Consider the meaning of the American Dream. Comment of Fitzgerald's ironic comment on the American Dream in Tender is the Night

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Consider the meaning of the American Dream. Comment of Fitzgerald’s ironic comment on the American Dream.

"The American Dream" is a phrase signifying the ideal of a nation. It is constructed around notions of hard work, determination, aspiration, equality, independence and freedom. It advocates an ethos whereby any man could make it if they worked hard enough. Fitzgerald, in ‘Tender is the Night’ explores the degraded aspects of the American dream though characters in the novel. For example the Divers, who seem to be successful in achieving the American dream at such a young age, however the deeper their characters and lives are explored, we see the darker elements concealed beneath the illusion of the American dream.

The Divers’ give the exterior impression that they have a perfect marriage, however it is evident that their marriage was based on the wrong reasons. Nicole’s mental status allowed her to b fully dependent on Dick, not only as a doctor but as a husband as well. She believed he was ‘someone she could rely on- indefinitely.’ Dick was highly impressed with not only Nicole’s beauty, but her high social status too. It could b argued that one of the main reasons that Dick married Nicole was because of her wealth. He ambitious nature saw her wealth as a business opportunity, which relates to the key ideas of achieving the American dream. He needed Nicole’s money in order to achieve the success that he had always desired.

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However it could also be said that ironically, the need he had for this wealth and success could have been a reason for his downfall. This is reflected through his relationship with Nicole. In chapter 6, Fitzgerald portrays the gap and emptiness in their relationship. The megaphone that Dick uses to communicate with Nicole symbolises Dick’s need to prove his dominance.

“He lowered his megaphone and then raised it stubbornly”

H is trying to claim some control in his relationship, as he is resentful of the fact that in a way, Nicole holds greater power over him due to ...

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