The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
As the novel moves forward once more into the present, the
past becomes connected to the future. For, as a result of this one moment in
time, the lives of those involved were greatly changed, even if just in the
most minute way. Despite all of this change though, Fitzgerald reflects that
society continues to push forward perpetually unaffected.
In search of freedom and identity, the characters of
Fitzgerald’s novel set out in search of dreams. Each looks for a better life
and success, yet each comes away empty handed and doubting of themselves and
society. It is suggested through the
openness of Nick’s judgment, that it is the character’s distorted social values
and morals of wealth and popularity that keep them from attaining the dream of
happiness and prosperity. Each
character’s past becomes a haunting factor in their future and a determining
quality in their action. For, as each character works to run from their past,
they are drawn only further into it. Thus, I feel that Fitzgerald suggests that
in order to fully embrace one’s dreams and future, one must embrace one’s past.
As is suggested in the final lines of the book which states, “It eluded us
then, but that’s no matter- to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms
farther…And one fine morning- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne
back ceaselessly into the past (Fitzgerald, Page 180),” one must learn from the
past. One must take every previously failed effort and challenge it with
greater determination to succeed.
From the message to the narration, the structure to the
symbolism, Fitzgerald beautifully crafts a novel of morality, love, and
friendship. With each page, the novel takes new twists and turns captivating
the reader. With a foundation in the past, the novel is revolutionary to the
future.
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