z, and he was born into a family of "shiftless and unsuccessful farm people" (Fitzgerald 99). However, this all changes when he meets up with the flamboyantly wealthy Dan Cody. In the hopes of becoming equally successful, Jimmy Gatz changes his name to Jay Gatsby and starts using Dan Cody as a model "of the wealthy and successful man" (Way 89). When Nick Carraway first meets Gatsby, he immediately realizes that Gatsby has built up an image of success for himself. Thus, for example, Nick gets a strong impression that Gatsby is "picking his words with care" (Fitzgerald 48). Unfortunately, in his haste to become rich and successful, Gatsby allows himself to become involved in illegal bootlegging operations. Thus, the foundation for his version of the American dream is corrupt from the start.
In Fitzgerald's novel, Gatsby's quest for materialism is connected to his desire for the love of Daisy Buchanan. An important symbol for Gatsby's dream is the green light across the bay that he frequently stares at. The green light can be seen as being symbolic of both money and ambition. However, the truth of its meaning becomes clear when Gatsby tells Daisy: "You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock" (Fitzgerald 94). The connection between the American dream and Daisy is further clarified when Gatsby tells Nick that she has a voice "full of money" (Fitzgerald 120). According t
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