The Great Gatsby portrays the loneliest moment in a person’s life as the time when their entire world disintegrates, leaving them only able to gaze absentmindedly. F. Scott Fitzgerald, in his novel, skillfully employs symbolism to convey this message. The story revolves around Nick Caraway, who relocates from the Midwest to pursue his career in New York. Residing on the less affluent West Egg island, he finds himself across from East Egg, where his arrogant acquaintances Tom and Daisy reside.
They engage in gossip and frequent parties, while Tom is having an affair with a woman named Myrtle Wilson. Everyone is aware of this except Daisy and Mr. Wilson. Meanwhile, Nick resides next door to an enigmatic individual named Gatsby, who hosts extravagant gatherings, although his true nature remains unknown. As the story progresses, Nick becomes acquainted with the enigmatic Gatsby and experiences the presence of individuals who embrace a self-centered and immoral existence. Fitzgerald skillfully incorporates symbolism throughout the novel, to such an extent that multiple readings may be necessary for complete comprehension.
The book, The Great Gatsby, is considered a classic of the 20th century due to its creative yet simplistic styling. It explores three main themes: the loss of time, appearance and characterization, and perspective. The word “time” is frequently mentioned throughout the novel, either on its own or in compound words, indicating its significance to the book’s structure. Time plays a crucial role in the life of the character Gatsby and is integral to the plot.
Both Gatsby and his lover, Daisy, wish to erase a significant period of time from their lives. Gatsby believes that he can recreate the past he once shared with Daisy, which is symbolically represented. This foreshadows the tragic irony that Gatsby will face. On page 116, Gatsby confidently states, “Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course you can!” He firmly believes that Daisy must deny her love for Tom and openly profess her love for Gatsby in order for him to fully accept her. Gatsby is convinced that Daisy’s love for him still persists.
In one part of the story, Gatsby reveals to Nick his plan to marry Daisy at her white house in Memphis once Tom is no longer in the picture, just like they did five years ago. Later on, when Gatsby and Nick visit the Buchannans for lunch towards the end of the book, Gatsby sees Daisy and Tom’s child for the first time. Nick describes Gatsby’s expression as truly surprised and suggests that Gatsby never believed the girl actually existed. Gatsby is so consumed by his dream that he becomes disconnected from the harsh reality of the world.
Fitzgerald expertly uses symbolism to depict the passage of time in the moment when Daisy and Gatsby reunite after five years. As Nick enters the room, he witnesses Gatsby anxiously leaning against the mantelpiece with his head resting on the clock. In a tense pause during their conversation, the clock begins to tilt as if about to fall off the mantle. Dramatically, Gatsby catches the clock just before it falls, leaving all three characters speechless and filled with a peculiar awe of this valuable timepiece.
Nick recounts that there was a collective belief that the clock had shattered upon hitting the floor. The clock served as a representation of time, and with Gatsby’s head resting on it, it symbolized the immense pressure he placed on time. However, time ultimately could not bear the demands Gatsby made of it. Gatsby’s cautious act of catching the clock and his reluctant apology symbolizes the fragility and sensitivity of his plan. This introduction leads us to the next theme introduced by Owl Eyes, which centers around appearance and transformation.
Gatsby’s presence in West Egg was solely for the purpose of winning back Daisy. Owl Eyes was correct in his observations. Gatsby constructed a persona that would allow him to fit into the role necessary to capture Daisy’s affection. He was effectively hiding his undying dream. Curiosity surrounded Gatsby as every party guest speculated about who he really was. His dubious occupation added depth to his façade, as he was frequently accused of being involved in illicit activities such as bootlegging. Tom derogatorily referred to Gatsby’s car as a “circus wagon,” his actions as “stunts,” and his entire operation as a “menagerie.” All Gatsby truly desired was to be the man who could have Daisy.
This dream was shattered due to the careless actions of Buchanan and his “rotten crowd.” The central aspect of Daisy’s appearance was her lack of a solid foundation, as she constantly changed and lacked a true definition. She had a life that could be considered nonexistent. At the conclusion of the novel, readers despise her because of her never-ending recklessness. For instance, she couldn’t comprehend that her husband was being unfaithful. Furthermore, despite George Wilson killing Gatsby, Daisy astonishingly continued living her life as if nothing had occurred.
Tom’s statement in the book partially clarifies why she is oblivious; ‘That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.’ The fact that Daisy is a fool explains her destructive behavior. This novel has several significant characters, including Daisy. Daisy’s appearance reflects her perspective. The first chapter provides the most perceptive insight into Daisy’s character when Nick dines at her house.
After the meal, while Jordan and Tom are indoors, Daisy removes her mask and confides in Nick for a rare moment. Daisy’s demeanor is peculiar, especially her eyes and voice. She is perpetually cheerful, cracking jokes and making senseless, nearly foolish remarks. Her behavior resembles that of a young girl. This discussion with Nick showcases her peculiarity. She begins by acknowledging that they know very little about each other despite being cousins but then goes on to reveal her emotions, which she likely hasn’t shared with more than two people in the entire world.
Daisy shares with Nick her unhappiness and bitterness caused by her past experiences. However, she quickly shifts back to a joyful state. Following their intimate encounter, Nick feels even more distant from Daisy. He believes that the walls or façades that Daisy and her wealthy neighbors construct to shield themselves from the truth are deceptive. Understanding Nick’s viewpoint is challenging, as he is a minor character in terms of plot but holds the most significant role in the novel.
Fitzgerald has cleverly chosen to tell the story through a perceptive third party, Nick. This allows readers to gain a close-up perspective and a unique angle on the events. Despite being merely an observer, Nick’s role holds little significance. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald drops subtle hints that provide insight into Nick’s character and the overall message of the story. At the beginning of his narrative, Nick reveals two important details about himself: he follows his father’s advice to always listen and rarely judge others, and he holds a favorable opinion of Gatsby as he states, “Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it was what preyed on Gatsby…” As the story progresses, Nick admits his belief that every individual possesses some virtue, and he prides himself on his own honesty.
Throughout the book, Nick’s actions serve to define his character. Close examination reveals that while on Long Island, he maintains a relationship with a girlfriend back home in the west, which is rumored to be an engagement. He keeps in touch with her via letters signed “Love, Nick” while also engaging in an affair with Jordan Baker. The significant moment of their awkward breakup occurs when Jordan accuses him of dishonesty. Additionally, Nick’s character takes a bizarre twist during a scene where he becomes intoxicated for the only time in the story. After spending the entire day with Tom and his mistress, Myrtle, Nick ends up leaving with a guest and having a homosexual encounter with Mr. McKee before passing out on a bench in Penn Station at four o’clock in the morning (p.42).
Conclusively, The Great Gatsby is a novel that delves into the enigmatic nature of human life and explores its realistic and inherently harsh aspects. The book portrays realism through various themes, such as the concept of time. It emphasizes that the past may not necessarily mirror the future. This is exemplified in Gatsby’s attempt to revive his romance with Daisy, only to ultimately lose her due to the inevitable change of circumstances.
