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The Great Gatsby

 

            Immersed in a past that no longer exists, Jay Gatsby, the title character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's, The Great Gatsby, has an ability to dream--to dream that the pursuit of wealth can rekindle a past love and attain a perfect future. Gatsby's ability to both dream and obtain this wealthy lifestyle is what makes him so "great." Although Gatsby accomplishes his life long dream of prosperity, he never achieves his true goal of reviving his relationship with Daisy. Ultimately, Gatsby's vision of an ideal future with Daisy is not quite what he had imagined, resulting in the failure of his "great" American Dream. .
             Gatsby is first introduced in the novel standing alone in front of his gaudy estate, "stretch[ing] out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way" (25) and trembling. One can surmise from this first encounter with Gatsby, that he is enwrapped in a fantasy world. Looking and reaching towards the green light, it is obvious that this light represents something critical for Gatsby. As the novel unfolds, it becomes clear that his lover Daisy belongs to the light which shines at the end of her dock. The green light can be seen as Gatsby's American Dream. All the money, power, and driving ambition Gatsby possesses are due to the force behind the light. Daisy is the one who inspired Gatsby to obtain this wealthy lifestyle. Gatsby only desires prosperity to impress Daisy and have her back in his life. It is therefore ironic that the force that caused him to obtain this self-made fortune, is the one thing he cannot acquire. .
            


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