Theme Of Illusions And Reality In The Great Gatsby

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To a large extent, I agree that the author F. Scott Fitzgerald is trying to show the illusions carried by the main characters reflecting to the nature of people in the particular period. According to the statement, the keywords are clearly "illusions" and "reality". The literal meaning of "illusions" is something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality, things may not be what they think (Dictionary.com). The literal meaning of "reality" is something that constitutes a real or actual thing, as distinguished from something that is merely apparent (Dictionary.com). From my point of view, it seems that the key theme of the story is about the comparison of illusions and reality, as readers are provided with a lot …show more content…

The personalities of the main characters may not match up to their wealth and status. Nick Carraway, the narrator of the story, switches from illusions to reality. In the beginning of the story, Nick was studying literature at Yale, he wanted to become a writer in his future. However, Nick decided to learn the bond business in New York, as everyone that he knew was also working in the same industry, his illusion is that bond business was flourishing and he may succeed by selling bonds. Unfortunately, he is not successful at all. Moreover, when Nick was young, his father gave him some advice on moral and spiritual standards, "[w]henever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven 't had the advantages that you 've had"(p.3). Nick has an impression that he inclined to reserve all judgments, he became much more tolerant but there was still a limit. Until he met Gatsby, everything has changed. Initially, when Nick first met Gatsby, his illusion of Gatsby was mysterious and full of hope, he said "it was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic …show more content…

Tom Buchanan, Daisy 's husband, who was a professional footballer. Referencing from the book, the author tends to show that Tom was showing off his power through wealthy, as in the past whether a man is successful or not people will determine by their wealth, instead of what kind of person he may be morally. The impression of people may think Tom is rich and respectful man, but in reality he is not, he is even a racist, sexist and violent to her wife. He said "[t]he idea is if we don 't look out the white race will be — will be utterly submerged" (p.16). In the scene when Tom and Nick went to Wilson 's garage, it is showing readers about the differences between upper class and lower class, and how upper class looks down to lower class. The valley of ashes symbolizes the absolute poverty and hopelessness at that time. Jordan, who was known as a golf champion, other may think that she was a elegant and strong golfer, but in reality she cheated in a golf match and while Myrtle was calling Tom during the meal, she told Nick to stop talking because she wanted to listen to the conversation, it tells us that Jordan loves to

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