Gatsby is something of a romantic, someone who believes in a person's power to change personal destiny and fulfill his or her wildest dreams. In essence, this idea is the classical definition of the American Dream, and it is also, at least at first, the quality that seems to characterize Gatsby's life most. Born to a poor and insignificant family, Gatsby works hard to acquire wealth (often through illegal means), believing that, by amassing a vast fortune, he will win happiness and Daisy's love.
Gatsby's brutal murder instantly shatters this ideal. Gatsby doesn't win Daisy's love, and his decision to take the blame for Daisy's hit-and-run accident results in a quick and ruthless death. In light of these events, Gatsby's mad dash for wealth and possessions becomes quite meaningless. By extension, the American Dream, on which Gatsby's efforts are modeled, is also shown to be rather hollow.
No comments:
Post a Comment