The American Dream: A Marxist Mirage in Gatsby and Willy Loman's World

The shimmering allure of the American Dream- the promise of upward mobility through hard work and talent- has long captivated the hearts and minds of Americans. But delve deeper, and cracks begin to show, revealing a harsher reality. This is the world explored through the Marxist lens in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", where the pursuit of wealth exposes the inherent inequalities woven into the fabric of the American Dream.

In Gatsby, Jay Gatsby embodies the relentless pursuit. He amasses riches through illegal means, believing it will win back Daisy Buchanan, a symbol of the unattainable upper class. Yet, his wealth remains a facade, failing to bridge the chasm between him and the world he craves. Gatsby's lavish parties, attended by the careless elite, highlight the stark division between the "new money" and the established aristocracy. This division, according to Marxist critique, reflects the inherent power imbalance in a capitalist system where wealth dictates social standing.

Willy Loman, the struggling salesman in Death of a Salesman, embodies the disillusionment. He clings to the American Dream, believing in its promise of success through hard work. But Willy's reality is one of dashed hopes and unfulfilled expectations. His declining sales and eventual dismissal exposed the brutal truth: the system he blindly serves ultimately discards those deemed unproductive. Willy's tragic demise becomes a stark indictment of a capitalist society that prioritizes profit over individual well-being.

Both novels explore the manipulation of the American Dream. In Gatsby, the advertising industry, epitomized by Meyer Wolfsheim, thrives by creating desires for unattainable luxuries, fueling the cycle of consumption that benefits the wealthy at the expense of others. Similarly, in Death of a Salesman, Willy is bombarded with images of success and prosperity, reinforcing the illusion that material possessions are the key to happiness. This manipulation, from a Marxist perspective, serves to maintain the status quo by keeping the working class chasing an elusive dream, blind to the systemic inequalities that hold them back.

However, these novels are not simply critiques. They offer glimpses of resistance. Gatsby's defiance, while ultimately self-destructive, challenges the rigid social hierarchy. Willy's sons, Biff and Happy, eventually reject the empty pursuit of material success, seeking fulfilment in more authentic ways. These glimmers of rebellion suggest possibilities beyond the capitalist framework, hinting at a future where individual worth is not measured by wealth alone.

Reading Gatsby and Death of a Salesman through a Marxist lens invites us to question the very foundations of the American Dream. It compels us to examine the disparities in wealth and power, the manipulation of desires, and the potential for individual agency within a complex economic system. Ultimately, these novels serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that the pursuit of wealth should not come at the cost of human dignity and social justice.

So, dear reader, the next time you encounter the shimmering promise of the American Dream, remember the stories of Gatsby and Willy Loman. Let their struggles serve as a reminder to question, challenge, and strive for a future where prosperity is not just for the privileged few, but a reality shared by all.