Throughout both works, Miller and Fitzgerald examine the theme of the vain pursuit of the American Dream. The American Dream is the idea that an individual can attain financial security and increase their social status through good fortune and hard work. The protagonists in both works pursue the American Dream, only to live unsatisfying lives as they become corrupted by money or the vain pursuit of financial success.
In the play Death of a Salesman, Willy Loman believes that he can become financially successful simply through being charismatic and well-liked. Willy also puts an extreme amount of pressure on his sons, Biff and Happy, to become successful without instilling the qualities of a good work ethic and dedication in them. Willy puts so much emphasis on attaining the American Dream that he fails to appreciate the love and support from his family. His decision to commit suicide in order to provide his family with financial security demonstrates the emptiness of pursuing the American Dream.
Similarly, Jay Gatsby's decision to enter the illegal bootlegging business to attain financial success does not manifest as personal happiness. Despite attaining the American Dream by becoming extremely wealthy and entering the upper class, Jay Gatsby becomes corrupted by wealth and is not able to provide stability for Daisy. Although his love for Daisy is genuine, Gatsby has become corrupted by wealth and believes that money can buy him happiness. Unfortunately, Gatsby's wealth is not able to purchase Daisy's love, and he dies a lonely, unhappy man.
Both Gatsby and Willy Loman neglect or fail to develop meaningful relationships because of their pursuit of the American Dream. While Willy's pursuit of the American Dream is futile, Gatsby's financial success and upper-class status is also empty because he fails to attain personal happiness.
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