Memory In The Great Gatsby

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The novel, The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is about a man that is hopeful to be with his ex-lover, Daisy Buchanan, and will do anything to be with her. Though they have not spoken in five years, he still longs to be with her even though she has moved on. In the book, Jay Gatsby represents the theme of the meaning of the past, because he has been so engrossed in the past that he is not able to comprehend the present. Another theme that is present, is the idea of memory, as a result of him believing that Daisy is the same girl he fell in love with, but fails to realize that she has significantly changed. Throughout the book, Gatsby’s theme of the meaning of the past and memory is shown through his obsessive desire to be with Daisy again, his belief that she has not changed since they were together, and his endless talk about the past. …show more content…
At one of Gatsby's parties, Jordan informs Nick that , "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be across the bay" ( Fitzgerald 78). By reading this quote, the reader can imply that Gatsby is still wanting to be with her, even though she has clearly moved on. By buying that house, it is reminder of how close, yet how far she is from him. Daisy is the reason why Gatsby throws extravagant parties, because he is trying to impress and win her back. By doing these gestures, Gatsby is humiliating himself and giving off the impression of a love sick puppy, due to Daisy leading him on and believing he has an opportunity to be with

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