The Great Gatsby

Gatsby is the ultimate dreamer; a literary symbol that I have long identified with and was thrilled to see come to life on the big screen. Having recently re-read the book, I was happy to find new intricacies in the characters Fitzgerald had so thoughtfully constructed. The beauty of the book, and now movie, is that everyone identifies with a different character and walks away with their own interpretation. I tend to identify with Gatbsy.

Building his life from the ground up, Gatsby chases a dream of how he envisions his life with Daisy panning out. His striving towards this dream--this romanticized vision of how his life should be--takes physical form in a haunting green light at the edge of Daisy's dock. Throughout the book (and movie) he looks towards this green light as a beacon of hope; a promise that his dream is surely within reach. It isn't until Gatsby already has Daisy in his arms and is looking off into the distance searching for the green light, do we realize how tragic is the cross that dreamers bear. 

Finally holding Daisy, Gatsby can't help but look towards the green light as though he is still reaching for the dream despite having her in his arms. Dreaming both cripples and empowers Gatsby and the true tragedy of his story is not the misplaced love in Daisy, but rather in his constant dissatisfaction with his vibrant reality compared to his awe inspiring dreams. 

 

The Great Gatsby invokes mixed feelings from me because I see many similarities between myself and Gatsby. Having come to New York and accomplished nearly everything I set out to do, I still find myself looking towards that horizon in search of my next dream and next adventure. I have always identified with Gatsby and taken pride in my ability to steadfastly hold onto my dreams and hopes; but seeing the book come to life in film left me with a bittersweet feeling.

What I failed to grasp from The Great Gatsby when I first read the book years ago, is that possibly Fitzgerald wasn't just showing the beauty of Gatsby's character but also the flaws in those who consistently look towards that metaphorical green light. In the end, Gatsby's dreams proved too romantic for him to accept the reality of his affair with Daisy and he lost everything.

Each person will take what they will from The Great Gatsby and resonate with a different character, which is what makes this book so memorable--the versatility of the story and characters is one that never proves stagnant. The plot and intricacies of the novel are as alluring and intriguing as the champagne fueled, jazz age parties Fitzgerald invites us to.

In the end, Gatsby does exactly what the reader needs him to--he sweeps us up into his fantasy, dazzles us with his dreams and reminds us the consequences of letting ourselves lose touch with reality completely.