How does tom represent the American dream?

Answer 1

Tom achieves wealth and high social status in West Egg. Although he achieves wealth, he is an immoral character. Before the 1920s, Benjamin Franklin started the idea that the American Dream was the pursuit of moral perfection. Once technology took over America beginning in the 1920s, the idea of the American Dream was 'rags-riches' (poor to wealthy) because people became greedy. People focused less on morality and focused more on materialism. So in reality, I'd actually say Tom represents the corruption (or decline) of the American Dream.