Final answer:
F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of the American Dream in his novel reflects its individuality and the general unattainability. He deeply explores themes like disillusionment and the transient nature of success, mirroring societal attitudes post-World War I and during the 1920s. Fitzgerald's works critique the complexity behind the myth of opportunity and success solely through hard work.
Step-by-step explanation:
F. Scott Fitzgerald endeavors to portray the complexities and contradictions of the American Dream through his works. In his novel, The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald presents Jay Gatsby, whose story is both individual and universal, reflecting on the elusive quest for happiness and success. Gatsby's story is specifically his, not emblematic of all individuals pursuing capitalist success, signifying that the American Dream is highly subjective and often unattainable.
In his personal essay, "The Crack-Up," Fitzgerald recounts his life in the 1920s as a successful author, expressing a sense of romantic distinction and independence in his craft. However, he also speaks to underlying dissatisfaction and fleeting fulfillment, mimicking the broader societal disillusionment after World War I. Fitzgerald's and Zelda's lavish lifestyle and subsequent financial struggles are manifestations of the 'fun, fast-lived life' that could lead to doom—echoing the eventual hollowness that comes from the heedless pursuit of wealth and status.
The American Dream narrative, which emphasizes opportunity and success through hard work, is critically examined as Fitzgerald reveals the more convoluted reality behind this myth. His works suggest that the dream, while alluring, is often riddled with moral compromises and an inherent instability, as portrayed in the characters' lives in The Great Gatsby and his own experiences during the extravagant but uncertain 1920s.