People often attempt to disguise themselves behind a mirage to convince others and themselves of a higher status in society. This persona eventually becomes so intertwined with their identity that the reality fades into the background. The Great Gatsby explores this relationship through the connection between a materialistic, self-serving society and its effect on Jay Gatsby’s pursuance of his dream. In The Great Gatsby, appearances do not reflect reality, demonstrating F. Scott Fitzgerald’s commentary on the importance of dissociating the falsified identity from the true self amongst a superficial society.
The novel’s depictions of West and East Eggs establish a contrast between traditional and new wealth. In appearance, people from these …show more content…
After Gatsby’s party, Nick describes the “great doors” that “endow” “the host” (55). The diction “host” amplifies the solitude of a singular host in a huge mansion against the many partygoers exiting the building. Furthermore, the diction “endow” suggests an appreciation for this change from a hectic party to calming isolation. The partygoers are associated with the superficial demands of society. The reality of Gatsby’s loneliness releases him from his persona that he must display during the parties to fit in with the crowd, attributing frivolity with his persona and modesty with his reality. Following the death of Myrtle, Gatsby is in a “new world” where “material” is not “real” (161). Gatsby witnesses the reality of his situation through the collapse of his unattainable dream for a relationship with Daisy. His obsession with wealth is deemed superficial as it no longer shrouds the truth of his failed relationship. Ultimately, Gatsby’s persona inhibits him from perceiving his relationship as a fabrication of his dream rather than sincere love. He enters this new world when he realizes that wealth and prestige are irrelevant with the absence of love. Separated from his dream and surrounded by a society that worships inherited wealth, Gatsby comes to realize the fallacy of his persona. His dreams, which are structured by the pursuit of wealth, are incompatible with reality. When few people attend Gatsby’s funeral, Nick feels “a certain shame for Gatsby” (169). Nick’s once prideful and honorable impressions of Gatsby fade into pity. Gatsby’s death is plagued by loneliness, a stark contrast to his popular life under the public eye. His presence in society is quickly forgotten or ignored by not only the partygoers, but also Daisy and Wolfshiem, with whom he thought had strong connections. This reveals the realities of East and West Eggs. In a
The novel’s depictions of West and East Eggs establish a contrast between traditional and new wealth. In appearance, people from these …show more content…
After Gatsby’s party, Nick describes the “great doors” that “endow” “the host” (55). The diction “host” amplifies the solitude of a singular host in a huge mansion against the many partygoers exiting the building. Furthermore, the diction “endow” suggests an appreciation for this change from a hectic party to calming isolation. The partygoers are associated with the superficial demands of society. The reality of Gatsby’s loneliness releases him from his persona that he must display during the parties to fit in with the crowd, attributing frivolity with his persona and modesty with his reality. Following the death of Myrtle, Gatsby is in a “new world” where “material” is not “real” (161). Gatsby witnesses the reality of his situation through the collapse of his unattainable dream for a relationship with Daisy. His obsession with wealth is deemed superficial as it no longer shrouds the truth of his failed relationship. Ultimately, Gatsby’s persona inhibits him from perceiving his relationship as a fabrication of his dream rather than sincere love. He enters this new world when he realizes that wealth and prestige are irrelevant with the absence of love. Separated from his dream and surrounded by a society that worships inherited wealth, Gatsby comes to realize the fallacy of his persona. His dreams, which are structured by the pursuit of wealth, are incompatible with reality. When few people attend Gatsby’s funeral, Nick feels “a certain shame for Gatsby” (169). Nick’s once prideful and honorable impressions of Gatsby fade into pity. Gatsby’s death is plagued by loneliness, a stark contrast to his popular life under the public eye. His presence in society is quickly forgotten or ignored by not only the partygoers, but also Daisy and Wolfshiem, with whom he thought had strong connections. This reveals the realities of East and West Eggs. In a