What major theme is explored in "The Great Gatsby"?

The major theme explored in "The Great Gatsby" is the American Dream. F. Scott Fitzgerald delves into the idea of the American Dream by portraying the pursuit of wealth, status, and success, particularly through the character of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby represents the quintessential self-made man who rises from humble beginnings to immense wealth in an attempt to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. However, the novel criticizes this dream by highlighting the moral decay and disillusionment that often accompany the relentless pursuit of material success. Through Gatsby's tragic end, Fitzgerald illustrates how the American Dream can become corrupt and unattainable, revealing the gaps between reality and aspiration, as well as the darker sides of ambition and desire. The work ultimately questions whether the American Dream is truly achievable and critiques the values associated with the pursuit of wealth in 1920s America.