Leah WestMiss Sibbach AP English III12 December 2014 Searching for the American Dream The characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby fought for the American Dream every day of their lives, realizing that it was not easily attainable, yet it was possible. Each individual had a unique idea of ​​the American dream, and they all had very different ways to achieve their goal. Money and social status played an important role in the lives and ideas of many characters and the initial goal they sought. Fitzgerald shows the characters' motivations to give the audience an idea of ​​how they justify their actions to achieve the American dream. Not everyone has acquired the standard of the American dream, but the few who have. Tom wanted to be a pure, wealthy, high-class man, but he acted with an opposite personality that made many people dislike him. “His social attitudes are steeped in racism and sexism, and he doesn't even consider trying to live up to the moral standards he demands of those around him. He has no moral scruples about his extramarital affair with Myrtle…” (SparkNotes). Tom adopted double standards for Daisy, as when he learned of a potential relationship between her and Gatsby, he forced a confrontation between the two of them. Tom always runs away from his problems so as not to be caught and becomes restless so as not to have to deal with his weaknesses. “He is also a rude and violent person who sometimes acts in a loud and malicious manner” (Tom). Tom speaks and acts very hypocritically. His harsh words towards Daisy about the affair caused many people to come to know him as degrading, so they avoided talking to him if they could. Even though he hasn't achieved his American dream, Tom bullies the people he feels are keeping him from getting closer to realizing his idea of ​​perfect. His American dream was no different from most people in the roaring twenties, he wanted to have a high social status and achieve great wealth. George, her faithful, but poor and lower class husband, treats her with a lot of respect and acts very proud of her. Myrtle does not appreciate his efforts and becomes so dissatisfied with their relationship that she has an affair with Tom. “'I married him because I thought he was a gentleman…I thought he knew something about ranching, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoes'” (Fitzgerald 34). Myrtle speaks of George so humbly because she wants to escape the unhappiness of their relationship, only to hope to realize an upper-class life with Tom. Myrtle tries so hard to adopt a different way of living, and ends up losing everything and dying with nothing