The Great Gatsby Research Paper

In any novel, there are always symbols, though some have more than others, a symbol can always be shown. The focus of this paper is to identify and explain the symbols of the Great Gatsby and reflect upon the American dream. The American dream is the image of the perfect American life and how some things will always be untenable. There are many different symbols in The Great Gatsby and some are more prominent than others, for instance, the American Dream can be symbolized by Jay Gatsby and his yearning for perfection. the biggest symbol in the story is the colours and all the complex meanings tied to them. F. Scott Fitzgerald's Character James Gatz is a mysterious character that symbolizes the American dream; both the American dream and Gatsby share traits of being fractured and people having

Peter L. Hays states that Gatsby “embodies the contradictory qualities of this country, our saying one thing while doing another, our clinging to myths that have little basis in reality;” Hays describes Gatsby “as a well-behaved, socially conscious crook, he is a paradox, an oxymoron, and an exemplary American” (para 11). Gatby’s way of life is to impress and boo his reputation; The pool symbolizes the surrender of boredom and people-pleasing. Gatsby is constantly showing off his wealth and trying to win over Daisy just to boost his reputation and be the perfect American. The only way for Gatsby to be a true “American” is to marry Daisy. Daisy is a character Gatsby used to have a relationship with before he went to the army: she is a manipulative, but charming character that when she wants something she usually gets it. Gatsby is the narrator Nick Carroway’s “second cousin once removed”(5) and they are on good terms. Daisy is now married to Tom Buchanan and has a life of wealth and