In Guy Raz’s interview with Erin Currier, they discuss how America has lost its “exceptionalism” and no longer provides the opportunities that once were associated with the “American dream.” Currier reveals that kids in the United States do not receive the same opportunities that kids from Europe or Canada do. She discloses that although 70 percent of Americans because they are capable of climbing up the “socioeconomic ladder,” they are most likely incapable of bettering the socioeconomic standing they were born into. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the existence of a hierarchy within society becomes influential because it shapes characters depending on their status. Nick describes that he was born into a “well-to-do” family who were supported by his grandfather’s hardware business which was soon taken over by his father (Fitzgerald 3). Unlike his family, Nick moves to West Egg, where he begins to feel that “life was beginning over again” (Fitzgerald 4). In relation to Currier’s theory, Nick suggests that pursuing his career in the bond business will allow him to become more prominent than his father or grandfather. He hopes to be considered more illustrious by escaping his socioeconomic status and obtaining a more famed profession. Nick, like modern-day Americans, wishes to climb up the socioeconomic ladder to a more promising profession.
Jacky-I like the way you focus on Nick and his effort to achieve the American Dream, so to speak. He gives us some information abou this effort, as you point out, but we tend to forget it once we encounter Gatsby and his wealth. But it's no less important. A good reminder of that here.
ReplyDelete