Final answer:
Gatsby's pursuit of happiness mirrors the materialism and desire for social prestige of the 1920s, but ultimately reveals the emptiness of such goals. His obsession with wealth and Daisy's love leaves him disillusioned, reflecting Fitzgerald's own commentary on the era's definition of success and contentment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gatsby's understanding of happiness is deeply influenced by the ideals of the 1920s, a period commonly referred to as the Roaring Twenties, which is typified by excess, material wealth, and a quest for the American Dream. Fitzgerald's narrative, including the character of Jay Gatsby, reveals the hollowness that often lies beneath the surface of such material success and social status. Gatsby is convinced that happiness can be achieved by wealth and by winning the affection of his former love, Daisy Buchanan. Despite his great wealth and lavish parties, his happiness remains unattainable, suggesting that true contentment is not found in material possessions or social standing, but rather in genuine human connections and fulfillment.
In the novel, Fitzgerald uses Nick Carraway as the narrator, who presents Gatsby's story as both an individual struggle and as a reflection of the societal expectations of the times. As Fitzgerald himself experienced a similar quest for happiness through success and found it unfulfilling, he expresses through Gatsby that the pursuit of an unattainable love and identity shaped by others' expectations can lead to one's downfall.