VIDEO 1. Statistically, by most definitions, the American dream has never really been achievable for many Americans. It’s like winning the lottery but with a touch of unfairness added. 

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VIDEO 2. The Great Gatsby is a tragic love story on the surface, but it’s most commonly understood as a pessimistic critique of the American Dream. In the novel, Jay Gatsby overcomes his poor past to gain an incredible amount of money and a limited social cache in 1920s NYC, only to be rejected by the “old money” crowd. Fitzgerald critiques the idea that America is a meritocracy where anyone can rise to the top with enough hard work. 

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