The Great Gatsby portrays the loneliest moment in a person’s life as the time when their entire world disintegrates, leaving them only able to gaze absentmindedly. F. Scott Fitzgerald, in his novel, skillfully employs symbolism to convey this message. The story revolves around Nick Caraway, who relocates from the Midwest to pursue his career in New York. Residing on the less affluent West Egg island, he finds himself across from East Egg, where his arrogant acquaintances Tom and Daisy reside.
They engage in gossip and frequent parties, while Tom is having an affair with a woman named Myrtle Wilson. Everyone is aware of this except Daisy and Mr. Wilson. Meanwhile, Nick resides next door to an enigmatic individual named Gatsby, who hosts extravagant gatherings, although his true nature remains unknown. As the story progresses, Nick becomes acquainted with the enigmatic Gatsby and experiences the presence of individuals who embrace a self-centered and immoral existence. Fitzgerald skillfully incorporates symbolism throughout the novel, to such an extent that multiple readings may be necessary for complete comprehension.
The book, The Great Gatsby, is considered a classic of the 20th century due to its creative yet simplistic styling. It explores three main themes: the loss of time, appearance and characterization, and perspective. The word “time” is frequently mentioned throughout the novel, either on its own or in compound words, indicating its significance to the book’s structure. Time plays a crucial role in the life of the character Gatsby and is integral to the plot.
Both Gatsby and his lover, Daisy, wish to erase a significant period of time from their lives. Gatsby believes that he can recreate the past he once shared with Daisy, which is symbolically represented. This foreshadows the tragic irony that Gatsby will face. On page 116, Gatsby confidently states, “Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course you can!” He firmly believes that Daisy must deny her love for Tom and openly profess her love for Gatsby in order for him to fully accept her. Gatsby is convinced that Daisy’s love for him still persists.
In one part of the story, Gatsby reveals to Nick his plan to marry Daisy at her white house in Memphis once Tom is no longer in the picture, just like they did five years ago. Later on, when Gatsby and Nick visit the Buchannans for lunch towards the end of the book, Gatsby sees Daisy and Tom’s child for the first time. Nick describes Gatsby’s expression as truly surprised and suggests that Gatsby never believed the girl actually existed. Gatsby is so consumed by his dream that he becomes disconnected from the harsh reality of the world.
Fitzgerald expertly uses symbolism to depict the passage of time in the moment when Daisy and Gatsby reunite after five years. As Nick enters the room, he witnesses Gatsby anxiously leaning against the mantelpiece with his head resting on the clock. In a tense pause during their conversation, the clock begins to tilt as if about to fall off the mantle. Dramatically, Gatsby catches the clock just before it falls, leaving all three characters speechless and filled with a peculiar awe of this valuable timepiece.
Nick recounts that there was a collective belief that the clock had shattered upon hitting the floor. The clock served as a representation of time, and with Gatsby’s head resting on it, it symbolized the immense pressure he placed on time. However, time ultimately could not bear the demands Gatsby made of it. Gatsby’s cautious act of catching the clock and his reluctant apology symbolizes the fragility and sensitivity of his plan. This introduction leads us to the next theme introduced by Owl Eyes, which centers around appearance and transformation.
Gatsby’s presence in West Egg was solely for the purpose of winning back Daisy. Owl Eyes was correct in his observations. Gatsby constructed a persona that would allow him to fit into the role necessary to capture Daisy’s affection. He was effectively hiding his undying dream. Curiosity surrounded Gatsby as every party guest speculated about who he really was. His dubious occupation added depth to his façade, as he was frequently accused of being involved in illicit activities such as bootlegging. Tom derogatorily referred to Gatsby’s car as a “circus wagon,” his actions as “stunts,” and his entire operation as a “menagerie.” All Gatsby truly desired was to be the man who could have Daisy.
This dream was shattered due to the careless actions of Buchanan and his “rotten crowd.” The central aspect of Daisy’s appearance was her lack of a solid foundation, as she constantly changed and lacked a true definition. She had a life that could be considered nonexistent. At the conclusion of the novel, readers despise her because of her never-ending recklessness. For instance, she couldn’t comprehend that her husband was being unfaithful. Furthermore, despite George Wilson killing Gatsby, Daisy astonishingly continued living her life as if nothing had occurred.
Tom’s statement in the book partially clarifies why she is oblivious; ‘That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.’ The fact that Daisy is a fool explains her destructive behavior. This novel has several significant characters, including Daisy. Daisy’s appearance reflects her perspective. The first chapter provides the most perceptive insight into Daisy’s character when Nick dines at her house.
After the meal, while Jordan and Tom are indoors, Daisy removes her mask and confides in Nick for a rare moment. Daisy’s demeanor is peculiar, especially her eyes and voice. She is perpetually cheerful, cracking jokes and making senseless, nearly foolish remarks. Her behavior resembles that of a young girl. This discussion with Nick showcases her peculiarity. She begins by acknowledging that they know very little about each other despite being cousins but then goes on to reveal her emotions, which she likely hasn’t shared with more than two people in the entire world.
Daisy shares with Nick her unhappiness and bitterness caused by her past experiences. However, she quickly shifts back to a joyful state. Following their intimate encounter, Nick feels even more distant from Daisy. He believes that the walls or façades that Daisy and her wealthy neighbors construct to shield themselves from the truth are deceptive. Understanding Nick’s viewpoint is challenging, as he is a minor character in terms of plot but holds the most significant role in the novel.
Fitzgerald has cleverly chosen to tell the story through a perceptive third party, Nick. This allows readers to gain a close-up perspective and a unique angle on the events. Despite being merely an observer, Nick’s role holds little significance. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald drops subtle hints that provide insight into Nick’s character and the overall message of the story. At the beginning of his narrative, Nick reveals two important details about himself: he follows his father’s advice to always listen and rarely judge others, and he holds a favorable opinion of Gatsby as he states, “Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it was what preyed on Gatsby…” As the story progresses, Nick admits his belief that every individual possesses some virtue, and he prides himself on his own honesty.
Throughout the book, Nick’s actions serve to define his character. Close examination reveals that while on Long Island, he maintains a relationship with a girlfriend back home in the west, which is rumored to be an engagement. He keeps in touch with her via letters signed “Love, Nick” while also engaging in an affair with Jordan Baker. The significant moment of their awkward breakup occurs when Jordan accuses him of dishonesty. Additionally, Nick’s character takes a bizarre twist during a scene where he becomes intoxicated for the only time in the story. After spending the entire day with Tom and his mistress, Myrtle, Nick ends up leaving with a guest and having a homosexual encounter with Mr. McKee before passing out on a bench in Penn Station at four o’clock in the morning (p.42).
Conclusively, The Great Gatsby is a novel that delves into the enigmatic nature of human life and explores its realistic and inherently harsh aspects. The book portrays realism through various themes, such as the concept of time. It emphasizes that the past may not necessarily mirror the future. This is exemplified in Gatsby’s attempt to revive his romance with Daisy, only to ultimately lose her due to the inevitable change of circumstances.
The Effect Of Racism In “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”
Throughout Maya Angelou’s I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, racism is a recurring obstacle confronted by people of color. In her youth, Maya remains oblivious to the full extent of racism and discrimination, in contrast to her perceptive grandmother. However, as Maya matures, she gradually recognizes the widespread presence of racism and discrimination directed towards both herself and the African American community.
Despite Maya’s young age, she may not fully comprehend or acknowledge racism and discrimination; however, these factors still greatly influence her perspective on life. The encounters with racism and discrimination that Maya faces in I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings considerably mold her attitude, personality, and overall outlook on life in a positive way.
During her youth, Maya witnessed disrespectful behavior from white individuals, which at times she didn’t recognize as racism. These encounters had a profound impact on her perspective towards life. She was taught to believe in the existence of animosity between black and white people, with the notion that the white race possessed inherent wickedness. Although she understood the concept and the necessity to comply with white individuals, she still found it difficult to comprehend the reasoning behind it.
Maya expresses her frustration and confusion when witnessing young white girls mocking Momma in front of the Store. Unable to comprehend their cruelty, Maya becomes overwhelmed with emotions and can’t help but cry behind the door. She finds it unfair that Momma, who hasn’t harmed them in any way, is being targeted. Maya feels the urge to retaliate by throwing black pepper or lye at them and calling them derogatory names like “dirty, scummy peckerwoods.” However, she realizes that she is just as trapped behind the scenes as the actors outside are confined to their roles (Angelou, 25).
Maya couldn’t understand why the girls were mocking Momma or why Momma didn’t try to escape from them. To her, this incident represented hate and envy rather than racism and prejudice. Despite facing hatred, prejudice, sexism, racism, and all other forms of discrimination, Maya overcomes these challenges and inspires hope not just within herself but also in the entire black community. She provides hope that all black individuals are capable of success, emphasizing that persistence and dedication lead to rewards. While Maya acknowledges the existence of injustice, she doesn’t allow it to negatively impact her life; instead, she responds with positive changes.
Maya’s journey in the book is characterized by her innate strength and empowerment as she confronts racism, even without fully comprehending its nature. Her experiences of discrimination during her early school years become sources of resilience and determination. Maya transforms hatred into motivation and ambition, and the racism and discrimination she encounters throughout I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings significantly impact her attitude, personality, and overall perspective on life—in a positive manner.
Gatsby Quotes About Love
The American dream, a concept present in American literature from its inception, is an aspiration for individuals to escape poverty and attain wealth, while also acquiring love, high status, wealth, and power along the path to success. Despite undergoing changes over time, this dream is often grounded in notions of freedom, self-reliance, and yearning for something greater. The original dream of early settlers who sought new lands out West to establish a family has transformed into a materialistic symbol wherein individuals desire opulent homes, extravagant cars, and a life of ease.
The American dream has increasingly focused on material possessions as a symbol of success in the past century. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby embodies the idea of a self-made person who starts from nothing but has a plan to achieve his dream. However, he becomes so obsessed with his extravagant belongings that he fails to realize that money cannot buy love or happiness. Fitzgerald shows how the pursuit of wealth, power, and expensive items can corrupt one’s ambitions. Gatsby is someone who recently gains wealth and his idealized view of riches has not prepared him for the deceitful, arrogant, and immoral company he surrounds himself with.
Despite throwing extravagant parties and being surrounded by countless people, Gatsby lacks genuine friendships. He spends money on lavish items and hosts grand social gatherings as a way of compensating for his longing for something more meaningful. However, Nick Caraway recognizes that beneath his involvement in illicit business dealings and obsession with wealth, Gatsby possesses a fundamentally good nature. In their final encounter before Gatsby’s demise, Nick tells him, “They’re a corrupt crowd… You’re worth more than the entire worthless bunch combined” (Fitzgerald 162). Gatsby’s idealistic outlook on life may partially contribute to his failure in attaining his dream.
Although he has amassed his wealth through illegal activities and dubious business dealings, his conscience remains unaffected by the moral corruption that surrounds him. Gatsby’s existence has not been tailored to his own desires but rather to his dream, his pursuit of a luxurious life ignited by the allure of an exquisitely affluent woman. Gatsby’s muse and motivation stem from the captivating Daisy Buchanan, who he was acquainted with during his military service. Daisy’s parents deemed Gatsby an unfit suitor due to his disadvantaged background and lacking substantial wealth. The narrator, Nick Caraway, perceives Daisy as an emblematic figure of wealth and beauty.
Daisy serves as the embodiment of Gatsby’s aspirations; he depicts her voice as being filled with wealth. Gatsby describes her voice as having the irresistible allure of money, constantly fluctuating and jingling, resembling the melody of cymbals (Fitzgerald 127). Some may see her as a modern-day temptress, as her deep and enigmatic voice captivates men. Gatsby becomes infatuated with her voice to the point where all his actions revolve around winning Daisy’s affections. Her voice implies the promise of immense riches. However, Gatsby realizes too late that her voice only guarantees wealth and nothing more.
There is no compassion in Daisy, just as there is none in cold, hard cash. Despite Daisy being married and their affair, Gatsby’s strong idealism leads him to believe that his vision will come true if she simply admits to never having loved her husband, Tom. Gatsby not only desires to relive the past but also wishes to erase the years when his dream lost its reality. For the past five years, Daisy has been at the center of Gatsby’s obsession, and his romantic nature prevents him from distinguishing between the past and present.
Despite the passage of time, Gatsby still sees Daisy as the same radiant woman he once knew, believing they will have a prosperous future together. However, he fails to realize that Daisy represents both material success and moral corruption often associated with wealth. While she may seem kind and pure on the surface, deep down she is self-centered and unemotional. Daisy shows little concern for others’ well-being, demonstrated by her willingness to let Gatsby take blame for Myrtle Wilson’s accidental death. Ultimately, it is Daisy’s careless actions that lead to Gatsby’s downfall, and she remains indifferent to the tragic consequences.
Despite engaging in adultery, she never had the intention of leaving her husband. As soon as she becomes aware of Gatsby’s questionable history, she promptly goes back to the arms of her equally self-centered and unethical spouse. On a surface level, Fitzgerald’s novel may appear to be a shallow depiction of the jazz era, extravagant parties, and allure that defined the early 1900s. Yet upon closer examination, it becomes clear that The Great Gatsby serves as a profound critique on how materialism can lead to destructive and oppressive outcomes for individuals within society.
The novel juxtaposes the aspiration of those without to resemble the privileged with the discontent and dissatisfaction experienced by those who already possess riches and status. In essence, the elitist faction within the narrative is depicted as lacking purpose, disillusioned, and unenthusiastic. The Buchannans’ aimless wandering from one location to another sans a defined objective or aim serves as an embodiment of this notion. Jordan Baker consistently dons an expression of indifference and boredom on her countenance. Although these individuals are regarded as the “haves,” Fitzgerald prompts readers to question whether their material possessions genuinely bring them satisfaction.
Gatsby’s life centers on being part of an exclusive group, but it becomes evident that his disreputable background hinders him from truly belonging. It is worth noting that Gatsby’s idealistic romanticism does not align with this group; regardless of how high he climbs on the social ladder, he will never completely fit in. Ironically, those who possess the means – whether money or social status – to achieve their dreams lack the drive or longing to do so. The social groups of East Egg and West Egg consist of drifting, careless, and shallow individuals, symbolizing how materialism can corrupt.
Gatsby, in the midst of materialism and discontent, finds his dream of success tarnished. His aspiration of going from rags to riches transforms into a bleak nightmare that ultimately leads to his downfall. The corrupt world he enters is not how he imagined it would be, and he is constantly confronted with examples of unhappiness caused by the pursuit of “success.” Blinded by his dream, Gatsby fails to recognize that love and happiness cannot be bought with money. Fitzgerald skillfully critiques a society obsessed with possessions and demonstrates the detrimental impact it can have on the aspirations and dreams of individuals.