F. Scott Fitzgerald was a prominent American writer of the 20th century, best known for his novels "The Great Gatsby" and "The Beautiful and Damned." He is often referred to as the great American dreamer because of his portrayal of the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties, as well as his exploration of the decline of the American Dream.
The term "American Dream" was coined by James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book "The Epic of America," and refers to the idea that any person, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Fitzgerald's writing often grapples with the idea of the American Dream, particularly in "The Great Gatsby," in which the main character, Jay Gatsby, is a self-made man who rises from poverty to become wealthy through illegal means.
However, Fitzgerald also explores the dark side of the American Dream, as characters in his novels often become corrupted by their pursuit of wealth and success. In "The Great Gatsby," Gatsby's love for Daisy Buchanan ultimately leads to his downfall, as he is unable to attain her due to their different social class. In "The Beautiful and Damned," the main characters, Anthony and Gloria Patch, become consumed by their desire for wealth and fame, leading to their eventual downfall and tragic end.
Fitzgerald's portrayal of the American Dream is often seen as critical and disillusioned, as he suggests that the pursuit of wealth and success can lead to corruption and moral decay. However, Fitzgerald also presents the idea that despite these pitfalls, the American Dream is still an attainable and desirable goal.
In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald is referred to as the great American dreamer because of his portrayal of the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties and his exploration of the decline of the American Dream in his writing. While he presents a critical view of the pursuit of the American Dream, he also suggests that it is still an attainable and desirable goal.