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What Does Chasing Shadows Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

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Chasing Shadows: The Vanishing Dream That Built America, By Hamilton Vincent Have you ever had a dream that when you wake up you just don’t remember? Such a harmless thing, but what if instead of simply forgetting, it was stolen from you? Believe it or not, this is happening across America and has been for a century, ever since the idea of the “American Dream” was formulated. What started as a dream has slowly decayed into systematic inequality, where the rich stay rich, and the rest are left chasing something that was never there. A shadow of the sand. Nowhere to be found. We are introduced to Tom Buchannon in the early stages of “The Great Gatsby”, and his large, “red and white Georgian Colonial mansion overlooking the bay.” Situated in the …show more content…

Fitzgerald has used similar symbols to show the unattainable dream and status. In "The Great Gatsby," a green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a direct testament to Gatsby's dream. The green light represents the broader theme of the unattainability of certain aspirations, particularly when constrained by rigid social structures. This shows the idea that some dreams, despite their allure, are destined to remain just out of reach. Classes are represented through characterization, and it becomes apparent that when it comes to the game of social mobility, it is “rigged in the favor of the rich.” The possessors of the wealth that is pooled at the top, are not without similarities in both pieces. The word that comes to mind is privilege. Tom Buchanan, described as having “two shining arrogant eyes” and a “cruel body,” reveals his disdain for anything that threatens his reputation or comes from a lower class. His looks and deeds show this clearly. Tom’s hatred for Gatsby, who represents new money, fuels his actions. To belittle Gatsby, Tom insists that he take Gatsby’s car while Gatsby takes his, knowing this suggestion would be “distasteful to Gatsby.” Tom also expects Daisy to ride with him, thereby proving to Gatsby that she would choose her husband over

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