I am writing a critique for my American Literature class on The Great Gatsby and I am so stuck. I don't know exactly how to prove my thesis. I need four different points.

My thesis:
Gatsby achieves the American dream by becoming quite successful; however, achieving the American dream does not always create happiness. Gatsby becomes quite wealthy yet fails to get what he truly wants, Daisy, showing that unlimited wealth does not always lead to unlimited power.

My first point/body paragraph: Gatsby gets all this money and wealth and has this extravagant lifestyle yet in the end fails to get Daisy, which was his sole purpose for making his great lifestyle.
I don't know what I could use as points for each of the next three paragraphs!
I also need some assistance with which quotes/ details from the book I could use to prove my first point...as well as the three other points I haven't made yet.

Feedback on the above, as well as extended feedback/ pointers on how to tackle this critique would be much appreciated. I've been working on this for days and have only gotten a mere introduction!
My introduction is as follows. Perhaps it will help with giving me some points? Feedback on it would be helpful if you think it should be altered...

In The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby lives in the Modernist society of West Egg during the 1920s where the American dream is portrayed in a way opposite from the stereotypical view of the American dream, distorted. Fitzgerald renders a society where ethics are put aside by the people within whom have minds crowded with materialistic motives and empty goals. Gatsby ends up creating a successful living for himself, however, merely in a materialistic sense, built from a life of poverty. Gatsby embarks on a journey to achieve one goal which is to get his beloved lost love, Daisy, back into his life. Gatsby achieves the American dream by becoming quite successful; however, achieving the American dream does not always create happiness. Gatsby becomes quite wealthy yet fails to get what he truly wants, Daisy, showing that unlimited wealth does not always lead to unlimited power.

Thanks!

Your thesis statement is a solid starting point for your critique of The Great Gatsby. It accurately captures the theme of the elusive nature of the American Dream and how achieving material success does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. To further develop your critique, I can provide you with some additional ideas for the remaining three body paragraphs, as well as suggestions for quotes and details from the book.

Second point/body paragraph: Gatsby's obsession with material wealth as a means to win Daisy's love highlights the emptiness and superficiality of the society in which he lives. You can explore how Gatsby's extravagant parties, his collection of expensive possessions, and his luxurious lifestyle are all ultimately in vain as they fail to bring him true happiness or the genuine love of Daisy.

Possible quotes and details:
- "There was music from my neighbor's house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars." (Chapter 3) - This quote illustrates the extravagant and hedonistic atmosphere of Gatsby's parties.
- Gatsby's mansion and its lavish decorations and amenities can serve as evidence of his materialistic pursuits.

Third point/body paragraph: The theme of illusion and façade is prevalent throughout the novel, and Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream is portrayed as a mirage. You can explore how Gatsby creates a false persona, reinventing himself to fit into the upper class and win Daisy's affection. However, this attempt at self-transformation only leads to his downfall and a sense of disillusionment.

Possible quotes and details:
- "He invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end." (Chapter 6) - This quote demonstrates Gatsby's fabricated identity and the lengths he goes to in order to present himself as successful.
- Gatsby's belief in the green light at the end of Daisy's dock as a symbol of hope and his desire for a better future can showcase the illusion he creates in his mind.

Fourth point/body paragraph: Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream is ultimately tragic, as his relentless pursuit of Daisy blinds him to the reality of his situation. Despite his immense wealth, Gatsby remains a lonely and isolated figure, estranged from his true self and unable to find genuine connection and love.

Possible quotes and details:
- "He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way." (Chapter 6) - This quote emphasizes Gatsby's singular focus on his pursuit of wealth and Daisy.
- Gatsby's isolation and lack of genuine companionship can be observed through his extravagant parties where guests come and go without any true connections being formed.

Regarding your introduction, it effectively sets up the context of the novel and introduces the main themes you will discuss in your critique. However, I would suggest condensing the introduction and getting straight to your thesis statement to ensure a concise opening that captures the reader's attention.

I hope these suggestions help you further develop your critique of The Great Gatsby. Good luck with your writing!