The Great Gatsbytopics Essay Example

tea through Nick's assistance would result in her falling back into his arms, and to some extent, that did happen.

One day, when it is overly not she suggests that her, Jordan, Tom, Gatsby, and Nick go into the city to do something that wasn't boring per se. While in the city, Tom and Gatsby get into a roaring argument that ends with her saying, "I did love him once - but I loved you too" (Fitzgerald,132). His hope that Daisy still loves him is shattered by what she says and his 'green light' is a little less of an illusion of the American dream for him.

The light symbolizes Gatsby's desire to maintain his wealth and the illusion that he was born into riches, even though he acquired his money through illegal activities such as bootlegging alcohol and selling illegal bonds with his friend Wolfsheim during the war. Despite not appearing wealthy to many people and being seen as fake by Owl Eyes, nobody questions this until Tom plants doubts in Nick's mind. Gatsby eventually reveals some of his past and the truth about his fortune to Nick. During a party, Tom suggests that Gatsby is a major bootlegger, prompting Gatsby to share the story of Dan Cody and how he was meant to receive $10,000 upon Cody's death, but never did. Towards the end of the book, as Nick tries to gather attendees for Gatsby's funeral, he discovers that Gatsby made money through illegal bonds when he answers a phone call and speaks to Wolfsheim who claims to have lifted Gatsby out of poverty.

When he told me he was an Oggsford, I knew I could

exploit him. I convinced him to join the American Legion, where he quickly rose to prominence. Right away, he performed some tasks for a client of mine in Albany. We were inseparable – always together, as he emphasized by holding up two chubby fingers. This revelation confirmed Nick's suspicion about Gatsby's source of wealth; it wasn't from his family but from illicit means. Consequently, Gatsby's self-delusions shattered, revealing his true nature as a man rather than the wealthy facade he projected to win Daisy back. This shattered the illusion of the green lights representing the American dream and obtaining one's desires. The green light symbolized Gatsby's self-illusion and the persona he believed the West had made him into as an individual, as well as his fantasy about Daisy.

While in the city with everyone and during the fight with Tom, Gatsby's lies and secrecy start to unravel, causing him to break down. In the midst of the fight, Tom reveals that he has discovered Gatsby's involvement in illegal activities: "l found out what your 'drug-stores were... He and this Wolfsheim bought up a lot of side-street drug-stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter. That's one of his little stunts. I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him, and I wasn't far wrong" (133). After facing these revelations, as well as Myrtle's death and Daisy's rejection, Gatsby returns home. Through Nick's perspective, we learn that Gatsby refuses to accept the reality of his situation: "He wouldn't consider it."

He had a desperate grip on the remaining chance that Daisy would reveal her intentions before he could leave her. I

couldn't bear to release him from this hope. "(148). Despite discovering Daisy's affections for Tom, Gatsby couldn't relinquish the belief that Daisy truly loved him and the significance of the green light, which symbolizes their relationship and his identity. Ultimately, Gatsby suffers the consequences of Daisy's actions and dies without ever truly achieving his American Dream. The so-called American Dream was always a mirage, represented by the symbolic green light at the end of Daisy's dock across the sound.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald delves into the illusions that shape the protagonist's persona, unveiling the facade of wealth, deceit, and Daisy that shatters Nick's perception. This revelation prompts him to acknowledge that the west and the American dream are not attainable for all and potentially never truly existed. Hence, The Great Gatsby explores the concept of the so-called American dream as nothing more than an elusive mirage perpetuated by individuals but impossible to attain.