Abstract

F·Scott·Fitzgerald is generally regarded as one of the representative writers during “the Jazz Age”. The Great Gatsby is a representative masterpiece in his works. This novel reflects the decayed nature of American dream under the gorgeous cover and exposes the tremendous contradictions among different social classes and the intense conflicts between ideal and reality of “the lost generation” by depicting Gatsby’s tragic life and the disillusionment of his American dream. This dissertation provides an explanation of Gatsby’s American Dream from his own experience and his struggling, and gives reasons for its disillusionment from the social background and characters’ personality.

Key words: The Great Gatsby; American dream; disillusionment

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction1

1.1Introduction to F·Scott·Fitzgerald .1

1.2 Introduction to the Jazz Age3

1.3 Introduction to The Great Gatsby .4

2. The Analysis of American Dream...6

2.1 The formation of Gatsby’s American dream.7

2.2 Gatsby’s efforts in realizing his dream..9

3.The Chief Factors of Disillusionment of Gatsby’ s Dream...10

3.1 American social background11

3.2 An analysis of the characters appearing in the novel ...12

4. Conclusion14

References15