Fitzgerald “accurately shows life and its problem’s” and he likes to address the “moral dilemmas in the society”. One way that he does this is through the idea (or themes) that he represents in his work. We have talked about the idea of “illusion” and that all of the characters and places The Great Gatsby are hiding something from the outside world. Fitzgerald comments on peoples need to present a persona to the world, rather that risk revealing and being rejected because of their true self. He also presents the following ideas in The Great Gatsby :
- The inevitability of time
- The myth of the American Dream
- For each of the ideas above, make a list of the ways that Fitzgerald presents it to us as his readers. Be specific and use examples from the text to support your judgements.
The American Dream
The Great Gatsby is a harsh accusation of the “idea” of the American Dream. The only people who actually succeed were the Buchanans and Jordan, who didn’t work for their money they were already given the dream. Those who fail despite their effort of gaining money, are Gatsby, Wilson and Myrtle. Fitzgerald outlines how false the American Dream is. It is seen as a source of hope for a triumph life with no downfalls and all equality, but it turns out to be very deceitful. It is only designed to keep people motivated and working continuously. It may seem achievable from the surface but the closer you get to succeeding, the further away your desired dream drifts. Gatsby overcomes his poor, unfortunate childhood to gain a magnificent amount for money in his possession. Despite all this, he still isn’t approved by the “old money” crowd. Daisy represents the ultimate status symbol so no wonder Gatsby’s obsession for her grows. He would sacrifice and does sacrifice anything for her, ultimately death. When Nick questions Gatsby asking if it was Daisy that killed Gatsby, he replies by saying “Yes…but of course I’ll say I was”. Gatsby response of taking the blame for Myrtles death is that her opinion is the only one that matters. It shows the audience that his love for Daisy is genuine and he truly cares about her.
The inevitability of time
Time continues to move forward regardless of how much we want to live in the past. Time wont stop for anyone, it will progress onward and life will move with it. Fitzgerald shows the inevitability of time through symbols. One of the main symbols being water, water that has slowly drowned Gatsby throughout his whole life until death. From him being born at “sea”, all the way till his death in his own pool, immersed in water. Water represents the time Daisy and Gatsby have spent apart and the changes that have occurred in the time. This distant relationship between these two main characters disconnects them from fulfilling Gatsby’s desired fantasy and leaves them both caught up on their past. Nick brings these two lovers together after 5 years apart. In chapter five, coincidentally enough, “they day agreed upon was pouring rain.” This scene strongly illustrates the time they have spent apart from one another and how this negatively affected their relationship.
Fitzgerald continues in chapter 5 with subtle cryptic water metaphors. “Aware of the loud beating of my own heart I pulled the door to against the increasing rain.” Their five years spent apart has driven an uncomfortableness between the pair and the rain resembles this. When Nick leaves Daisy and Gatsby to themselves, the rain begins to clear up, symbolising that the hope of them being together is still visible. “What do you think of that? It’s stopped raining”. “I’m glad, Jay.” Her throat, full of aching, grieving beauty, told only of her unexpected joy.” The sky decides to clear and the gawking sun seeps through the once foggy clouds. Gatsby and Daisy are finally reunited and connected, as the rain came to a halt, their relationship grew more and more and allowed them to blossom together.
2. Explain what you think Fitzgerald is saying about each of the ideas above- what is his opinion on each one. Why do you think he holds the view he does? Comment on why you do or dont agree with him using the world you live in as a reference.
Fitzgerald presents the ideas above as situations that all lead to negative consequences. How he states that the American Dream is a myth, shows his lack of belief for hope and equality. He tries to advise the readers to not fall for these “traps” that the characters in the Great Gatsby continue to do. The inevitability of time shows no matter how hard you try or how much power you have, you can never control time. It will continue moving forward regardless. Fitzgerald’s harsh opinions on these ideas are all true and aware. His attentive manners allows him to see through the “myths” of these ideas and observe the crowd who are believers. Relating these bitter facts to our society and the world we live in allows the readers to compare real life situations to the novel. We learn more about the characters and can put ourselves in their shoes by knowing their backgrounds and emotions.
Recent Comments