Quote
“As I went over to say good-by I saw that the expression of bewilderment had come back into Gatsby's face, as though a faint doubt had occurred to him as to the quality of his present happiness. Almost five years! there must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams - not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart”(Fitzgerald 95).
Significance:
1. Background Connection
- American dream is a hope for people who want to have a bright future, and be wealthier.
- Jay Gatsby achieves his dream.
- His loyalty and love direct him to his positive target.
- He might have done things that are illegal to complete his dream.
- American dream may not be only a good thing.
2. Irony
- Gatsby is bewildered about his present happiness.
- He added up other things that he wanted, such as fame and money.
- Those illusions he had exaggerated his dream.
- He feels not fulfilled and questions about “the quality of his present happiness”(95).
- It is ironical that although he becomes the richest people and gets Daisy’s attention back, he is still confused.
Significance:
1. Background Connection
- American dream is a hope for people who want to have a bright future, and be wealthier.
- Jay Gatsby achieves his dream.
- His loyalty and love direct him to his positive target.
- He might have done things that are illegal to complete his dream.
- American dream may not be only a good thing.
2. Irony
- Gatsby is bewildered about his present happiness.
- He added up other things that he wanted, such as fame and money.
- Those illusions he had exaggerated his dream.
- He feels not fulfilled and questions about “the quality of his present happiness”(95).
- It is ironical that although he becomes the richest people and gets Daisy’s attention back, he is still confused.