Past In The Great Gatsby

The past is something that is capable of shaping people into who they are, but the past is also an aspect in life that is unchangeable and permanent. In The Great Gatsby, the significant theme of “memories and the past are eternal” is portrayed through the idea that humans tend to remember the past positively via the characters Daisy and Gatsby, the regret within Daisy, and the naive thoughts of Gastby. Throughout the novel, readers receive a sense that is it human nature to remember only the positive memories of the past, rather than the negative aspects. For example, Daisy dramatically states, “Take ‘em downstairs and give ‘em back to whoever they belong to. Tell ‘em all Daisy’s change’ her mine. Say ‘Daisy’s change’ her mine!’” (Fitzgerald

As Daisy hopelessly declares, “‘They’re such beautiful shirts,’ she sobbed, her voice muffled in thick folds. ‘It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such--such beautiful shirts before.’” (Fitzgerald 99). When Daisy is looking through all the different shirts, all in various colors, she obviously is not crying about how glorious the shirts are. Instead, she is upset because she is recalling about how wonderful her life with Gatsby would have been, rather than with Tom. Moreover the shirts can also represent how a life with Gatsby would be “colorful” and full of life, while Tom just sucks the life and color out of Daisy. Again, the scene where Daisy rethinks her engagement and potential marriage with Tom is an excellent example which demonstrates that Daisy is indecisive when it comes to Gatsby. Even though she is in a drunken state at the time, Daisy still feels that happiness with Gatsby would win over a lifetime of wealth with Tom. Lastly, Nick simply states, “Their eyes met, and they stared together at each other, alone in space. With an effort she glanced down at the table. ‘You always look so cool,’ she repeated” (Fitzgerald 125). In this powerful quote, Daisy and Gatsby are staring and flirting with each other. Even when Daisy simply looks at Gatsby, she instantly forgets about everything, including

Additionally, Fitzgerald really emphasizes that the past and our negative memories are permanent, and that nobody can do anything to change