Albert Einstein once stated, “Reality is merely an illusion. Albeit a very persistent one.” What does this imply? Is Einstein’s view authentic? Illusory natures and the concealment of a person’s true identity are often evidenced in modern literature and even through our personal lives. This idea is clearly illustrated in both A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The lead protagonists, Blanche Dubois and Jay Gatsby, in both texts put on a façade. Their illusive natures are depicted through their personal possessions (important literary symbols), mysterious pasts and even through literary devices that the authors use.
Firstly, both protagonists own distinct possessions that conceal their …show more content…
The paper lantern represents the illusion that Blanche creates. Initially, she asks Mitch to cover the light bulb with the lantern so it conceals her imperfections. This was their first encounter and Blanche was deceiving Mitch about her appearance. Their relationship is based on deception and was bound to fail from the time they met. Mitch isn’t aware of Blanche’s true appearance. The lantern represents Blanche’s attempt at concealing her true appearance and age, so that she would appear younger. As the play progresses, Blanche sings: “Say, it’s only a paper moon, Sailing over a cardboard sea – But it wouldn’t be make-believe If you believed in me!” (Williams 99). This is a literary allusion to the song “It’s Only a Paper Moon” by Frank Sinatra. In that respective scene, Stanley relates to Stella the two major lies that Blanche is concealing; meanwhile Blanche sings this song juxtaposing the scene effectively. The song is based on the idea of “creating magic” and illusion. Blanche wants everyone to accept and support the illusion that she creates. In contrast to this, Stanley’s brings her back to reality by revealing everything about her and shattering the …show more content…
Nick concludes by stating: “He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night.” (Fitzgerald 193). His blue lawns relate to dark fields and represent the shattering of the illusion that Gatsby uses to conceal his true identity. This quote’s a resolution and offers closure by asserting that his illusion was shattered. On the other hand, as the play concludes, Stanley asks Blanche: “You want the lantern?” (Williams 140). Stanley takes down the lantern for Blanche and “she cries out as if the lantern was herself.” (Williams 140). The lantern represents the illusion that she tries so hard to maintain and when Stanley took it down, Blanche felt broken. Both Blanche and Gatsby are ruined when they’re brought to reality; as evidenced by discreet literary
Firstly, both protagonists own distinct possessions that conceal their …show more content…
The paper lantern represents the illusion that Blanche creates. Initially, she asks Mitch to cover the light bulb with the lantern so it conceals her imperfections. This was their first encounter and Blanche was deceiving Mitch about her appearance. Their relationship is based on deception and was bound to fail from the time they met. Mitch isn’t aware of Blanche’s true appearance. The lantern represents Blanche’s attempt at concealing her true appearance and age, so that she would appear younger. As the play progresses, Blanche sings: “Say, it’s only a paper moon, Sailing over a cardboard sea – But it wouldn’t be make-believe If you believed in me!” (Williams 99). This is a literary allusion to the song “It’s Only a Paper Moon” by Frank Sinatra. In that respective scene, Stanley relates to Stella the two major lies that Blanche is concealing; meanwhile Blanche sings this song juxtaposing the scene effectively. The song is based on the idea of “creating magic” and illusion. Blanche wants everyone to accept and support the illusion that she creates. In contrast to this, Stanley’s brings her back to reality by revealing everything about her and shattering the …show more content…
Nick concludes by stating: “He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night.” (Fitzgerald 193). His blue lawns relate to dark fields and represent the shattering of the illusion that Gatsby uses to conceal his true identity. This quote’s a resolution and offers closure by asserting that his illusion was shattered. On the other hand, as the play concludes, Stanley asks Blanche: “You want the lantern?” (Williams 140). Stanley takes down the lantern for Blanche and “she cries out as if the lantern was herself.” (Williams 140). The lantern represents the illusion that she tries so hard to maintain and when Stanley took it down, Blanche felt broken. Both Blanche and Gatsby are ruined when they’re brought to reality; as evidenced by discreet literary