The Great Gatsby: Depravation of the American Dream The American Dream is defined as an American ideal of a happy and successful life to which all may aspire. Anthony Brandt stated that “In the deepening gloom of the Depression, the American Dream represented a reaffirmation of traditional American hopes.” The Great Gatsby, a sensitive, satiric fable, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the pursuit of success and the collapse of the American dream. This is shown in the theme of the book, as well as in the symbolism of the characters and the action. Critics have re