Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

The attempt to induce the American woolgather is key tomany novels. This reverie is different for different people, butin The Great Gatsby, for Jay, the dream is that donewealth and power, one can acquire happiness. Thishappiness is something for which he must reach into the pastto have and for which he must revive an old dream.Jay Gatsby, the central figure of the story, is one characterwho longs for the past. Surprisingly he devotes most of hisadult life trying to recapture and, finally, dies in its pursuit.In the past, Jay had a love occasion with the affluent Daisy.Knowing he could not marry her because of the difference intheir social status, he leaves her to amass wealth to reach hereconomic standards. Once he acquires this wealth, hemoves near to Daisy and throws extravagant parties, hopingby chance she might show up at one of them. He, himself,does not attend his parties but watches them from adistance. When this dream doesnt happen, he asks aroundcasually if anyone kn ows her. Soon he meets NickCarraway, a cousin of Daisy, who agrees to set up ameeting. Gatsbys personal dream symbolizes the largerAmerican dream where all have the opportunity to get whatthey want.Later, as we see in the Plaza Hotel, Jay still believes thatDaisy loves him. He is convinced of this as is shown whenhe takes the blame for Myrtles death and then watches andprotects Daisy as she returns home. Jay cannot accept thatthe past is gone and done with. Jay is sure that he cancapture his dream with his wealth and influence. He believesthat he acted for a good beyond his