The American Dream is the idea that anyone, regardless of their social status or background, can achieve success in America if they work hard enough. However, The Great Gatsby undermines this ideal by showing how the main character, Jay Gatsby, is unable to achieve his dreams despite his hard work and determination. Gatsby is born into poverty, but he dreams of becoming rich and successful. He works hard and eventually becomes wealthy, but he is never able to achieve the happiness he seeks. This is because Gatsby's dream is based on the idea that money and success will bring him happiness, but he eventually realizes that these things are not as important as he thought. In the end, Gatsby's dream is tragically undermined, and he is left alone and disillusioned.