Part one of term paper
The primary focus of the American dream is that hard work will lead to success, respect, and social status. In Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby the characters show the deterioration of the American dream. Each character in The Great Gatsby shows the withering away of the American dream. George Wilson works hard at fixing cars but ...

Part two of term paper
... to get married in..." (39). Therefore showing that the American dream is a failure. Myrtle Wilson, his wife, has nothing in her life. She does not work hard and therefor has no success, respect, power, or wealth. Even though she is Tom's mistress she does not gain anything because she is only being used by him. She uses her body to gain what she wants. Myrtle lacks culture and is very concerned about her appearance making her out to be a superficial character. James Gatsby shows no hard work ...