How can obsession with the past affect someones way of thinking? Jay Gatsby from “The Great Gatsby” is a wonderful example of building a life based on the past. Jay Gatsby is a wealthy self-made millionare who rose from poverty. He known for extravagant parties at his mansion located on West Egg, the new money part of Long island. Jay Gatsby has revolved his whole life around Daisy Buchanan, Nick Carraway’s cousin. Gatsby and Daisy fell in love in Louisville, Kentucky, before Gatsby was sent overseas to fight in WW1. While Gatsby was at war, Daisy married another man and ever since they have longed for the idea of each other. Gatsby has been trying to impress her with money from illegal business. This doomed love story was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald.. As the story progresses it becomes evident that obsession with the past can change someones life. …show more content…
Gatsby's love is based on his idealized picture of her, and he is more concerned with what she represents than with who she is as a person. He is willing to do anything to recreate their prior relationship because it was a happier time when they were in love.“He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way.” pg 74 . “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.”pg 138. The first quote implies that Gatsby's love for Daisy is based on the image of her rather than who she truly is. He has created an idealized vision of her in his imagination over time, and he is continuously adding to it. The second quote implies that Gatsby is willing to leave his current life behind in order to be with Daisy. He has spent so much time and money trying to win back her that he is willing to risk everything to do