditional gender relationships, but it was not the major reason. The main reason was the change of American people’s moral standards in the 1920s.ConclusionFitzgerald is the most representative novelist of the 1920s in the United States. His work, The Great Gatsby was the mirror of the times, the Jazz Age. On the surface, it is a brilliant dramatization of social and economic corruptions, while beyond these surface concerns, the novel points out the contradiction between American dream and the American lower class in the 1920s. The hero tries and fails to change the world of hard material objects into the ideal world of their fantasy. Their world like the world of many of their fellow Americans—is material without being real. The morbid pursuit of material and social success is doomed to failure. The dream they are chasing is vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty. It is a fairy tale which never comes true.The basic reason why Jay Gatsby, the representative of the American Lower Class in the 1920s cannot succeed is that the American dream at that time had been changed thoroughly. The original American dream is to realize one’s value and achieve one’s goal through one’s hard work, while American dream in the 1920s is to make money which is the only motivation for them. In this condition, the American dream has been distorted. So, people in the 1920s cannot realize their American dream.Even though most of Americans cannot achieve their goals with the distortion of the American dream in the 1920s, yet people cannot say it is impossible to realize American dream under any circumstances. The 1920s was a hard time for Americans, because the values of most Americans had been distorted which led to the failure of American dream. But in contemporary times this kind of condition has changed. In contemporary times, the Americans have their faith and believe that they can succeed and realize their American dream by their hard work. And the Americans can achieve their dream by three main ways: the first way is to have American spirit; the second way is to make full use of opportunities; the last one is to take advantage of your own life experience. These three ways are presented lively in a film called Slumdog。
不悔的追求-《了不起的盖茨比》的美国梦
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不悔的追求:《了不起的盖茨比》的美国梦摘要:“美国梦”,这个起源于移民,拓荒时代的情结深深扎根于美国人民的心中,也成了美国文学的一个不朽的主题。
《了不起的盖茨比》这部作品中,盖茨比的梦想对他来说却是一生不悔的追求,是对美国梦的理想化与物质化的继承,一种奋斗精神的延续,他的生命的逝去则是一种灵魂与梦想的超越。
论文关键词:美国梦,不悔的追求,继承与超越1.引言美国“迷惘的一代”的代表作家司科特·菲茨杰拉德的《了不起的盖茨比》是一部关于出身贫寒的青年杰伊·盖茨比美国梦破灭的作品,描述的不仅仅是一个人的梦想,而且是整个美国梦的缩影,是它的继承与超越。
盖茨比心中始终怀着自己的美好梦想:通过自己的努力,不惜一切手段,创造丰厚的物质财富和显赫的社会地位,从而重新获得自己曾经深深爱过,现在依然孜孜不倦地爱着的黛西的芳心。
然而,心地异常单纯的他一心旨在追求自己梦想的实现,却忽略了社会的残酷,最终被自己深爱的女人和她的丈夫嫁祸于己而为失去了自己的生命,梦想随之幻灭,超度,延续。
2.美国梦从大的方面来讲,“美国梦”指的是国家的理想---“民主、平等、自由”;从小的方面来讲,它指的是个人通过自我奋斗而获得成功的梦想。
“美国梦”是贯穿美国历史,是对进取和成功的理想主义信念,是对人人都有希望成功和创造奇迹的自信乐观。
美国的20年代,“迷惘的一代”美国青年诞生,战争使他们幻想破灭,出现了“精神的荒原”。
“美国梦”,这个人类社会的理想奇葩,却成了人们追求物欲的一个借口。
美国的青年盲目狂热的追求着美国梦,最后他们的梦都破灭了,杰伊·盖茨比也不是个例外。
虽然最原始的美国梦被有所扭曲,但是,始终是没变的是:首先,有自己的梦想,其次,对物质享受的追求,再次,通过个人的努力来争取自己的幸福,盖茨比正是如此,所以他的梦想是美国梦的缩影和延续与继承。
3.盖茨比的梦盖茨比的财富梦。
盖茨比出身卑微,但作为一个有雄心抱负,有着梦想和远大志向的青年。
《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦探讨
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《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦探讨《了不起的盖茨比》是一部由弗朗西斯·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德创作的经典小说,深刻地反映了1920年代美国社会的浮华与幻灭。
这本书不仅展现了个人对梦想的执着追求,更揭示了美国梦的复杂性。
小说中的人物通过不同的方式追寻梦想,最终呈现出各种各样的命运。
盖茨比这一角色的塑造恰如其分地体现了美国梦的核心。
作为一位出身贫寒的青年,他的成功之路始于对财富与地位的渴望。
通过努力工作和巧妙的商业手段,盖茨比实现了从无到有的跨越,进入了上层社会的舞台。
他所追求的不仅仅是物质的富裕,更是一种身份的认同和理想的实现。
然而,透过这些繁华的外表,我们看到的是对梦幻的执着与最终的失落。
盖茨比的追求充满了曲折和矛盾,反映出那个时代对美国梦本质的深刻质疑。
在小说中,绿灯象征着盖茨比的梦想,它位于他所爱的黛西家中,也是他对于未来和幸福追求的象征。
每当盖茨比望向那盏灯,都仿佛看到了无限的可能性。
实际上,这个绿灯背后隐藏着无尽的幻灭与绝望。
盖茨比对黛西的爱是单纯而执着的,但现实中黛西已婚且与盖茨比的生活圈子截然不同。
此时,绿灯不再是梦想的指引,而是一种不切实际的期待,最终使他陷入无尽的失落与困惑。
盖茨比的悲剧不仅是个人的悲剧,更是整个时代对美国梦误解的映射。
除了盖茨比,尼克·卡拉威的角色同样充满探讨的价值。
作为叙述者和盖茨比的朋友,尼克的视角带来了对社会的深刻反思。
他是最初对美国梦充满热忱的年轻人,但随着小说的发展,他逐渐看到了这个梦的虚伪与欺骗。
通过尼克的眼睛,读者能看到在繁华背后那些阴暗的交易、腐朽的道德以及对真爱的背叛。
尼克最终意识到,所谓的“上层社会”其实是建立在虚无与浮华之上的,真正的价值向来不在金钱与地位之中,而在于人与人之间的真诚。
黛西的角色彰显了当时女性在追求梦想到的复杂处境。
作为一个美丽的金发女子,黛西似乎拥有了所有的魅力与吸引力,她的生活也是表面上光鲜亮丽。
但随着故事叙述的推进,黛西的内心孤独却渐渐显露。
《了不起的盖茨比》:美国梦的幻灭
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《了不起的盖茨比》:美国梦的幻灭《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家F·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德于1925年出版的一部小说。
这部小说以20世纪20年代的美国为背景,描绘了一个充满繁荣和浮华的时代,同时也展现了美国梦的幻灭。
本文将从主人公盖茨比的追求、社会阶层的固化以及道德堕落等方面来探讨《了不起的盖茨比》中美国梦的幻灭。
首先,盖茨比是一个追求美国梦的典型代表。
他出身贫寒,但通过自己的努力和机智,成为了一个富有的人。
然而,他的财富并没有带给他真正的幸福和满足感。
他对美国梦的追求并非只是追求金钱和地位,更多的是追求爱情和幸福。
他对邻居黛西的执着追求,体现了他对美国梦的追求。
然而,最终他发现,金钱和地位并不能带来真正的幸福,他的美国梦最终破灭了。
其次,社会阶层的固化也是导致美国梦幻灭的原因之一。
小说中描绘了上层社会的奢华和浮华,以及下层社会的贫困和艰辛。
社会阶层的固化使得贫穷的人很难改变自己的命运,而富有的人则更加追求虚荣和享乐。
盖茨比虽然通过自己的努力跻身上层社会,但他始终无法被上层社会所接受和认同。
他的财富和地位只是一层外壳,无法改变他的出身和社会地位。
社会阶层的固化使得美国梦变得遥不可及,让人们对美国梦的追求感到绝望。
最后,道德堕落也是导致美国梦幻灭的原因之一。
小说中描绘了上层社会的道德沦丧和虚伪。
人们追求金钱和享乐,不择手段地追求自己的利益。
盖茨比为了追求黛西,不惜用各种手段来获取财富和地位。
他的追求虽然出于爱情,但却违背了道德和伦理。
社会的道德堕落使得美国梦变得虚幻和不可信,让人们对美国梦的追求感到失望和绝望。
总之,《了不起的盖茨比》通过描绘盖茨比的追求、社会阶层的固化以及道德堕落等方面,展现了美国梦的幻灭。
这部小说告诉我们,金钱和地位并不能带来真正的幸福和满足,社会的固化和道德的堕落使得美国梦变得遥不可及。
然而,尽管美国梦幻灭了,但人们仍然要坚持追求自己的梦想,努力改变自己的命运。
只有通过自己的努力和奋斗,才能实现真正的幸福和成功。
浅析《了不起的盖茨比》与美国梦
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An Analysis of The Great Gatsby and the American Dream 浅析《了不起的盖茨比》与美国梦摘要弗·斯各特·菲茨杰拉德,作为爵士时代美国梦的代言人,被公认为是美国文学史上最重要的小说家之一。
他以自己敏锐独特的视角,讲述着那个时代所发生的一切。
其代表作《了不起的盖茨比》,更是很好地向人们展示了二十年代美国社会的浮华与喧嚣,以及深藏其后的衰败和空虚,探究了当时的美国人对于以财富和享乐为特征的虚幻美国梦的狂热追求。
文中主人公盖茨比不惜一切代价追求自己所谓的“美国梦”,而这一切就像是美丽的泡沫,转眼间都化成了泡影。
无情的现实最终打破了虚幻的美好。
本文通过对其写作背景、文中人物、社会现实等方面的分析, 阐述美国梦破灭的根源及社会意义,从而揭示美国梦破灭的必然性及美国梦破灭的社会意义,使读者从中吸取经验教训,为构建伟大的“中国梦”引起深刻的哲思。
关键词:了不起的盖茨比;美国梦;破灭AbstractF. Scott Fitzgerald, as the spokesman for the Jazz Age of the American Dream, has been recognized as one of the most important novelists in the history of American literature. He tells us about what happened in that era from his unique perspective. His masterpiece shows the vanity and noisy of American society in the twenties and the subsequent decline and deep emptiness. Americans at that time are eager to pursue the visional American Dream characterized by wealth and enjoyment. In this paper, the protagonist Gatsby could do everything to pursue his so-called “American Dream”. And all this is like a beautiful bubble suddenly crumbled. Merciless reality eventually broke the unreal. Based on the analysis of the writing background, characters in the novel and the social reality, this thesis discusses the causing factors and the social significance of the disillusionment of American Dream in order to reveal the inevitability of the disillusionment of American Dream, so that the readers draw lessons from it for building the great Chinese Dream.Key Words:The Great Gatsby; American Dream; disillusionmentContents摘要 (I)Abstract ........................................................................................................................ I I 1. Introduction .. (1)1.1 Writing Background (1)1.2 The Main Content (2)2. The American Dream in The Great Gatsby (3)2.1 The Definition of the American Dream (3)2.2 Main Characters Connected with the American Dream (5)2.2.1 The American Dream of the Gatsby (5)2.2.2 Nick Carraway’s American Dream (7)2.2.3 The American Dream of Daisy Buchanan (7)2.2.4 The American Dream of Tom Buchanan (8)3. The American Dream (8)3.1 The Origin of the Disillusionment of the American Dream (8)3.2 The Significance of the Disillusionment of the American Dream (9)4. Conclusion (10)Bibliography (12)Acknowledgments (13)1. IntroductionF. Scott Fitzgerald is an outstanding writer in American literary world in twentieth century twenty, and he is regarded as a representative figure of the Lost Generation writers. His work The Great Gatsby vividly reproduced the social life of the Jazz Age and it also reflected the social people’s tragic fate to disclose the hidden spiritual crisis under the surface of the vanity and noisy, revealing the disillusionment of the American Dream.Americans have a dream of making a great success and a self-realization in their lives and this is called the American Dream which is deeply ingrained in the national consciousness from generation to generation from the beginning of American civilization. Fitzgerald reveals that the American Dream is shattered inevitably in the modern American society after World War I through his work The Great Gatsby.Disillusionment of American Dream not only has its profound social and historical reasons, and is also closely related with the character of Gatsby’s self destructive factors.Through the analysis, it can be seen that the dream of Gatsby who is an innocent man has its historical origin and essence and that the moral declines in American society represented by Tom and Daisy who are indifferent and merciless. These fundamentally determine the disillusionment of American Dream. It is easily for individuals to understand the essence of the American Dream distorted through analyzing the causes and social significance of bursting on the American Dream. So it is significant for Chinese new generation to draw experience and lessons from it so that they could make a positive contribution to building the Chinese Dream.1.1 Writing BackgroundThe decade of 1920’s of America had a sharply defined uniqueness than most recognized periods. World War I had left all European belligerents weak and numbed spiritually. America, however, not having been involved in the war for long, remained just as forceful as before. It all profited from the war, changed from a debtor nationinto a creditor and beca me the world’s economic power of the United States. A n economic boom marked the first few post-war years. A majority of Americans thought that they were in one of the most brilliant era in human history. So materialism spread rapidly all over the country, and people became more greedy and self absorption. The American Dream turned to be a dream of money, and wealth became the symbol of success. However the gap between the wealth and the poor was still painfully obvious in society. The rich were in luxury but the poor were in despair and hunger struggling in pain. This kind of social situation caused a lot of distorted values and outlook on life, the ideological and moral decline.The American economy was prosperous; much variation appeared in spirits and values in the 1920s, which has influence on young man. They went for material and they were hedonism; therefore, they bought luxury things, took part in extravagant parties and looked down upon others who are poor. The pursuit for material fulfillment and sensual enjoyment became the dominance of young people’s life.Fitzgerald described that the social and moral values were totally depraved in America in 1920s, expressing that people were extremely cynical, greed and blind to pursue pleasure, which was deeply presented in The Great Gatsby. This is another factor resulting in the disillusionment of American Dream.1.2 The Main ContentThe Great Gatsby is written about a love story between the young Gatsby and Daisy who comes from the upper class society. It narrates that Gatsby falls in love with Daisy. The final dream of Gatsby is getting Daisy’s love. But Gatsby is a poor man and does not have a high status in society.During the war, poor young soldier Gatsby falls in love with the beautiful girl Daisy. But she is greedy, so she resolutely refuses his offer of marriage. When Gatsby becomes veterans, he knows Daisy has married to a rich man. But her married life is not happy because Tom has a mistress.At this point Gatsby is still full of affection for her. In order to regain Daisy’s love, Gatsby makes money strenuously through smuggling and other illegal business. Just a few years, he becomes a millionaire. Then Gatsby specially purchases mansion near Daisy’s home. He spends much money inhis daily life and invites people nearby to come to his extravagant parties and banquets to enjoy themselves. By this way, Gatsby is not pleasing the upper class, just for drawing attention of Daisy.When Gatsby makes a fortune in other means, he firmly believes that he can give Daisy everything she wants. He has confidence that he can take back Daisy’s love and he knows what Daisy wants. She takes much notice of him indeed and she really has the thought to be loved with him again. She comes back to him, dating with him again. So Gatsby and Daisy go back to their old days. When Daisy’s husband Tom discover s the secret, he feels very angry and also hates Gatsby. While Daisy also faces with difficult choices between Gatsby and Tom. Daisy has drunk, and she is not awake. She happens to drive the car hitting down his husband’s lover. In order to protect his beloved woman,Gatsby bears the liability for the accident. But he never thought that Daisy has determined to abandon him at this time. Tom puts the blame on Gatsby, so the mistress’s husband kills Gatsby.At the funeral of Gatsby, his former friends and guests don’t show up. Daisy doesn’t attend it either, even does not send a bouquet of flowers to him. She doesn’t feel very sad about Gatsby’s death and just leaves him behind and goes to another city with her husband to spend holiday.Through Gatsby’s tragic love story, the author criticize s people who come from the upper class society like Daisy and Tom and is deeply sympathetic to Gatsby. Gatsby can give up everything just to get Daisy’s love. On the surface, Gatsby’s love for Daisy is pure and affectionate, while Daisy is getting close to money and status in depth look. With the deepening of the plot, the disillusionment of American Dream of young generations is delivered by the disillusionment of Gatsby’s dream of pursuing his love.2. The American Dream in The Great Gatsby2.1 The Definition of the American DreamThe American Dream is a special product of the American civilizations. Theformation of it begins at the starting point of the American civilization when the first European Puritan settlers came to the new world in the early seventeenth century. Therefore, there are three essential qualities in the American Dream as follows.Firstly, the American Dream adopts a positive attitude towards material success and considers it as all vital expression of self-fulfillment. When it comes to the theme of the American Dream, material success is what one most likely first talk about.That explains the reason why material success is what one most likely first thinks of when it comes to the topic of the American Dream.Secondly, the American Dream is also known to support the idea that the person who has high moral standards will have a chance to achieve material success. Accordingly, spiritual development is necessary for material success in the logic of the American Dream.Finally, the American Dream also includes remarkable feature of optimism. We can see this quality from Gatsby; he never loses his faith and attains his life goal with his ability. He is confident that he can provide a better life for Daisy.The American Dream is the dream which life should be richer and better for everyone according to their abilities or achievements. It encourages individuals to work through efforts, courage, creativity and determination to move towards prosperity, rather than depend on any other forces. In one time, it did help some individuals to fight for success. There are two sides of a coin. It has different meanings in different ages. As time went by, the American Dream went to the opposite side. So from this point of view, the essay aims to discuss the disillusionment of the so-called American Dream and the theme of The Great Gatsby. It is significant to understand how the American Dream gets enriched and developed with the advancement of the nation.Firstly, the American Dream is an ideal. It expresses human wishes for a democratic, liberal society where man’s basic require for survival, self-fulfillment and social recognition can be ensured. Obviously, in such a society, no man is scorned no matter which class he comes from. If a man works hard, he deserves to have the equal chance to attain his success and happiness.Secondly, in order to carry forward the Puritan tradition and push the advancement of the nation successfully, the American Dream continues to grow up healthily in American capitalist democratic soil. And it is fully realized in many fortunate self-made men cases in the early time of America. Among these people, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison and Abraham Lincoln are the most distinguished representatives who are all poor people and win the unanimous respect of the nation. Their successful legendary careers show that everyone can achieve success in America with his confidence, aspiration, determination, and virtues no matter where he comes from.Finally, as its significant role in the advancement of the nation and people, the American Dream gradually becomes an unwavering faith in the mind of the whole nation.2.2 Main Characters Connected with the American Dream2.2.1 The American Dream of the GatsbyAccording to the whole life of Gatsby, it can be seen that Gatsby is the spokesperson of the individual who pursue the American Dream. When Gatsby is young, he is deeply influenced by Benjamin Franklin. Young Gatsby absorbs the ideas which are in the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. He intends to be a successful man and also believes that a man can be what he wants to be by hard working. Horatio Alger is another person who had great impact on young Gatsby’s early faith. He is a writer of the book Hopalon Cassidy. Alger is an outstanding American writer whose works have been the most widely read. “His novels tend to follow the same pattern: a boy works his way up from poverty to respectability through hard work, thrift and good luck.” (Matterson, 1990: 65) To Alger, everything is depends on the efforts and the character of the individuals. Gatsby begins to fight for the future in Alger’s way. But according to some critics, Gatsby’s dream could never be fulfilled.The development of Gatsby’s dream is the history of his involvement with a social class, the American rich. At the beginning, he supposed to imitate Benjamin Franklin and Horatio Alger to be rich and triumphant, but he didn’t realize this idea in the end. Then he met Dan Cody, who was a successful man and Gatsby’s mentor.From that time, Gatsby learned to make much money from him and developed his new social status. However, when he meets Daisy, he falls in love with her. Generally speaking, Daisy is an image of something beyond him to pursue. When he kissed her at the first time, he has “wed forever his ineffable vision to her perishable breath” and “the incarnation was completed.” (Fitzgerald, 1992: 71) And from then on, she is the center of his dream. For him, Daisy is the mark of a wonderful life. Her life and everything about her means another world to him.Unfortunately, Gatsby fails to marry her. Gatsby learns a lot from it. He loses her just simply because “he had no comfortable family standing behind him”, that he must have “the same status” as herself and enough money to give her “a sense of security” (Fitzgerald, 1992: 95) in order to win her love back. However, they belong to two different worlds. Under the situation of America at that time, individuals all pursue money. So it is impossible for them to get together with each other. During the followed years since their parting, Gatsby makes money with his hard works by every possible means no matter it is legal or not. He tries his best to realize his dream, to earn much money and win the love of the girl.According to the analysis above, G atsby’s dream is multileveled.In The Great Gatsby, it is obvious that Fitzgerald is critical of the American Dream itself, regarding it as “an illusion of liberty an d openness,but which has always been historically ineffectual. It was invalidated by its crude association with materialism.” (Matterson, 1990: 33) This is delineated in the life of Gatsby. In the dream, the first conflict happens in the confusion of the ideal with the simple making of money. And the gap between the intensity of Gatsby’s devotion and the “cause” to which he is devoted is not to be neglected. Above all, Gatsby’s dream is inevitably in conflict with the reality.The conflict of Gatsby’s dre am with the reality is clearly presented in his well-imagined autobiography. He cuts off the real past of himself and invents a new identity to meet the value of America popular culture. In order to support his new identity, Gatsby changes a lot. However, his mannerisms and props often fail. The world which is created by him is too fragile. So it can not afford the realistic test.2.2.2 Nick Carraway’s American DreamIn this novel, Gatsby is confused in achieving the American Dream, while the narrator, Nick Carraway, deals with this far more sensible and he is different from others. He represents the traditional moral codes of America in the book. Nick is the one who is from the Midwest and intends to make money in the Long Island. He is also attracted by the beauty and the wealth. So, to a certain extent, he is another person who pursues the dream. However, after witnessing Gatsby’ tragedy, he realizes what has gone wrong with American Dream from the beginning to the end. He never gets lost because of the traditional moral conducts that rooted in him and following hi s father’s advice on toleration. The function of Nick in this book is significant and can not be neglected. He is there to make the readers understand the roles in this book from an objective perspective and then get a better comprehension of Gatsby’s idealized love and the cruel social reality. Both Nick and Gatsby in this novel emerge as moral symbol: Gatsby as the embodiment of spiritual desolation, Nick as a hope moral and spiritual growth.2.2.3 The American Dream of Daisy BuchananIn this novel, Daisy Buchanan is rather a worldly and immoral woman. She is a beautiful woman who comes from upper class. She only cares of herself. Her dreams often contact with money and status. When she has money and status, she will do what she can do to maintain the ownership of them. When she has not with them, she will find ways to pursue them.Daisy loves Gatsby, but she does not want to live a poor life with him, so she betrays their love to pursue money and status. She is a very nice woman in Gatsby’s dream, but the truth is not. She is a woman with beautiful appearance but she doesn’t show any sincerity to her love. In order to enjoy extravagant and comfortable life, she married Tom after Gatsby gone overseas. When she finds that Gatsby is richer than Tom, she chooses Gatsby again. But when she knows that Gatsby’s money is illegal, she leaves him without any hesitation. The American Dream represented by Daisy even be able to achieve, in essence it is kind of ugly but worthless things.2.2.4 The American Dream of Tom BuchananTom Buchanan, the husband of Daisy, also represents a kind of American Dream. Idealism and materialism are the two major forces in American society. Gatsby stands for idealism while Tom stands for materialism. He is rich and successful as a football player, but he is not happy indeed. Nothing is difficult for him to get, so he could not appreciate anything. Comparing with Gatsby, he was born with wealth and status but devoid of purpose. And As one of the representatives of the corruption of the American Dream, he is an ego man who completely regardless of concept of either a moral code or a personal loyalty.Tom’s dream of power leads to his moral decline. It also fosters the situation of Gatsby’s and George’s death. He is a symbol of the moral emptiness. The American Dream he represents is hypocritical.3. The American Dream3.1 The Origin of the Disillusionment of the American DreamThere is no doubt that the American Dream has played a positive role in the enhancement of the nation and individuals in the early years of American history. In American literature, it has always been one of the most popular themes that refer to the pursuit of the equality, freedom and property. However, the American Dream changes a lot in the twentieth century and becomes corruptive at the same time.On one hand, the economic boom after World War I offers the soil for materialism and hedonism. America has benefited a lot from the war, and it becomes the wealthiest country in the world. It can be said that it had not any obvious rivals. People are eager to pursue material success. They just overspend their money and enjoy physical pleasure. The whole Americans are involved into a mad vortex of the endless materialism.On the other hand, after the War, the moral decadence of the general society can be seen in the whole country due to the faith crisis, which shakes the moral basis of the American Dream. The great impact that World War I has imposed on individual’sthought and feelings, especially on the youth, directly results in the faith crisis. At the beginning, the young people are inspired to join into the war enthusiastically with the hope of making the world safer for democracy. However, they are depressed to figure out that “the Great War” has brought the world grief and death when they come back from the war. Then the faith crisis arises. It inevitably causes the emotions of despair and insecurity among the young generation.In Chapter 3 of the book, it illustrates a way of being close to an accurate picture of the time: Gatsby’s vulgar parade of his unbelievable wealth, the wild jazz music, the crazy youth, the new daring dances and the chaos abounding at and after the party. The youth are seen to go crazy for fun under the influence of the violent wine and the Jazz music. Through the novel, Fitzgerald gives an account that the disillusionment of the American Dream is inevitable, because the ideals are far beyond the reality.According to the above analysis, it can be seen that the influence of World War I and the economic adversity and the faith crisis following it have changed Americans’ idea of life, which rocks the fundamental of the American Dream subsequently.3.2 The Significance of the Disillusionment of the American DreamIn Jazz Age, moral values drop off in society and people enjoy the physical pleasure, as a result, the American Dream final is crushed. The American Dream vanishes into thin air, which has a great influence on the society. The American Dream is an ideal spiritual pursuit at first and guide people toward a happy life. However, through the years, some changes happen to it and make it corrupt.American democracy is based on the idea of equality among individuals, but American political ideals have a clash with the realistic social conditions that exist. The fact is that social discrimination still exists and the divisions among the class cannot be overcome. For instance, as the embodiment of the American Dream, Gatsby is doomed to fail because the American political ideals are contradicted with the actual existing social system.Through Nick’s voice in The Great Gatsby as Fitzgerald said, the majority of are “careless people” in the 1920s (Fitzgerald, 1992:158). They are not shame at to be “a bad driver” (Fitzgerald, 1992:157)To some extent, the disillusionment of the American Dream has certain effect on the American society in that age.4. ConclusionNowadays Fitzgerald is the most prominent novelist of the 1920s in America, which has reached common consensus in the academic world. His great works, The Great Gatsby, is based on his own life that reflects social situation like a mirror. The great novel brought public attention and a heated discussion since its publication and it can arouse a resonant feeling of the reader. In fact, it is also the “The Jazz Age” in miniature. The Great Gatsby is not only a simply love story between a man named Jay Gatsby and a woman called Daisy, but also a story of power, devotion, and dreams which appeals all humans and makes them have a strong desire to read and approach it.By the conditions of existence, Gatsby’s dream is bound to fail and his tragedy is doomed from the beginning. Fitzgerald presented the certain fate of the American values at the same time, without consideration of a fervent dreamer in the dreamless wasteland of American twenties. However, basically speaking, The Great Gatsby is as much as eulogy of what Gatsby’s power of stands for as an attack on the bankrupt of the American twenties.At first, the American Dream encourages individuals to pursue wealth and keep spiritual purity at the same time, but finally it turns to be another side. The difference between reality and ideality is the primary contradiction of the American Dream. Individuals who want to pursue the dream must face the cruelty of the society. It is Gatsby’s American Dream that makes him succeed and destroyed, from which it can be said that this is the tragedy of American society.The American Dream is a mixed blessing. It contains both the best and the worst elements of the American society. So it is significant for the new generation of China draws lessons from it to build the great Chinese Dream.Jazz Age is a unique phenomenon of the 1920s in America. The American Dream in that time has a certain impact on individuals. Through research and analysis of thisphenomenon will not only allow people to reproduce the brain but also make them have a certain amount of inspiration and insight about some real history of human being. This will allow people make the objective view of sober reflection toward life, human friendship and money. So, a significant lesson should be learned by the new generation of China in order to set up the great Chinese Dream.Bibliography[1] Anderson, Richard. Gatsby’s Long Shadow: Influence and Endurance. Cambridge:Cambridge UP, 1985.[2] Brian Lee. American Fiction (1865 - 1940). New York: Longman House, 1987.[3] Francis Scott Fitzgerald.The Great Gatsby. Beijing: Beijing University Press,1982.[4] Unger, Leonard. American Writer II: A Collection of Literary Biographies. NewYork: Scribner, 1972, (3):3-5.[5] 常耀信.美国文学简史[M].天津:南开大学出版社,2008:220-221.[6] 高慧.Doom of American Dream—The Social Meaning of The Great Gatsby [J].2008, (24):2-3.[7] 胡荫桐.美国文学新编[M].北京:外语教学与研究出版社,2001:150-155.[8] 刘世娟,潘宏声.《了不起的盖茨比》中的梦想三部曲. [J].北京化工大学学报(社会科学版).2006,(2):43-51.[9] 史志康. 美国文学背景概观[M].上海:上海外语教育出版社,1998:101-106.[10] 陶洁.美国文学选读第三版[M].北京:高等教育出版社,2007:151-164.[11] 周新平.论盖茨比悲剧的必然性.[J].黄冈师范学院学报,2002.(5):51-55.AcknowledgmentsIn writing this thesis, I receive much help and advice from many people that my indebtedness to them beyond words.First and foremost, I owe my tremendous debt of gratitude to my supervisor, XXX for her warmth and understanding which she has graciously give me. If without her encouragement and guidance in the information of the outline of thesis as well as the subsequent and patient reshaping of ideas, I believe I was still on the way.Then, I want to thank my classmates, they also give me a lot of advice, and sometimes I would discuss with them, they have pointed out my mistakes and told me what things should be added to this thesis. When I am in the stake they will encourage me and try their best to help me from these points I was deeply touched, they give me courage and confidence, inspiring me to bridge over difficulties.In addition, I also do not forget to thank my parents and friends, they always support me.。
论文论《了不起的盖茨比》中美国梦的破灭
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论文论《了不起的盖茨比》中美国梦的破灭从《了不起的盖茨比》看美国梦的破灭摘要:弗朗西斯·司各特·菲茨杰拉尔德是美国“爵士时代”的代言人,他在其代表作《了不起的盖茨比》中以细腻的笔触表现了二十世纪二十年代美国的风貌,用主人公盖茨比的悲剧人生隐喻了“美国梦”的虚幻及其不可企及性,揭示了“美国梦”破灭的必然规律。
论文从作者和小说人物分析着手,通过对《了不起的盖茨比》的写作背景,作者自身的经历、故事的主要内容、小说主人公盖茨比之梦的破灭等多方面的分析和解剖,深刻地揭示了“美国梦”的发展与破灭。
本文第一部分简要介绍了菲茨杰拉尔德和他的小说《了不起的盖茨比》, 以及小说的社会和文化背景;第二部分介绍美国梦,包括它的定义,起源和内涵;第三部分分析美国梦及其破灭的原因;最后一部分我总结了一下这本小说,并提出了自己的观点。
关键词:了不起的盖茨比美国梦破灭爵士时代Analysis of the disillusion of American dream from" The Great Gatsby"Abstract: Francis ? Scott Fitzgerald, a spokesman of "the Jazz Age" in the United States.In his masterpiece,"The Great Gatsby”, he uses delicate brush strokes to show the style of American in the 1920s. Hero Gatsby's tragic life, as a metaphor for the illusory and entertainment of the "American Dream", reveals the inexorable law of the disillusion of "American dream".The paper begins with the analysis of the author and characters of the novel, which profoundly reveals the development and disillusion of “The American Dream” by analyzing and anatomizing writing background of "The Great Gatsby”, the author's own experience, the main content of the story, novel leading character Gatsby’s shattered dream andother aspects.The first part of this paper briefly introduces the Fitzgerald and his novel "The Great Gatsby", and the social and cultural background of the novel; the second part introduces the "American dream", including its definition, origin and connotation; the t hird part analyzes “the American dream” and its bursting reasons; At last, I summarize this novel and present my own point of view on the issue.Key words: the great Gatsby, the American dream, disillusion, Jazz ageCONTENTS摘要 (I)Abstract..... ............................................................................... ........................ ........ II Chapter One Introduction (I)1.1 Introduction of Scott Fitzgerald and his novel " The Great Gatsby" (1)1.1.1 Introduction of Scott Fitzgerald (1)1.2.2 Introduction of the novel " The Great Gatsby (1)1.2 Introduction of social and cultural background of the novel (2)Chapter T wo Introduction of American Dream (3)2.1 The definition of American dream (3)2.2 The origin of American dream (4)2.2.1 The traditional American dream (4)2.2.2 The American dream in 20th century (4)2.3 The connotation of American dream in different historical background (5)2.3.1 The American dream from 18th to 19th century (5)2.3.2 The American dream after Industrialization (6)2.3.3 The American dream in 21st century (6)2.4 The different interpretation to American dream (7)Chapter Three Analysis of the disillusion of American dream and its bursting reason...................................................................................(8)3.1 The disillusion of love (8)3.2 The disillusion of wealth................................................................................. .93.3 The disillusion of status (9)3.4 The bursting reason of American dream (10)3.4.1 From the point of view of the hero (10)3.4.2 From the point of view of the whole society and age (11)Chapter Four Conclusion (13)References (14)Acknowledgements (15)Chapter One Introduction1.1 Introduction of Scott Fitzgerald and his novel "The Great Gatsby"1.1.1 Introduction of Scott FitzgeraldFitzgerald was born in1896 into a St .Paul middle –class family .His father was gentlemanly but unsuccessful in business .Scott had an expensive education first in private schools ,and then at Princeton ,where he became part of the intellectual set ,the Triangle Club ,which included ,among others ,Edmund Wilson. He began to write for the shows of the club, became editor of a university magazine, and was developing a reputation .He felt that he was heading for the upper class life in which he would play a leading part as a writer.Then he had to leave Princeton ,probably partly because of his academic record that had suffered from his illness and from too heavy an extra-curriculum schedule and also because the First World War that was going on offered him a good excuse to stay away for a while . A year’s absence from the university wounded his pride and ambition so that it ironed itself into his consciousness as one of the major disappointments he suffered in his short, unhappy life .He returned to Princeton only to stay for another year in which he managed to finish the draft of his first novel, the Side of Paradise. Then in 1922, Fitzgerald finished his second novel, The Beautiful and the Damned. The Beautiful and the Damned is interesting especially as a sort of first attempt as writing is not as great .Meanwhile, the Fitzgerald were living, on the proceeds of Scott’s books and stories, the life of the people who go to Gatsby’s crazy parties. In 1925, he wrote his masterpiece, The Great Gatsby in Pairs. The Fitzgerald had gone there from Y ork and met Hemingway and Gertrude Stein, among others. (Referring to 美国文学史,第三版,南开大学出版社)1.1.2 Introduction of the novel "The Great Gatsby"" The Great Gatsby" is one of the most representative works of Fitzgerald. At the end of 20th Century, the United States academic authority selected the one hundred best novels in hundreds of years of history of English Literature," The Great Gatsby" enjoyed popular confidence, topping the second, and were proudly among the contemporary and classic ranks. The novel is use of impressionistic description, its style is of both warm and cool, and it has played an indispensable role in the history of literature of the world for the status of Fitzgerald.This novel is narrated by Nick, a young bachelor who returns to the Midwest before setting to the New Y ork City. Daisy, theheroine, is Nick’s second cousin and Nick knows of her husband, Tom. With the development of the novel, Nick knows that his next-door neighbor is the wealthy Gatsby,who always hosting lavish parties of hundreds of peoples, Jordan Baker takes interests in Nick, and he reveals that In 1917 Gatsby as Army Lieutenant stationed near Daisy’s hometown and then had fallen in love with Daisy. But Gatsby had no money to marry Daisy, so Daisy wasmarried to the wealthy T om, after that Gatsby is aiming to be a millionaire. With few years of smuggling, Gatsby accumulates a great amount of wealth. He would like Nick to arrange a meeting with Daisy, and Nick agrees to invite Gatsby and Daisy to his house, so they begin a love affair again. But actually, Daisy only treats this relationship as an exciting game. Daisy invites Gatsby and Nick to her mansion and Tom finds that Gatsby loves Daisy. Tom knows Daisy’s nature very well. And by taking away Daisy’s financial security, Tom thinks that Daisy is no w beyond his reach. Because of the situation between them, Daisy runs out of the hotel and Gatsby follows her into his car. Daisy insists on driving because it will calm her moods. But in the later Daisy knocks down and kills Myrtle, Tom’s mistress. Gatsby absolve Daisy from her guilty to protect her. After that Tom talks into Myrtle’s husband to shoot Gatsby dead. So the magic bubble of love and dreams broke up. Despite Nick’s efforts, only Gatsby’s father, a woman and Nick attend his funeral. Discussing with Tom and Daisy, Nick returns to his hometown, reflecting on Gatsby’s dreams and cyclical nature of the past.1.2 Introduction of social and cultural background of the novelIt's a special era in the history of the United States when theWorld War I (1918) ended; the Great Depression (1929) was not yet to come. During pre-war of the world warⅠ, the United States profiteered. In the post-war, it won a precious opportunity of developing economy. Due to the cruelty of the war, many people had doubtable attitude towards the traditional values, such as honor, democracy, freedom and lost faith, thus indulging in pleasure. In addition, traditional Puritan ethics disintegrated, and hedonism began to flourish. The economy of the U.S experienced a rapid development of the postwar and dramatic change that the crash of New Y ork stock market brought, so the economy of U.S has experienced recession for10 years. Affluent and easy life in the post-war made people dizzy in the bustle. While at this time, American intellectuals had fled, and spent his lonely youth in pain and confusion.What's more, it was a changeable and rebellious era when the younger generation finally chose to break with tradition. In Fitzgerald's words, "That is a miraculous era and an era full of mockery." Fitzgerald called this era the "Jazz Age".At that time, with the introduction of radio and the end of the war, jazz and dance emerged. Jazz became an entirely new cultural movement in places, such as the United States, England and France. Cities, such as New Y ork and Chicago, were cultural centers of jazz. In urban areas, African American jazz was played on the radio more often than in the suburbs. The youth of 1920s, influenced by jazz, rebelled against the traditional culture of previous generations.Chapter Two Introduction of American Dream2.1 The definition of American DreamThe term, "American dream" was first used by James Truslow Adams in his book "The Epic of American" which was written in1931. The American Dream is a dream that had land where every one could live a better and richer and fuller life. What’s more, everyone had opportunity to match ability with achievement.It is a difficult dream for the European upper classes to interpret adequately, and too many of us have grown wearily and mistrusted it. It is not merely a dream of motor cars or high wages, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain the fullest stature and be recognized by others for who they are, regardless of the condition or position of birth."The so-called American Dream is a kind of belief that as long as people went through a hard struggle in the United States, they will be able to achieve a better ideal life. That is, people must work diligently, courageously, creatively, and have determination to success, rather than rely on a particular social class and the assistance of others. This usually showed the economic success of people or entrepreneur’s spirit. Many Euro pean immigrants which having the ideal of American dream moved towards the United States. Despite some criticized the American dream excessively emphasized on the role of material wealth played in the measure of victory and happiness. But many Americans really believed that such an opportunity to get success cannot be found in the world. As different from the most other countries, the United States had considerable economic freedom; the role of government is limited, making the U.S. has a great social mobility. Any person may go towards the top through their own efforts. From Independence of the United States to the end of the 19th century, large areas of land were uninhabited and unoccupied by people. Anyone could occupy, invest and reclaim to lands. By the time of the Industrial Revolution, the hugenatural resources of United States and advanced industrial technology made rapid social mobility possible, and this trend is still increasing day by day.According to the historians, they think that the reason why the economy of the United States rapidly develops and industry expand is not just because the United States has rich natural resources, but also because everyone has the opportunity to get wealth through their own struggle .2.2 The origin of American Dream2.2.1 The traditional American DreamThe term “American Dream” is first used by American writer and historian James Truslow Adams in his book The Epic of America written in 1931.He defined American Dream as "dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, everyone has an opportunity according to their ability or achievement"(James Truslow Adams, 1980) . Oneimportant feature of the definition is that everyone agrees with the equality of opportunity in succeeding, regardless of social class and circumstance of birth. The archetype of American Dream is Benjamin Franklin who is one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Without noble birth and top education, Franklin learned almost everything and succeeded in many aspects, including literature, science, philosophy and politics. Benjamin Franklin pioneered the spirit of self-help in America (Jim Powell, 1997). In the Declaration of Independence, there is a sentence which has been called one of the most famous sentences in the English language goes like this: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty and the right of the pursuit ofHappiness. This sentence also represents a concept that everyone is born equal and has inalienable rights in pursuing freedom and happiness. Influenced by Dr Franklin, more and more Americans believe that in the country of equality, one can obtain both physical and spiritual wealth through one’s efforts. On the other hand, the American Dream may come from the ideals of the first group of immigrates. When settlers come to a land full of vitality and freedom, they have dreams to turn the land into their paradise. At that time, American Dream was equal to the ownership of farm, thus lead to the Westward Movement.2.2.2 The American Dream in 20th centuryIn 1920s, the American society enjoyed economic prosperity after the World War I. Such as automobiles, moving pictures and radio, these new inventions and discoveries were made significant changes to lifestyle and culture. Unprecedented industrial growth and accelerated consumer demand made the era known as “the Roaring Twenties”. The American Dream at that time has gradually changed into money-making. The Roaring Twenties is an age of explosion of social wealth and billionaire, but also is an age of spiritual poverty. Y oung generations suffered from the trauma of body and spirit; because of war they lose confidence to future. The urban society is full of depravity and corruption, consumerism and materialism become the major theme of the American Dream. People like Gatsby used all means to make money despite of moral and legal standards. From all that mentioned above, the definition of the "American Dream" has changed over the development of history. But it still acts as a core value in America and influences people from generation to generation.2.3 The connotation of American Dream in different historicalbackground300 years ago, when England emigrants to Maryland cross the Atlantic by the "May flower" and when they were looking for a piece of "pure land" in which the Puritans can lived, American Dream" has begun to quietly sprout. The United States gave everyone of the world an equal opportunity. Y ou can realize their dream as long as you work hard enough.300 years later, it has become powerful county. However," American Dream" did not die, but it has more" connotation" with the changes of history.W hat is the" American Dream"? “Many historians and sociologists have different perspectives, and different Americans have different interpretation.But generally speaking, the "American dream" includes several elements: the United States offered the chances of success for everyone. Success depends on their talents and efforts, rather than family and the background. Everyone has equal rights. Everyone has freedom of brief......These elements are inextricably linked with the history and must also be combined with the background." said Lang Mailer.2.3.1 The American Dream from 18th to 19th centuryAmerican dream in 18th-19th century is the original dream of land and gold. From 18th to 19th century, the nobility had not quit the stage of history. Social hierarchy was stern, and the distribution of wealth was inequitable, religious discrimination was serious in Europe. Montesquieu, Descartes and so many pioneers of the enlightenment movement began to praise American magical land, which sparked the "American dream" of the vulnerable groups. Immigrants which came to the United States in 18th century were vulnerable groups from Europe. Themost typical people are the Puritan of England and bankrupt small farmers of Germany. When they came to America which was still a colony, their requirements for political equality were particularly strong, and they also spontaneously carried out democracy. Thus, the "equal rights" has become a connotation of the "American dream".Mailer explained, "Everyone can succeed." Due to the vast land and small population in the early American, immigrants can get a large area of fertile land. At that time, the United States is based on agricultural economy, it is self-evident that the "land means wealth, and means success". As the western American found many gold mine in the end of the 18th century and early 19th century, and some lucky started became rich overnight because mining the gold, the legend of the "wave of gold rush" promoted the tide of immigration westward, but also casted a deep golden color for the "American dream".However, there is a bloody history behind of "American dream. The large tracts of land of European immigrants were "stateless place" and they got through killing millions of Indians; Most of cultivators of productive farmland were slaves which looting from Africa; the labors which mining gold in the westward were the drudgery of Chinese .It can be said that the early "American Dream" is European immigrants’ dream. Mailer pointed out that many of the contempor ary American history scholars are facing and reflecting this period of history, which is unjust side of the "American dream".2.3.2 The American Dream after IndustrializationDuring the Civil War, the United States began the industrialization. European immigrants mostly accessed to New Y ork, Chicago, Detroit and other emerging industrial city. Then,the "American Dream" has a new connotation. During that period, there were a lot of commercial and industrial giants. For example, Edison who depended on personal invention and created the General Electric Company, Rockefeller who mined oil, Morgan who was engaged in the bank, and Ford who invented the automobile production line. Their common characteristic is: first they are poor, but finally they founded their big career through hard work and became a legend. Perhaps, these "legend" were beautified more or less by later generations. Even the so-called "the invention of Edison” also was the results of many his assistants. Mailer thought that, at that time the United States has been in a period of rapid economic expansion. Before the first World War, the United States has became the most strongest country of economic power in the world and the domestic economy operation is in a stages of change " from disorderly to orderly" ,and the various industries appeared wealthy oligarchs.2.3.3 The American Dream in 21st centuryIn the information era of 21st century, Microsoft's Bill Gates, yahoo's jerry Y ang and Google's director, these three founders turned into new idols of the "American dream". By virtue of their own wisdom, they accumulated the huge assets of billions of dollars when they were young. Their living story seems to indicate that as long as there is wisdom and genius, you can succeed in the United States.What is the real driving force behind the "American dream"? Some historians believe that it is the desire and chase for wealth. "The pursuit of money is the same ingredients in the 'American Dream'". However, it is exactly that over pursuit of wealth that makes the "American Dream" turn sour and gradually lost its appeal to people around the world. If the early Americans alsoadvocate “honesty and diligence" to get rich, today they are increasingly keen to pursuit of "getting rich quick". For example, now Americans mostly respected the way to which gets rich is: to fight lawsuit for compensation with the big enterprises, to go gambling or to buy lottery tickets in the Las V egas, and to take part in a television game.Early Europeans immigrated to the United States believed in the equality of political rights and religious equality. Today, the American politics has evolved into a money game. V osel did not deny that success of the success of Bush family in the American politics is "the success of oil and money ". In the field of religion, the freedom advocated by the United States was limited in all denominations of Christian, and the Islam which rarely has little money to support and was only in the position of extremely weakness in the United States.In changing times, the appeal of the "American dream" to the world may be less andless.The hegemony and monopoly of American in the world politics causes many foreigners to be full of offensive as soon as they mention the word "American". An anti-terrorism bill block the way of a lot of immigrants into the United States; the speculation of economy make the common person forever fear their wealth suddenly disappears.2.4 The different interpretation to American dreamAmerican dream is not only a kind of version; some writers give the readers a new enlightenment from different perspectives. “the Grapes of Wrath" written by John Steinbeck described that the hero had to be forced to leave his hometown under the background of the" Great Depression" and drought. However, the exploitation to labor still makes their lives more distressed."Native Son" of Richard White and the" invisible man" of Ralph Ellison reflect the poverty and racism that discourage the people from the opportunity of the pursuit of development. "The Street "of Ann peltry recognizes the hardships of black mothers’raising children. From the point of view of the great social and age background, it is just a microscopic and idealized perspective that people will be able to realize the dream only through personal struggle. "Seize the Day" of Saul Bellow tells the story that the hero did not achieve the American dream, but realized his own growth. Compared with the traditional sense of American dream, a meaningful life is a better dream. The writer of “The house on Mango Street" , Sandra Cisneros ,expressed the desire for freedom, no ethnic discrimination, no sexual discrimination and a thinking of women’s pursuit of dreams through the point of view of a little girl. For women, the connotation of "a house truly belonging to their own" is richer.Chapter Three Analysis of the disillusion of American dream and itsbursting reasonAs the great depression in the 1930's put the prosperity and vanity of" Jazz Age" to an end, the failure of Gatsby finally showed that the so-called American dream is a false image. Though Gatsby lived in a seemingly extravagant life, he never successfully achieved their ultimate goal, that is to say, he lost all aspects: love, wealth and status.3.1 The disillusion of loveThe "American dream" of Gatsby was presented in his "love dream”. He believe d that money could buy Daisy's love. The reason why he was attracted by Daisy is that money decorated her as a noble princess, keeping her away from humble,unsecured life connected with poor. And thiskind of life was Gatsby familiar with in teens. As a farmers' child, the vanity of Gatsby satisfied greatly owing to staying with Daisy's, which shows his potential. He could become a rich man and a member of the high society with his own efforts. Loving a rich lady gave him great courage and driving force moving forward. However, Daisy did not Love him as deeply as he had imagined, she was just enveloped an ideal circle by his desire and his selfless love.Five years later, sometimes even if he was sure that Daisy whom he missed the day and night was not as beautiful as he imaged. But his dream beyond all, in this kind support of fantasy, Gatsby wanted to regain Daisy's heart. In fact, the determinations and motivations he wanted to regain Daisy were not from the unforgotten of Daisy, but from the call from heart to make dreams come true and his strong desire for bright future. Here, Daisy is the "love dream" of Gatsby. He put his ideal of life on Daisy, while Gatsby just chose a wrong object. Daisy is just a girl who heavily values money and status rather than love, so she only can represent illusory and worthless things. She can't be the embodiment of love and happiness, and could not bring meaning and sati sfaction to Gatsby’s life. Dais y met Gatsby again, and renewed old friendships with him, but she jointly planed Gatsby’s death with her husband. Her final selfishness, the ultimate betrayal, all these were inevitable. Daisy chose the latter between Gatsby and Tom, because the latter can provide her more stable, secure and comfortable life for her. "They are rich and cruel people. It is their maxim to destroy the others but to protect themselves.Although their world was not harmonious, the two peoplehad “little nonsense", they were partners of the same faction. If a third people threatened their Common security, it was natural for them to league to unanimously resist outside after a moment's discussion, Faced with cruel reality, Gatsby's dream was destroyed, and his efforts ended with failure. He finally realized that the past time could not come back; the unrealized dream was difficult to review. Therefore, his dreams, his soul and his body died together.In Gatsby's mind, Daisy was beautiful and pure, who symbolized all the virtues of American high society. Gatsby regarded Daisy as the incarnation of his pursuit of beauty, and then the tragedy of his life' started. In fact, his efforts to pursue the so-called beauty were alienated by money. It is not significant but tragic that he spared no efforts to realize dream. In the end, love in expense of life disil lusioned, while” America dream" of Gatsby was shattered.3.2 The disillusion of wealthThe “American Dream"of Gatsby also shows in his "wealth dream". Te former name of Gatsby known as “Jay G ats", his parents were crops person of mediocrity, he was eager to get rid of poverty ,and ranked among the upper class of society. At the age of 17years old, Gats met a man who named Dan Cody, and got fortune by the illegal behaviors. Little Gats admired him very much, and then he changed his name into Gatsby and followed Cody. Gatsby took the ideal focused on the acquiring of wealth. Because when Dan Cody was sober, he knew if he was drunk, he would do many stupid things, like profligacy. So he grew to trust Gatsby in order to prevent this kind of accidents from happening. After Dan Cody died, Gatsby used his heritage which was gained from Dan Cody to illegal sale private wine, andamassed a large of fortune.But for Gatsby no matter how rich, he still tried to blend in the upper circles which he has long wanted, just because of his humble birth. Finally, he has become their excellent material of suspicion and rumors for the upper class of the so-called celebrities. As constantly suspicion of people, his illegal businesses were eventually exposed by Tom. He worked hard to create material wealth, and it did not help him achieve pursuit, his dream of wealth was shattered. After Gatsby was died, the former guests did not show up in his funeral which Nick held for him, bleak and desolate in the funeral and hustle and bustle of the former party were clearly constituted a sharp contrast, it showed that he did not get the recognition of the upper class.3.3 The disillusion of statusAlthough during that time freedom and equality have been advocated, the social hierarchy was still exists. Jay Gatsby made all efforts to squeeze into the upper class, and he became to be admired and respected by other people. He wants everything that a man of noble birth has: a large amount of money, a splendid mansion and a satisfactory marriage. After he obtains these things, he gains money at all costs, he hosts party frequently in his mansion to show his riches, and he pursues Daisy as a qualified wife for a decent man. The description in Chapter three gives us a vivid picture about the extravagance of Gatsby’s life: There was music from my neighbor’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whispering and champagne and the stars … (F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1993 .26) Besides showing off his wealth, he even changed his name to cover up his humble birth. When Nick asked about his life, he。
《追寻失落的梦:《了不起的盖茨比》中对美国梦的探讨》
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追寻失落的梦:《了不起的盖茨比》中对美国梦的探讨引言《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家F·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德于1925年出版的一部经典小说。
这部作品以描写20世纪20年代纽约社会为背景,深入探讨了美国梦的本质和意义。
通过主人公盖茨比追逐自己所心仪的生活与爱情,小说批判了虚无主义、消费主义以及社会阶层固化等问题。
本文将从多个方面分析《了不起的盖茨比》对美国梦进行了怎样的探讨。
1. 美国梦与追逐幸福美国梦是指每个人都有平等机会,在由努力和才能驱动下实现成功和幸福。
在小说中,主人公盖茨比通过淘金成功致富,追求打破当前社会地位限制以及拥有与心爱女子黛西再续前缘等愿望来体现这种追逐幸福的美国梦。
2. 虚无主义与美国梦的冲突虚无主义是《了不起的盖茨比》中一个重要的主题。
小说通过描绘20年代的纽约社会和角色的追求至高无上的享乐,展示了虚无主义对美国梦带来的冲突。
尤其是揭示了物质迷信背后人们内心空虚与迷茫。
3. 美国梦与金钱观念金钱是小说中讨论美国梦不可忽视的因素之一。
通过盖茨比以及其他角色如汤姆·布坎南、杰伊·嘉茨等金钱观念和追求物质财富的表现,小说既呈现出了金钱对实现美国梦起到推动作用,也暴露出了金钱追逐背后的黑暗与腐败。
4. 社会阶层固化与美国梦社会阶层固化也是小说中探讨美国梦问题的一个重要方面。
通过描述盖茨比努力提升自我地位但却始终被旧有社会界限所束缚、黛西由于阶级差异而放弃自己真实的感情等情节,小说展示了社会阶层对实现美国梦的压制与限制。
5. 美国梦的幻灭和失落《了不起的盖茨比》最后揭示出美国梦在现实生活中常常是无法实现的。
主人公盖茨比对所爱女子黛西完美化身、过度理想化以及无尽努力后仍未能最终达成愿望,正是对美国梦幻灭与失落的有力诠释。
结论《了不起的盖茨比》通过揭示虚无主义、金钱观念、社会阶层固化等问题,对美国梦进行了深入探讨。
小说中的角色及其境遇,以及故事线索所展示的情节,都给我们带来了思考。
《了不起的盖茨比》:美国梦的幻灭
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《了不起的盖茨比》:美国梦的幻灭《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家F·斯科特·菲茨杰拉德于1925年出版的一部小说,被誉为美国文学的经典之作。
小说以20世纪20年代的美国为背景,通过描绘主人公盖茨比追逐美国梦的故事,深刻地反映了当时社会的虚荣、堕落和幻灭。
本文将从不同角度探讨《了不起的盖茨比》中所展现的美国梦的幻灭。
美国梦的定义与追求美国梦是指每个人都有机会通过自己的努力实现成功和幸福的理念。
它是美国社会价值观念中重要的一部分,也是吸引无数移民来到美国的原因之一。
在《了不起的盖茨比》中,主人公盖茨比也是一个追逐美国梦的人物。
他通过勤奋工作和投机取巧,从贫穷出身逐渐积累财富,并且为了追求自己心中所爱的女人而不断努力。
社会阶层的固化与无法逾越的鸿沟然而,在《了不起的盖茨比》中,美国梦并非如此美好。
小说中描绘了20世纪20年代美国社会阶层固化的现象,贫富差距日益加大,社会上的鸿沟无法逾越。
尽管盖茨比通过自己的努力积累了财富,但他始终无法获得上层社会的认可和接纳。
他虽然在物质上取得了成功,但在精神层面却感到孤独和失落。
虚荣与堕落的诱惑在追逐美国梦的过程中,许多人被虚荣和堕落所诱惑。
小说中的角色们都追求着名利和享乐,他们沉溺于派对、酒精和放纵的生活方式。
这种虚荣和堕落最终导致了他们内心的空虚和幻灭。
盖茨比也不例外,他为了吸引黛西的注意而举办了一系列豪华派对,但最终却发现自己无法得到真正的爱情和幸福。
爱情的幻灭与无法实现的梦想除了社会阶层固化和虚荣堕落,小说中还揭示了爱情的幻灭和无法实现的梦想。
盖茨比对黛西抱有深深的爱恋,但黛西却选择了与社会地位更高的汤姆结婚。
这使得盖茨比对于自己的梦想感到绝望,最终导致了他的悲剧结局。
小说通过这一情节表达了美国梦的幻灭和现实的残酷。
结论《了不起的盖茨比》通过描绘主人公追逐美国梦的故事,深刻地反映了20世纪20年代美国社会的虚荣、堕落和幻灭。
小说中展现了美国梦在当时社会中的困境和无法实现的现实,以及追求美国梦所带来的空虚和失落。
论文 英语论了不起的盖茨比中美国梦的破灭
![论文 英语论了不起的盖茨比中美国梦的破灭](https://img.taocdn.com/s3/m/26f687a5d0d233d4b14e698a.png)
摘要美国是一个以梦想而自豪的国家,美国梦算得上美国文明的一大特产。
所谓美国梦,广义上是指美国的平等、自由和民主,狭义上是指一种相信只要在美国经过不懈的奋斗便能获得更好生活的理想,也就是人们必须通过自己的勤奋、勇气、创意和决心迈向繁荣。
长期以来,美国梦激励着一代又一代的美国人。
菲茨杰拉德的《了不起的盖茨比》,一部仅五万余言,却能列入二十世纪美国最佳的十二部小说之一,以一个青年人对财富地位与爱情追求的失败来解构美国梦的由来、演变及破灭的原因,同时生动地再现了美国二十世纪“爵士乐时代”的社会风貌和时代精神。
关键词: 美国梦, 破灭 ,爵士乐时代AbstractAmerican dream is a cultural essence of the United States and it stimulates Americans one generation after another. It refers to the equality, freedom and democracy of America in a broad sense. It is the ideal that as long as someone work hard and pay more efforts in America, he will succeed and have a better life. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, as the most important work of him, is the mirror of the Jazz Age. On the surface, it is the corruption of a young man’s dream of chasing wealth and love. Beyond the surface concerns, the novel deals symbolically with the failure of American dream at that time. The novel reflects the social reality and reveals the disillusion of American dream. In Jazz Age, people regard the pursuit of dream equaling to the pursuit of materialism, which is bound to fail. The corruption of Gatsby’s American dream indicating the disillusion of the whole American dream.KEY WORDS:American Dream, Jazz Age, disillusionContentsIntroduction (4)Chapter One The Meaning of American Dream (6)1.1 The different embodiment of American dream in different times (6)1.1.1 American dream in the 18th and 19th century (6)1.1.2 American dream after industrialization (6)1.1.3 American dream in the 21st century (7)1.2 Jazz Age and American Dream (8)Chapter Two The Disillusion of Jay Gatsby’s American Dream (10)2.1 Elements of Gatsby’s American Dream (10)2.1.1 The dream of becoming a useful man in childhood (10)2.1.2 The dream of becoming a rich and upper-class person (11)2.1.3 The dream of loving a charming woman (11)2.2Reasons for the disillusion of Gatsby’s American Dream (12)2.2.1 The objective factors (13)2.2.2 The subjective factors (14)Chapter three The Disillusion of Nick’s and Myrtle’s American Dream (17)3.1 Contents of Nick’s American dream (17)3.1.1 The dream of the upper class (17)3.1.2 The admiration of Gatsby ..................................... 错误!未定义书签。
《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦探讨
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《了不起的盖茨比》中的美国梦探讨简介《了不起的盖茨比》是美国作家菲茨杰拉德于1925年出版的一部小说,故事以20世纪20年代为背景,描绘了一个充满追求和欲望的时代。
其中,美国梦是作品中重要的主题之一。
本文将探讨《了不起的盖茨比》中所呈现的美国梦以及其背后深层含义。
美国梦的定义美国梦通常被定义为每个人都有机会通过勤奋和努力实现个人成功和幸福的理念。
这种理念追溯至美国独立宣言中提到的“生命、自由和追求幸福”的权利。
主人公盖茨比与美国梦在小说中,主人公盖茨比是个充满魅力而又神秘莫测的人物。
他虚构了自己多重身份和成就,并通过努力实现自己对Daisy Buchanan(黛西·布坎南)爱情的执着追求。
这些努力展示了美国梦中寻找成功、财富和爱情的不懈追求。
纯粹的美国梦 vs. 破碎的现实然而,《了不起的盖茨比》并非只是对美国梦的赞美,也深刻地描绘了美国梦的破碎和现实的残酷。
小说中展现出社会阶层之间的隔阂、道德堕落以及追求个人欲望背后隐藏的空虚和孤独。
这使我们思考,美国梦是否仅仅意味着物质上的成功,或者还有其他更为重要的价值?美国梦与社会意义通过《了不起的盖茨比》,我们可以看到美国梦超越了个人追求成功和财富,它也代表着一个发展中的国家对自由、公正和机会平等这些核心价值观念。
然而,在小说中揭示出来的阻碍和限制提醒我们,实现真正意义上的美国梦需要改变社会结构和价值观。
结论《了不起的盖茨比》以其对于美国梦多维度探讨而成为经典之作。
从主人公盖茨比的努力,到社会现实对美国梦的挑战,小说深入剖析了人们对于成功、爱情和幸福的追求。
通过这个主题,我们也更加理解了美国梦作为一个文化符号所承载着的意义及其背后追求共同价值的重要性。
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《了不起的盖茨比》美国梦论文
摘要:现实决定着人们的爱情观,书中角色面对爱情与死亡所作出的选择是对社会现实的揭露与批判。
这种爱情故事难道不是对那个高速发展中的强大国家的一个极大讽刺吗?在物质化的“美
国梦”不断幻灭后,我们期望建构一个精神上的“美国梦”来重新开创我们梦想的家园。
正如富兰克林精神让美国人获得了物质的丰收,我们更呼唤精神家园更大的丰裕。
一种人与人之间的真正的自由、平等和博爱,这不正是美国人心中一直期许的一种精神,一种民族格调和一种文化心理吗?
关键词:盖茨比;美国梦;破灭
一、美国梦的起源与发展
“美国梦”一词是由美国历史学家亚当斯(James Truslow Adams,1878-1949,著有《美国历史词典》、《美国地图集》等)于1931年在其著作《美国历史文集》(The Epic of America)中首先使用的。
据传亚当斯当时特别喜欢“美国梦”这个短语,甚至想把它用作他的书名,但编辑没有答应他。
当时美国正处于大萧条之中,为了激发美国国民的信心,亚当斯想通过此书向成千上万的失去生活来源的美国人重申并再次确认美国人的希望和传统。
与罗马神话中修建的罗穆鲁斯和瑞摩斯一样,“美国梦”提供了一种神秘的气氛和对自我传统的自豪感,尽管它是一个未来的神话。
卡尔·戴格勒指出,美国梦和美国主义实际上是一个意思。
它代表了所崇拜和珍惜的思想,包括民主、自由、机会均等、崇拜金钱、崇拜成功、
劳动致富、“上帝的选民”等。
二、菲茨杰拉德和伟大的盖茨比简介
(一)菲茨杰拉德简介
弗朗西斯·司各特·菲茨杰拉德,1896年生于美国中西部明尼苏达州保罗市的一个商人家庭,他的一生曾写过四部小说,分别是《人间天堂》、《美与丑》、《了不起的盖茨比》、《夜色温柔》,除此之外,还有短篇小说集《爵士时代的故事》等。
《了不起的盖茨比》问世于1925年。
这本书里,菲兹杰拉德以盖茨比的爱情悲剧在道德和精神方面揭示了富人生活的丑恶面,以清醒的旁观者的眼光批判了美国梦的虚幻性和欺骗性,以盖茨比的死亡作为一外沉痛的教训,唤醒人们看清纸醉金迷的生活背后的虚假。
(二)伟大的盖茨比简介
一战后,“美国梦”不再是通过个人努力奋斗得以实现,而是想一夜暴富成为百万富翁。
这时期美国文学中的爱情已有了很浓的金钱味,爱情成了对金钱的崇拜和道德沦丧的奴隶。
没有金钱和地位就根本没有爱情可言。
《了不起的盖茨比》创作的背景正是这个时代,反映了这个时代的爱情观。
主人公盖茨比这个人物,作者赋予了他典型的美国本土特征。
他是来自中西部地区,出身贫寒,却“脑子聪明而且抱负非凡”的农家子弟,他不甘于被社会边缘化,从小渴望通过自我奋斗,实现人生价值和他的“美国梦”。
后来盖茨比在驻守路易斯维尔做军官时遇到了黛西,她是盖茨比遇到的第一个“大家闺秀”,典型的贵族女子。
盖茨比终于找到了理想生活的目
标,为了和黛西喜结良缘,但战争归来,他发现一切都变了。
为了生存,他开始贩卖私酒;为了得到已经结婚的黛西,他开始置办酒会。
但是阶级本性决定黛西对盖茨比的爱只是空虚过后的一味调剂,她的本性决定她空虚的内心世界不可能体会盖茨比一厢情愿的浪漫和美好的爱情观。
所以造成了最后的悲惨结局。
三、美国梦的破灭
(一)盖茨比金钱梦的破灭
从他年轻时,盖茨比坚持自我完善,相信的美国梦一定会成功,于是他模仿本杰明·富兰克林。
制定时间表,并坚持养成良好的习惯。
为了自己的梦想,他努力工作,就像富兰克林在自传中写道的那样:孜孜不倦、勤奋刻苦。
当然,盖茨比的梦就是得到成山的钱。
然而,一个穷小孩能够成为百万富翁是很不容易的。
在那个年代,通过辛勤的劳动得带数以百万计的钱甚至是不可能的。
后来,他遇到了科迪先生,一个通过淘金成为百万富翁的人。
在科迪先生的帮助有下,他通过违法犯罪活动成为了富人。
在这段时间,没过禁止饮酒,而他正好抓住了时机。
事实上,盖茨比是二十世纪20年代典型的年轻人。
他的奋斗历程是一个历史悲剧。
这个梦是他自己创造的,他生活在这个甜蜜的梦中,清醒不过来。
菲茨杰拉德很多次提到灰堆,而灰堆是精神废墟的象征。
这反映了迷惘的一代对未来萎靡的精神和态度。
如果没有现实的支持,他们的梦想是虚幻的。
这也预示着美国梦的幻灭。
了不起的盖茨比真的很伟大。
然而,一方面,菲茨杰拉德暗示的盖茨比的追求是不值钱的;在另一方面,他赞扬他的毅力,总是充满希望。
在小说中,一个绿色的光被象征在盖茨比的人生目标。
可以看出,它总是超出了他的能力,这反映了许多的美国梦都是海市蜃楼。
许多人都有同等的权利获得快乐。
如果根据一个人钱的多少决定他的社会地位和快乐程度,也就是说钱多社会地位和快乐程度就高,相反,没有钱就不快乐没有社会地位。
这种说法毫无根据。
(二)盖茨比爱情梦的破灭
一厢情愿的爱,总是投射出被人践踏的悲哀和辛酸。
(赵金凤2007)盖茨比为此付出了高昂的代价——他自己连同他那个传奇般的“美国梦”在“爵士时代”的狂热中,一同化为烟尘。
而他至死都沉浸在自己一厢情愿的浪漫中,守护着那份无法实现的爱恋。
黛西另嫁他人,和盖茨比重温旧梦,和丈夫共同策划盖茨比的死亡。
她感情的摇摆不定和最终的背叛都是历史的必然。
黛西和汤姆才是同一个世界的人,尽管他们的世界并不和谐,两个人都有过“小小的胡闹”,但依然是同属一个阵营的伙伴,当他们的共同安全受到威胁时,依然会联起手来一致对外。
盖茨比直到临死的那刻,都没有读懂黛西脸上的那一抹嘲弄。
在他被无辜枪杀后,没有人去追究凶手。
而那些曾经在他的豪宅中夜夜笙歌的人中,竞有骂他是死有应得的。
此前的房客克利斯普林格打电话到盖茨比家却也不是为了盖茨比的丧事,而仅仅是为了留在那里的一双鞋。
这些人尽管“过去一来就是好几百”,可是在盖茨比惨遭不幸之后,竟不约而同地
像人间蒸发了一样,没有一个来参加他那可怜的葬礼。
而盖茨比爱情梦的主角黛西也“既无电报,连送朵花的表示也没有”,而是和他的丈夫汤姆踏上了欧洲的旅行。
四、小结
现实决定着人们的爱情观,书中角色面对爱情与死亡所作出的选择是对社会现实的揭露与批判。
这种爱情故事难道不是对那个高速发展中的强大国家的一个极大讽刺吗?在物质化的“美国梦”不断幻灭后,我们期望建构一个精神上的“美国梦”来重新开创我们梦想的家园。
正如富兰克林精神让美国人获得了物质的丰收,我们更呼唤精神家园更大的丰裕。
一种人与人之间的真正的自由、平等和博爱,这不正是美国人心中一直期许的一种精神,一种民族格调和一种文化心理吗?
参考文献
[1] 弗·司各特·菲茨杰拉德.了不起的盖茨比[M].巫宁坤,译.上海,上海译文出版社,2006.
[2] 赵金凤.辛酸的浪漫,无法企及的永恒—试论盖茨比的悲剧性[M].2007,(7):92-93。