In both The Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby, the common theme is the past is romanticized. Individual symbols in both books differ in teaching the readers how not to fall into this trap. In The Catcher in the Rye, Allies baseball mitt repeatedly conveys how not being willing to change can lead to being stuck in the past. While waiting for Phoebe, Holden sees two kids wandering around. After having a small conversation with them he asks, “You two guys interested in mummies” (Salinger 203). The museum and the kids in this situation represent Holden's fear of change. The Museum is something that preserves items to make sure they don't change. The kids represent the phase of life Holden strives to live at. Both of these symbols make it abundantly clear that not being willing to change will lead you to romanticize the past. …show more content…
When Gatsby first meets Daisy, he is shy and awkward, but after Nick returns, he is charismatic and earns Daisy's love. Gatsby at this time truly believes he has finally won her affection. Nick notes when Daisy hugs Gatsby “that the colossal significance of the light had now vanished forever” (Fitzgerald 98). The green light disappearing represents his dream being accomplished. He finally has Daisy. Yet, this is not enough for him. Gatsby is so consumed with the past he needs Daisy to go the extra mile removing her love for Tom completely out of her life which is impossible. Eventually leading to Gatsby’s death. With the use of this symbol, the reader understands how being consumed with the past and not willing to move on will cause people to go mad. The symbols in both books show different paths that lead to people eventually romanticizing the