THE PROBLEM OF THE “AMERICAN DREAM” IN F. SCOTT FITZGERALD’S THE GREAT GATSBY AND NATHANAEL WEST’S THE DAY OF THE LOCUST

Аннотация

This article explores the concept of the "American Dream" as depicted in the works of 20th-century American writers — F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nathanael West — examining its origins and its influence on literature, creativity, and the masses. The concept of the "American Dream" is revealed as a myth of a society based on "equal opportunities," invented to create and sustain national and social values. However, there is a darker side to this pursuit of self- realization: the ideology destroys the personality of honest individuals, who lose themselves in the relentless chase for wealth; an obsessive desire for material success can ultimately lead to a tragicdownfall —what maybecalled an “American tragedy.” Keywords:American Dream, ideal, search for meaning, society, illusion,chaos, selfishness The “American Dream” is an ideal according to which every individual, regardless of origin or social status, can achieve success and happiness through hard work, talent, and perseverance. This concept has become a symbol of opportunity and freedom in the United States, yet its realization is often questioned, especially in literature, where authors highlight the social, economic, and moral costs of this idea. One of the key aspects of the American Dream is the illusion of equal opportunity. In reality, social barriers, inequality, and class divisions often hinder its achievement. As for material values, success within the framework of the American Dream is frequently measured by wealth, which leads to moral decline. Many protagonists of 20th-century literary works strive to fulfill the dream of a better life, but theirpursuit often ends in tragedy [3]. The idea of the "American Dream" has been shaped throughout the entire history of the United States and has undergone various interpretations, reflecting changes in the country’s society and economy. In the colonial period, the dream of freedom and the opportunity to build a new life in the New World became the foundation for the first settlers, who sought religious liberty, social equality, and the chance to own land. The Declaration of Independence of 1776 enshrined the principles of equality, freedom, and the right to pursue happiness, which later became the core of the American Dream. In the 19th century, the dream of material prosperity was closely linked to Westward expansion, the Gold Rush, and the Industrial Revolution, when many pursued wealth and new opportunities. In the 20th century, mass culture, Hollywood, and industrialization promoted the idea of “rags to riches,” which became a symbol of success and social mobility. However, in the21st century, the American Dream is being reconsidered. In the context of social inequality, discrimination, and environmental challenges, many now view it through a critical lens, focusing not only on personal achievement but also on issues of justice and societal sustainability. In literature, the American Dream is represented in various forms and expressions, each reflecting the aspirations and values of society at different stages of its development. The economic dream is associated with the idea of success and prosperity through capital accumulation and the attainment of high social status. Symbols of this aspect include wealth, home ownership, a car, and career advancement — all representing material well-being and 138 Volume 4, issue 6, 2025 success. The political dream is based on the principles of freedom and equality before the law. Inspired by democracy and human rights, it emphasizes the struggle for civil rights and equality as core elements of the American social order. The social dream focuses on opportunity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, or background. This dimension reflects the desire to combat discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for every individual, forming an essential part of the national ideology. The cultural dream affirms the value of unique identity and freedom of expression, symbolizing individualism, creativity, and freedom of speech. In this context, the American Dream is associated with the recognition of diversity and the encouragement of personal ambition. The educational dream, in turn, represents the aspiration to make quality education accessible as a pathway to a better life. It highlights the importance of knowledge and learning in achieving both personal and societal goals, traditionally considered a key to success in American culture. Thus, the American Dream encompasses not only the pursuit of material wealth but also the values of freedom, equality, individuality, and education, reflecting the ideals andambitionsthat have evolved alongside society. The reflection of the American Dream can be found in various cultural domains, where it takes on different forms and interpretations depending on the context. In cinema, this idea is often examined from a critical perspective. For example, in Citizen Kane (1941), the protagonist's tragedy—achieving material success butl