The Great Gatsby Research Paper

A Tale of Illusions Fitzgerald meticulously crafts a novel that not only hints at Gatsby’s successes, but also explores the complexity of the American dream. Jay Gatsby, the protagonist, enigmatic figure, millionaire with a mansion in the west egg of Long Island, has a mysterious background who through adversity discovers the American dream is unachievable. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald illustrates the effects of prosperity and popularity of Gatsby through foreshadowing and facades to convey the American dream is an illusion. Gatsby’s ultimate goal of pursuing the American Dream began with constructing a complex facade. Primarily, it was explained “Jay Gatsby, in particular, attempts to reinvent himself in order to return

Nick, being the observant person, he is “...glanced seaward — and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet darkness.” (Fitzgerald ADD PG #) The green light across the bay from Gatsby’s mansion is Daisy Buchanan's house. The green light becomes a dynamic symbol throughout the novel as it signifies Gatsby’s unattainable dreams. This green light adds to the complexity of Gatsby as a character. Moreover, the green light is further explained in a sense of foreshadowing. Fitzgerald introduces many enchanted objects that serve as symbols and significance to Gatsby’s life. Importantly, Nick observes that “Now it was again a green light on the dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one” (Fitzgerald ADD PG #).Nick was a very observant person, he never really said anything in these situations, he mainly just watched and thought to himself. The green light is an example of one of Gatsby’s enchanted objects. There are many enchanted objects scattered throughout the novel. Some others, the clock at Nick’s house when Gatsby and Daisy