Idealism In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby In the novel “ The Great Gatsby”, by F.Scott Fitzgerald, the author speaks of a time when morals were corrupted, religion was absent, facades were mistaken for character, and hope was a double-edged sword; people call it “The Jazz Age”. Fitzgerald, one of the best-known writers of “The Jazz Age”, aims to clarify the fallacy of idealism in America as he opposes the idealist views of the time with a realistic perception of society. At the time, people viewed America as a symbol of opportunity, and hope for a better life; however, Fitzgerald filters this notion by proposing the tragic misfortunes of optimistic mentality. Although some may argue that the American Dream is achievable, Nick’s narration displays the unattainability
Throughout the first chapters, Gatsby yearns for the moment he will lay his eyes on Daisy and finally grasp his desired being. Unfortunately, their reunion is referred to as a completed incarnation. In other words, the dream has basically reached its peak and is over instantaneously. Once again, Fitzgerald brilliantly refines the notion of wishful thinking in a fairly cynical approach through his utilization of a simile; therefore, he verifies the unrealistic hope of attaining the American
Although such status is reflective of the universal idea of the American Dream, dreams merely remain imaginary inventions of man. Yes, Tom does appear to be on his high horse; however, the author shows the reader, through Nick’s narration, that Tom’s front is simply a façade. Tom’s dissatisfaction with what he has is apparent when Nick says: “ among various physical accomplishments… those men who reach such an acute excellence at twenty-one that everything afterwards savours of anticlimax” (Fitzgerald 10). In the quote above, the writer demonstrates the flaws of Tom’s assumed-to-be perfection due to his position and possessions. In relation to the argument of the validity of The American Dream, one must ask, can dreams coexist with discontent? Through Nick’s perception, the author reinforces the hopelessness acquired with chasing after a fantasy in a world where happily ever afters are mistaken for something they are not: wealth and social