In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the characters are animated by their dreams and ambitions, but may be oppressed or driven by their social prestige. The idea that people follow their dreams blindly but optimistically is a concept that encompasses the entire novel. The setting of the story is in America at the beginning of the 20th century in economic expansion, where Jay Gatsby, the novel's protagonist, has all the material goods he could desire. , but is not yet intrinsically satisfied. In this period it is important to note that social mobility was essentially impossible, but nevertheless he became the archetypal example of a self-made man; Gatsby climbed every rung of the social ladder and passionately seized every opportunity he could find to finally reach his position as a wealthy and influential man. This is one of the reasons why Jay stands out from other people during this time period. Gatsby can want something so badly that he is willing to do whatever he feels is necessary to get it, but more importantly, he can succeed in doing it. As Nick tells it, “So ...