The American Dream Related to Social Class and Romantic Relationships
The American dream has been chased by many individuals even in the current time. Individuals from low-income nations have a notion that they will make it in life once they come to America. Despite the many opportunities in the country, many may not achieve their dream. The three novels explore the American dreams during different times. The pursuit of the American Dream by is a fixation affected by the socioeconomic class of the characters in Netherland, Bodega Dreams, and The Great Gatsby, and directly aids the deterioration of the romantic relationships in the novels.
In the book Netherlands, Chuck seems to have a belief that everything is possible in America. He decides to start a cricket business despite the fact that cricket is not popular in America. Chuck believed the possible number of immigrants who are aware of cricket was increasing. Hans and Chuck forged a friendship as they work together towards achieving the American dream. Despite the disintegration of his marriage, Hans made no effort to salvage it; instead, he throws himself into super intensive work. Over the weekends, he would lie down pondering where his life went wrong. The sole consolation would be on the days when he would travel to play cricket, a sport that reminded him of jovial days back in his home country.
Chuck Rankisson, on the other hand, was a Trinidadian, who had a dream to build a major international cricket stadium. Han’s guide through the city is Chuck Ramkissoon. Chuck’s business ventures are illegal i.e. he operates a gambling ring and terrorizes his rivals however he is a Gatsby-like American dreamer also. Chuck hopes to make a profit from cricket and also wants to save the world. He felt that he sport would unite all people. When Hans got involved with Chuck, he began to get accustomed to his values and began chasing the American dream as well. In the spare time instead of spending time with his family, he would be with Chuck. His marriage began to tear apart, but he never made any effort to salvage it despite Rachel telling him to go back to London. Chuck reawaken the dream Hans had had for a long time. He introduced him to fellow dreamers and con artists, the individuals who become a second family to Hans. To Hans, Chuck’s inherent confidence and force of reason represent a lifeline; Hans felt that he could just grab onto it; he could pull out of his stupor.
In the novel The Great Gatsby, explores the fall of the American dream. There is the decay in the society. Gatsby was a man who came from nothing and struggled to obtain his wealth often through illegal means. Gatsby had hope that after he had made enough money, he would win Daisy love. In the end, it can be seen that Daisy was never interested in Gatsby in the first place. She could never have left her husband .after the death of Gatsby, she and her husband continue to live a normal life as if nothing happened. The other characters are George and Myrtle Wilson. George just like Gatsby is looking for love and financial success as his dream. Daisy lived her American dream through Tom, her husband who was rich. She does not have any goals but rather lives at the moment. Tom, on the other hand, was born into a rich family. He has the money and the influence. Since every thing had been handed to him on a silver platter, he does not need to change. He wants to remain in the status quo. To him, everything has to be perfect. Losing Daisy could bring changes since he views her as his possession.
Wilson had a dream to earn more money so as to move away and start a new life with his wife. His dream would actualize if only Tom helped him. His dream, however, does not materialize when he wife his murdered. His life becomes meaningless to him. His wife, Myrtle, desired to be a lady of the elite class. By having an affair with Tom, she felt as if she belonged to the influential people in the society. She sees Tom as a ticket to a good life. She does not like Daisy as she is a hindrance to her dream. Her affair with Tom put a strain on their relationship. Wilson had suspected she had an affair but did not know with who. Her dream, however, does not materialize as she is murdered by Daisy. Myrtle chase for American dream led to the deterioration of her marriage.
F. Scott Fitzgerald attributes the devastation of the American dream to affluence, opportunities, as well as social decay. Money is central in the dream’s demise. This is seen through the means which Gatsby acquires his wealth. There is the issue of materialism which replaces hope. His parties, enormous mansion all represent corruption. He used his influence and status to break the law as it is seen as he violates the traffic laws. Tom and Daisy, on the other hand, were sloppy individuals. They destroyed stuff and retreated to the vast wealth and let other people clean up after their mess. This is seen as Daisy murders Myrtle; she puts the blame on Gatsby. This lead to Wilson to kill Gatsby. So, in essence, Tom is responsible for the death of Gatsby and Wilson. Tom claimed innocence because as an elite member, he has never known shame.
The elite class does things that please them without a care of how it affects other people. The decay of the social values is seen when Gatsby is murdered. No one attends his future even the people who would attend his parties. Ernesto Quiñonez in Bodega Dreams shows bodega who wishes to climb the social ladder and attain wealth by all means. Bodega is seen struggling on the streets to become an influential drug lord. He utilizes his money to help fellow Latinos. His generosity is seen when he gives chino an apartment in exchange for his loyalty. Chino, Blanca, and Sapo all have goals to better their lives. Chino with the help of Sapo would later join Bodega. As Chino continued to chase his American dream, his marriage to Blanca begins to deteriorate up to the point when Blanca moved in with her parents.
Nazario has also achieved success through the practice of law. He knew the loophole in the law, and he understood the streets well.Vera also had a dream; she married a rich man and used the money to give herself a good life. Vera’s chase for good life leads her to murder her husband. Bodega’s dream was also his love for Vera. Vera capitalizes on this by making bodega take the fall for the murder. The murder has been a plan all along with Nazario. Vera wanted to be with Nazario. Bodega’s love for Vera leads to his death. After his death, Bodega is honored by his community.
All the three novels depict the dehumanization of the society. The elite class has no respect for the low class. The theme also depicts the chase of American dreams which leads to the death of most of the characters. Women in the novel, Daisy and Vera can be seen to be marrying for simply money and influence. They both left their love interests who were not wealthy to marry the rich. From the novels, it can be seen that the American dream leads to the destruction of families.
