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Daoism In The Great Gatsby

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In the universe, good and evil intertwine to form the lives of people and the environment around them. Humans have, even from the beginning, thrived off systematic order of things, whether it be tribes coming together to survive the elements, or your new class schedule finally coming in the mail. One predominate thing we tend to prosper from is unified religion. One major religion, Taoism (all though more commonly known as Daoism), emphasizes a now universal theory of the Yin and Yang. This theory has established itself in all sorts of media, from books in the library to the songs heard on the radio. Arguably one of the most controversial books in American Literature, The Great Gatsby, has collections of characters that fall into the theorem …show more content…

It’s put on jewelry, sweatshirts, socks even. Books have been written about it, people have focused entire careers on it even, but what really is the theory of the Yin and the Yang? Numerous misconceptions have been made about the philosophy, ranging from the meaning of the words all the way to the what the entire philosophy is based on (Derek). The true Yin and Yang philosophy is over 5000 years old (Dunas), and it comes from the ancient Chinese people who “were greatly interested in the relationship and patterns that occurred in nature” (Integrated Chinese Medical Holdings Ltd). While Eurocentric ideologies have morphed their faith into a vision of a world filled with only good and evil, the Chinese expanded their vision to see the world not just as a whole, but as a combination of “two relative aspects of the same phenomena.” (Integrated Chinese Medical Holdings Ltd). The commonly known symbol has more meaning than just an creative thing to post on social media. The Yin and Yang symbol of Daoism represents “two relative aspects of the same phenomena.” (Integrated Chinese Medical Holdings Ltd). Instead of opposites, such as the sun and moon, the figure represents two separate areas of life coming together to with equal strengths to promote harmony. Though the symbol is important, just like a cross is to Christians, it isn’t just about the sphere. The entire philosophy

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Similar to Confucius, Laozi also sought out a solution to create harmony in a world full of chaos and fragmentation. But Laozi found the solution through Daosim. The three ideas, the Dao, wuwei and yin and yang, are three key concepts in Daoism that leads to the harmony that Laozi strived for. These ideas, although created hundreds of years ago, still deeply influence Chinese thinking and culture

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For centuries, freedom of religion in America has been an integral foundation in its society’s works; Europeans fled their own countries, where they were oppressed by forced faith, to seek religious asylum in a country which prided itself on allowing individuals to establish their own beliefs, and practise any religion that they choose. The US was the first Western nation not to be founded upon a predominantly Catholic belief system, and was instead led by Protestants. This in itself demonstrates the independence of American society, and its defiance of other countries’ traditions. In Post War America, however (1918 onwards), religious barriers began to be broken down. This period is the one in which ‘the Great Gatsby’ is set, the ‘Roaring

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Even though “The Great Gatsby” was written nearly a century ago, many of the themes it has can still be seen in today’s society. During the time the book was written, the economy was in a condition of prosperity because the war ended which lead to technological advances and large profits for businesses. As a result, the dynamics of society changed also. The main focus of the media were on people with fame and wealth. This shows the interests and values of what most people had in the U.S. back then.

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Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism through colours and religious motifs brings out a critique of the pursuit of the American dream, in how such a pursuit of material wealth is ultimately worthless. Through the use of religious and color motifs, Fitzgerald Parallels can be drawn between Gatsby’s final journey to the swimming pool and Christ’s path to crucifixion. “Gatsby shouldered the mattress and started for the pool. Once he stopped and shifted it a little, and the chauffeur asked him if he needed help, but he shook his head and in a moment disappeared among the yellowing trees” (Chapter 8, Page 128)

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The Great Gatsby is hailed as a great piece of 1920 's fiction due to its detailing of a new, fast paced America, and the way that America affected the population. These affects manifested as traits in people, and further developed into stereotypes. In the post World War 1 America this novel is set in, industry and technology were becoming readily available to the public, cementing these stereotypes into our population as we quickly moved along at a new pace. In The Great Gatsby, these people, actions, and relationships, are represented by the four main characters: Nick, Daisy, Tom, and Jay. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses these characters to symbolize the stereotypical people of a modern America.

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In Confucianism Ren and Li enable one to preserve the Dao, when an individual’s Benevolence and the proper manners or behavior pattern combine, a mystical power is produced with human and spiritual relations. Only through ritualized interactions with others and with the spirits can one realize one’s full potential as a human being. Daoism Dao is the primordial entity that exist in an undifferentiated state prior to the coming into being of the myriad things. Daoism evolved out of the same ancient Chinese religious mindset as Confucianism

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The Tao is not a thing and it is not seen like a God because it is not worshipped, it is more of a system of guidance. It is best described as “developing oneself so as to live in complete conformity with the teaching of the Tao.” Daoism is a religion of opposites and unity. It is where yin and yang started and the principal of it is it sees the world as filled with complementary forces. Daoism practices include meditation, which is concentration or mindfulness or visualization.

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Throughout many brilliant works of literature, a common item is placed amongst them: symbols. Symbols are often a key to further understanding a point the author is trying to convey to their readers. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, he utilizes the literary tool of symbols to illustrate a larger picture for his themes and characters within the novel. For example, the color green plays a prominent role in The Great Gatsby throughout the duration of the novel. However, the color has can have various interpretations.

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