THE AMERICAN DREAM AND THE DESTRUCTIVE INFLUENCE OF DISTORTED VALUES IN AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY AND THE GREAT GATSBY

This article analyzes the transformation of the American Dream into a distorted system of values in An American Tragedy and The Great Gatsby. Through the analysis of Clyde Griffiths and Jay Gatsby, the study demonstrates how ambition detached from moral responsibility leads to personal and social tragedy. Drawing on literary criticism and socio-economic context, the paper argues that both novels expose the illusionary nature of success when it is defined solely by wealth and status.