There primary theme that is common between both novels is the characters' drive for the American Dream and the somewhat bittersweet results they get when they "achieve" hat dream.
In The Great Gatsby the American Dream is exemplified by Jay Gatsby, who has (by all appearances) risen from having nothing to having everything - wealth, respect, and position. He chose to pursue wealth, however, because he knew Daisy would never want a poor man. This causes us to question whether the American Dream really brings us true happiness.
In My Antonia we see the American Dream through the eyes of immigrants. Antonia and her family work very hard to come to America, and then work very hard once they are here. They view America as a land of opportunities, including money, land, jobs, and marriage prospects. However, the toll their new life takes on them also makes the reader question just how much the American Dream is worth.
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