The past is defined as a period of time that has gone by and no longer exists. However, individuals refuse to see that the past has already gone by, and perceive the past as an outline for the present and future. Fixation on the past influences perception of reality and relationships with others. In The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick Carraway narrates the love story between ex-lovers Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby’s main focus is to win back Daisy, who is already married, through status and wealth. Their continued, yet unrealistic, love story inevitably ends with the tragic death of Jay Gatsby. Jay Gatsby’s life is based on his inability to escape his past with Daisy Buchanan, causing his life to be unsatisfying.
The past …show more content…
Tom made Wilson believe that Gatsby murdered his mistress, Myrtle, when in reality it was Daisy. Gatsby’s death brings the mourning of no one. His death only brings curious reporters to his doorstep to uncover the corruption and truth about Gatsby. “The lawn and drive had been crowded with the faces of those who guessed at his corruption- and he had stood on those steps, concealing his incorruptible dream”(Fitzgerald 162). Gatsby cannot see the corruption around him because he is focusing on his perfect dream. Everyone else sees that he was corrupt but Gatsby strived toward perfection. He did not see the holes in his plan to continue his relationship with Daisy until it was too late. After five years, their relationship would not persevere or prosper. Daisy has a life, a child, and a husband. Reality keeps them apart. Gatsby was on the outside looking in. He looked past the corruption and dreamed of an incorruptible life. His idealistic life reflects his commitment and excessiveness in everything he does. Gatsby is seen always reaching out to the green light across the bay. The green light represents false hope and renewal based on Gatsby’s goals. He wants to reach out to and capture it, but he
The past …show more content…
Tom made Wilson believe that Gatsby murdered his mistress, Myrtle, when in reality it was Daisy. Gatsby’s death brings the mourning of no one. His death only brings curious reporters to his doorstep to uncover the corruption and truth about Gatsby. “The lawn and drive had been crowded with the faces of those who guessed at his corruption- and he had stood on those steps, concealing his incorruptible dream”(Fitzgerald 162). Gatsby cannot see the corruption around him because he is focusing on his perfect dream. Everyone else sees that he was corrupt but Gatsby strived toward perfection. He did not see the holes in his plan to continue his relationship with Daisy until it was too late. After five years, their relationship would not persevere or prosper. Daisy has a life, a child, and a husband. Reality keeps them apart. Gatsby was on the outside looking in. He looked past the corruption and dreamed of an incorruptible life. His idealistic life reflects his commitment and excessiveness in everything he does. Gatsby is seen always reaching out to the green light across the bay. The green light represents false hope and renewal based on Gatsby’s goals. He wants to reach out to and capture it, but he