Examples Of Recapturing The Past In The Great Gatsby

Recapturing the past is a universal desire that has captivated humans for centuries. Whether it’s reminiscing one’s childhood, immersing oneself in history, or wishing for a redo, people have always been drawn to the idea of recapturing the past. Perhaps this is because the past represents a simpler time, a time when life seemed more manageable and less chaotic? F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, The Great Gatsby, discloses the consequences of being enthralled by the past as many are falsely led to believe the possibility of reliving the past. Through characters, motifs, and symbols, Fitzgerald analyzes the ruination caused from the obsession of retrieving the past.

Fitzgerald primarily establishes the pernicious effects of recapturing the

This is first displayed at one of Gatsby’s extravagant parties, where Jordan Baker reveals to Nick that Gatsby only hosts these kinds of parties because “he half expect[s] [Daisy] to wander into one of [them]” (78). Fitzgerald’s early presentation of hidden connotations in the words “wander” and “half expects”, initially reveals Gatsby’s spontaneous plan and his cluelessness on truly how to achieve his past back. Continuing to attempt a rekindlement, Gatsby buys a mansion on West Egg “so that Daisy would be just across the bay”(78), as though that would allow Gatsby to be closer to Daisy. So, upon Gatsby’s request, Nick reintroduces Gatsby and Daisy. During their reunion, Daisy is surprised Gatsby remembers her because they “haven’t met for many years”(87) and her memories of him are abstract and cloudy. Gatsby, however, has been so infatuated with her that he remembers the exact month they parted and makes it clear that it will be “five years next November”(87) since he last saw her. Through Gatsby’s remembrance of the past, Fitzgerald conveys how memories can be very different even if they revolve around the same event. As well as that these memories, like Gatsby, can have a perpetual effect on a person leaving them to believe the past is the present. Thus,

Fitzgerald divulged into Gatsby’s idolization of Daisy through the usage of hyperboles to create emphasis on his disappointment when she did not live up to the growing illusion of her. Nick attempts to reason with Gatsby and explain that “you can’t repeat the past”(110), but Gatsby can not acknowledge the gap that five years has driven between him and Daisy, and the inevitable fate that things will never be the same as they used to be. Parading the idea of recapturing the past, Fitzgerald employs foreshadowing through Nick who pleads that you can not repeat the past, foreshadowing Gatsby’s fate. However, Gatsby continues to try and persuade Daisy into leaving Tom and wishes “to go back to Louisville and be married from her house - just as if it were five years ago” (109). He is reluctant to believe that Daisy ever remotely loved Tom and argues with Tom that “she’s never loved [him]”, but Daisy admits she does love Tom due to their past together (130). At this point, Fitzgerald illustrates