The Book that Killed the American Dream

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

In 'The Epic of America', James Truslow Adams provides a comprehensive historical overview of the United States from the English settlement to the twentieth century. He defines the 'American Dream' as a vision of a land where life should be better and richer for everyone, with opportunities for each person according to their ability or achievement. Adams emphasizes that this dream is not merely about material prosperity but about a social order where individuals can attain their full potential regardless of their birth or position. The book is significant for its articulation of the American Dream during a period of economic crisis, the Great Depression, and for its broader historical context that underscores the enduring ideals of American society.