The 1925 novel, “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire. Jay Gatsby came from a poor farming family. Set in the Roaring Twenties, when the American Dream was a dream of material possessions, Gatsby and other characters became blinded to love and life. The American Dream is a belief that a better life can be achieved through hard work. However, the quote also culminates in the theme of disillusionment as it pertains to the American Dream. While Gatsby fervently believes in the power of repeating the past, the novel ultimately reveals the futility of this pursuit. Despite his relentless efforts to recapture his past with Daisy, Gatsby is unable to overcome the passage of time and the irreversible consequences of their actions. …show more content…
Moreover, Fitzgerald utilizes figurative language to display Gatsby’s persistent pursuit of his dreams. This is exemplified in “He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it.” (180) Despite the apparent closeness of Gatsby’s dream of wealth, success, and Daisy, the reality is that it is far. This ironic phrase relates to the American dream and how deceiving it is. Gatsby has to find out the hard way that his dreams aren’t possible, and they are “blue,” nothing but an illusion. “Her voice was full of money.” Daisy’s voice echoed affluence. This quote raises questions about whether Gatsby loved Daisy for her attributes or her wealth. Through metaphorical statements, we can discern how Gatsby’s fantasies blind him to the obstacles and contradictions that stand in his way, leading to an eventual downfall. Furthermore, the author wants the audience to understand that the American dream is a matrix of