Incompatible Ideals In The Great Gatsby - 1090 Words

Incompatible Ideals As children, we grow up believing that we can do anything, be anything. The world is our playground, and we were free to imagine our future. Consequently, this imagination and boundless opportunities is what draws so many to the ideals of the American Dream. The unwavering hope that anything can be achieved through determination and a tireless work-ethic. The common misconception is once we have attained the dream, the luxuries will come soon after. In actuality what happens when this dream is finally attained? Does the expectation live up to the reality? Or is our imagined facade shattered by what the future presents? The ideals and the reality of the American Dream are clearly exemplified in the protagonist of the†¦show more content†¦From that day one, he leaves behind the identity of James Gatz forever. The rest of his life he will be known as Jay Gatsby, an incurable and idealistic romantic who fills his life with dreams. The most poignant and life-altering moment for the new Gatsby, is the arrival of Daisy in his life. Daisy brought youth and much needed colour into Gatsby’s life. Their whirlwind romance is short-lived, but the impact stays with them long after their parting. Gatsby is determined to win back the love of his life. He concludes that if he amasses a substantial wealth, he will be able to manipulate time, erasing Daisy’s marriage and fixing her future with him. Perhaps, this is why so many people are able to resonate with Gatsby, he invokes the sentiment of a common man. So many others have believed that if they simply change one aspect of their life and imagine it to be a particular way, the future will fall right into their hands. However, the inherent logical fallacy in this approach is the assessment that the other person in the relationship will still be the same person. What happens when the love fades, or the lover changes? Nevertheless, Gatsby future was not bound by common sense or logic. He pursued his goal by getting involved in bootlegging, and other questionable business endeavors to make quick money. He buys an ostentatious mansion on West Egg, in order to be directly across the bay from DaisyShow MoreRelated Symbols and Symbolism in The Great Gatsby Essay1207 Words   |  5 PagesSymbolism in The Great Gatsby       Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby has more relevance in today’s society than it did when it was written. With the recent societal trend that emphasizes lack of morals and material wealth over a meaningful existence, Fitzgerald’s message really hits home. Which is more important - money or love? Social status or being true to oneself? Fitzgerald uses metaphor and symbols to great effect in order to illustrate what can happen when the pursuit of happinessRead MoreTheme Of Reality In The Great Gatsby1842 Words   |  8 Pagesreality as it is.† The Creation of a false sense of reality is a prominent theme that is explored in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Through his work, Fitzgerald displays how those who build illusions to oppose the harsh realities of their dreams, cannot deal with such conflict and will, therefore, suffer dire consequences. Myrtle, Daisy and the titular protagonist Gatsby all create false illusions of their liv es as a result of conflict, forbidding them from living a life a honourable