The Great Gatsby and A Raisin in the Sun are two moving novels that both truly embrace the infamous “American Dream” throughout many scenarios. Although both stories portray different ideas through different situations, they share a stronger similarity. The superficial aspect of the American dream is seen through the selfish and thoughtless acts made by characters in both the novels. Yet, at the end of both these stories, the reader experiences the true emotions and wants of these same characters. It’s almost as though the true meaning of life has suddenly burst into their thoughts.
In A Raisin in the Sun, a working class, African American family struggles with their finances, identity, and even family ties. Walter, a potential business man does everything in his nature to assure that his poor struck family will be able to maintain themselves moneywise. He invests much of his time and money into a liquor business so quickly, that he didn’t even stop to consider anyone else’s opinion. While doing this, he selfishly gave up all the money in his name, as well as all the money in his sister, Beneatha’s, name. To his horror, the man he trusted with this money for his business ran off with no explanation. The family was then left with nothing. Walter then desperately acted, and wanted to accept a large sum of money from a neighborhood official that had offered to pay the family not to move into a white neighborhood. Despite the family’s wishes, Walter insisted he was going to regain the money this way. Having lost all of his pride and nature, Walter calls the man with the check for a visit. Once the man arrives, Walter ends up telling him that his family and himself cannot accept the check, and will be moving into the new neighborhood shortly. An act of revelation and certainty allowed the family to bond closer together, realizing that money was never going to be more important than their own family matters.
Coinciding with these ideas, The Great Gatsby also revolved around characters that were struggling between the life of money and the life of love. The main character is a man named Gatsby, who lives a lavish lifestyle of fine things and riches. No one really knew what the man was really about, until one day he confides in his neighbor Nick, and tells him that he has been secretly in love with his cousin, Daisy, for some years. Although it’s clear that all Gatsby truly wants is to live his life together with Daisy, he is somewhat blinded by his luxurious lifestyle and persona that he has set up for himself. We come to realize at the end of the book that Gatsby was running a crooked business with alcohol bootlegging, and this is how he acquired all of his money. This corruption leads him into some serious trouble when Daisy and he kill Mrs. Wilson together. Mr. Wilson then comes seeking vengeance and shoots Gatsby. Ironically, Gatsby’s long lost love, Daisy, didn’t even react to this situation, and remained in her false romance with her current husband.
It’s clear that both stories portrayed the ideas of love versus money, and how easily superficial things can blind a person. In both cases, the characters are faced with the decision of choosing between riches, family, and love. The big difference here is that in A Raisin in the Sun, Walter was able to redeem himself and come to his senses. He came to the realization that the American dream was not about having loads of money, but by being with those whom you love and trust. On the other hand, in The Great Gatsby, Gatsby allowed his superficial circumstances to drive his entire life. He continued his bootlegging business secretly for years, despite the fact that he knew all he really wanted was to be with Daisy.
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