Examples Of Idealism In The Great Gatsby

One of The Great Gatsby's main themes is the concept of idealism. Gatsby, the title’s namesake, brings to the table an extraordinary level of idealism. The driving plot of the book is Gatsby’s quixotic fascination with his ex-lover, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby seeks a perfect world, one where all the misfortunes of the past are gone. While noble, Gatsby’s idealism destroys the world around him, and eventually leaves him floating in a pool of blood.
When Gatsby is first seen in the book, he is described by the narrator as ‘grasping towards a green light’. This green light is a major symbol of the book, as it represents Gatsby’s never ending lust towards his lover. Gatsby’s vision of grasping this green light is flawed, however. One cannot grasp

Gatsby’s idealism changes his personality, and corrupts his soul. He is driven by his ambition, to the point where he alters his persona. Gatsby’s birth name, James Gatz, is one thing that he sacrifices as a part of his idealistic venture. Gatsby believes that his previous standing was not good enough for his lover. As well as his name change, Gatsby grew immense fortune in the hopes that it would fulfill his dream. This is something the author often repeats throughout the book. From this, the author’s frustrations with the American dream and society as a whole can be found. Money cannot buy happiness, and those who hold this view are

The tragedy of the book is when Gatsby indirectly partakes in the murder of Myrtle Wilson. Gatsby was driving home with Daisy following the aftermath of an intense argument about love. Gatsby’s response to Tom, Daisy’s husband, frightened Daisy to the point where she panicked. She drove home with him, and in the heat of the moment, they ran over and killed Myrtle. Gatsby’s idea that he could get together with a married woman and settle it brought fatal consequences to the story.
Gatsby’s undying strive towards his dream leaves many dead and others heartbroken. As a result of partaking in the hit-and-run, Gatsby is murdered by Myrtle's husband, Wilson. Wilson, not satisfied with this outcome, decides to take his own life. While this trail of blood and tears was not Gatsby’s intention, his idealistic vision removed any possibility of thinking rationally. He would not let anything get in the way of the green light he endlessly chased.
His plot to take Daisy’s hand only severed any chance of the love they once shared to reblossom. Even if Gatsby were to survive this outcome, he had done the damage. It was revealed that Daisy still loved Tom. And Gatsby’s participation in the murder of Myrtle did not leave her happy. Daisy was so distraught that she couldn’t even attend Gatsby’s funeral. Nick, feeling pity for him, was one of the only attendees. Gatbsy’s idealism was the driving factor behind the ultimate tragedy of the