The Great Gatsby (Page 175-180)

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. 

The Great Gatsby (Page 163-174)

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Nobody came (Fitzgerald, Page 174).” Following Gatsby’s tragic death, the true values of American society became evident in the preparations of his funeral. Selfishness and greed as well as fear of economic consequences which characterized so many of the upper class became highlighted as all of Gatsby’s previous guests found reasons as to why not to attend his final party. Only those most loyal and unaffected by social pressures of wealth stayed true to their friend both in life and death.  This tragedy of treason and unfaithfulness follows a similar story line to the book and movie “The Ultimate Gift” by Jim Stovall.

In “The Ultimate Gift” a man of immeasurable wealth, Howard "Red" Stevens, passes away tragically leaving behind his wealth to those acclaimed as family. Like Gatsby, Stevens was a man who had built his own success and became popular as a result of it. Yet, this popularity was for money and social status, not true friendship or family. Despite all of this false loyalty however, there were those who were true friends and remained loyal to Stevens even after his death. As Gatsby’s servants, postman, Nick, and owl-eyed friend continue to support Gatsby at his funeral, Stevens’ secretaries and grandson continue his legacy of service when all others turn only to money.  Jason, Stevens’ grandson, is very similar to Nick (just as Gatsby is similar to Stevens) in that he had always admired Stevens but never truly respected him until after his death as he had never truly understood his character. Additionally, it is in the death of Stevens that Jason’s life is forever changed and he is finally able to fully see the flaws of society and work to change them.

Through tragic tales, both Fitzgerald and Stovall create a masterpiece of loyalty and morality. They address the social injustices of material pressure, dishonesty, and immorality and they embrace the qualities of true love, faithfulness, and dreams. From a tale of past corruption comes a tale of future hope.

The Great Gatsby (Page 153-162)

Style is the artistry of writing. Through Fitzgerald’s writing style, The Great Gatsby becomes an artistic masterpiece of detail and beauty. Every page and sentence structure flows together creating an imaginative art piece.

Fitzgerald’s style can be clearly viewed through the winding phrase, “The track curved and now it was going away from the sun…he stretched out his hand desperately as if to snatch only a wisp of air...and he knew that he had lost that part of it, the freshest and the best, forever (Fitzgerald, Page 153).” Denotatively, this phrase has the literal interpretation of Gatsby riding a train and reaching out the window leaving his past destination behind. Connotatively, however, the phrase takes immensely deeper meaning as Gatsby loses direction within his life and let’s go of all connection and grasp on love forcing him to accept that he had lost all happiness he had ever known. Such complex style is used thoughtfully and continually throughout the novel by means of figurative language, detailed imagery, elaborate sentence structure, and powerful diction.  Every story within Fitzgerald’s novel is creatively structured to captivate the reader and instill a deeper message and theme. Fitzgerald challenges the reader throughout the story with foreshadowing and symbolism. Additionally, Fitzgerald captivates the reader with deep thoughts and poetically written phrases scattered throughout the novel.

For Fitzgerald, writing becomes more than just an art, but a way and method of living. Thus, Fitzgerald brings the story and plot to life through his imagistic style and observations.  Through style, the Fitzgerald’s writing truly comes to life. 

The Great Gatsby (Page 146-152)

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

“He left, feeling that if he had searched harder, he might have found her-that he was leaving her behind (Page 151-152).” In life, there are moments when one feels as though giving up is the only option and there are moments when giving up is simply not an option. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby gives up his search for Daisy, but never truly gives up on his love for her. Similarly, others throughout the novel, when challenged to give up, continue to fight. Nick fights for his moral values and does not give up despite social corruption.  The wealthy fight for the American dream of wealth and happiness and deject the nightmare of the degrading economic conditions at the time.  Despite all challenges thrust in their direction, the characters continue to fight for their dreams and aspirations. Daily in life, one is challenged to fight for who they are, what they believe in, and what they dream of. They are confronted with fears, weakness, and limitations, but they are inspired by hope.  At times when I struggle or things become difficult like in running a race, I feel as though giving up is my only option, but like the characters in Fitzgerald’s novel, I must keep trying by taking the next step. As people, we too are challenged not to give up when the future seems daunting, not to lose our individuality to conformity, not to give up searching when our dreams are hard to find. 

The Great Gatsby (Page 128-145)

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

“The transition from libertine to prig was so complete (Fitzgerald, Page 130).” With the end of the novel nearing and transitions and transformations almost complete, the novel’s plot can be more fully analyzed. From flashbacks to foreshadowing and rising to falling actions, Fitzgerald uses literary techniques and writing style to unveil a dramatic plot from innocence to corruption.

In this section of the novel, the plot takes a permanent turn as relationships are revealed and decisions are made. From the initial rising action of learning that the picture-perfect world of Nick’s life and surroundings is scarred by imperfections in Tom and Daisy’s relationship as Tom cheats on Daisy more hidden secrets become unveiled. Gatsby’s past becomes relived as he grows closer once more to Daisy and his false identity and secret business become open subjects to investigation. The ultimate climax takes place as Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby discuss the love affair which indirectly leads to the death of Myrtle. Throughout all of this, narrative hooks and expositions draw in and inform the reader of necessary information like past connections and character qualities. The final falling action is the tragic death of both George Wilson and Gatsby. Throughout the novel, multiple plots merge together to form the smooth storyline. From the plot of Gatsby’s past, to the tale of Tom and Daisy’s affair, and the story of Nick’s own past, these complex side-stories merge to form one plot of change and transformation.

Through transitions and reformations, The Great Gatsby follows a plot of change. From changes in characters to changes in society, Fitzgerald masterfully addresses issues in society through her plot. Beginning with innocence the novel weaves into a tale of exploitation. 

The Great Gatsby (Page 120-127)

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

 “There is no confusion like the confusion of a simple mind… (Page 125)” In reading The Great Gatsby, many questions arise both of the plot and of society itself. These questions allow the reader to look more deeply into the storyline and the messages of the novel.

In relation to the plot, I cannot help but wonder about Gatsby’s past and his constant usage of the phrase, “Old Sport.” In addition, I question the trustworthiness and respectability of his wealth and secret business. In connection with Gatsby’s wealth and his love for Daisy, I wonder if his business focus is more in an effort to win Daisy’s love than of his own desire for prosperity.  I question if Daisy truly loves Gatsby now or if she is more drawn by his popularity and success. As a man with everything, I also question Tom’s motives in marrying Daisy and the suddenness of that marriage. Most substantially, though, I question why Nick helped Gatsby and became involved with such complex affairs rather than being the bystander and observer he characteristically is and prides himself in being. In relation to the themes, I question if Fitzgerald supports pursuit in the American dream or if he views it as unattainable. I question the view of wealth and society at the time as well as Fitzgerald’s recommendations for the future.

Through all of these questions, I am challenged to further analyze the story and to look deeper into the plot. By questioning the reading, the reader is able to look more closely at the details in reference to the big picture. From simple confusion, comes deeper understanding. 

The Great Gatsby (Pages 97-119)

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Like people throughout life, characters within a novel change throughout the story. In looking openly at the characters and each unique quality, a reader is able to see the character’s transformation and the roles each play in the plot. Thus, in analyzing the qualities and roles of both Nick and Jay Gatsby, the reader is able to connect to and understand the story.

Nick Carraway initially appears as an innocent and simple flat character, but as the novel progresses, he develops into a more complex and challenging role. As a dyamic character, Nick first acts as a bystander and observer, but as the novel moves forward, becomes more directly involved in matters such as the affair between Daisy and Gatsby. He faces internal conflicts of staying true and honest to his morals and values and external conflicts with his old college friend, Tom, as he becomes involved in the secrets of his relationships and affairs. Nick’s dominant traits in the beginning are his hopefulness and trust in societies promises, but at the end of the novel, he is a much more nostalgic and past focused.

Jay Gatsby, the source of mystery and focus in the novel, acts as a round character with a secret past and false identity. He stays fairly static as he focuses throughout the novel solely on his love for Daisy. Internally, Gatsby faces conflict in questioning if Daisy will still and always love him and in achieving his American dream. Externally, Gatsby is confronted by conflict with his questionable business and Tom.  Throughout this, his significant actions include the ever popular parties, his forming a friendship with Nick, and his pursuit of Daisy’s love. He is characterized by the rumors that evolve him and his own lies of deceit. He is also characterized, though, by strong values, intelligence, and selfless love.

As the story progresses, it is the tale of each character, both present and past, that moves the plot forward. While “You can’t repeat the past (Page 110),” the past becomes invaluable to understanding the future. In knowing the qualities of each character and seeing their transformations, one is able to see the full plot of the story.  As with every person, there is a story behind every character.