Sunday, April 22, 2012
Gatsby living in the past
In Chapter 6, we not only get the true story of Gatsby's past, but how he wants to go back and change it. It turns out that Gatsby was not born into luxury, but instead was introduced to it through chance. He instantly fell in love with it and promised himself he would one day be wealthy and successful. It is obvious that he accomplished this goal, but he also achieved another dream and that was Daisy. It was the reason for most of his wealthy living and now that he had her, he does not know what to do with her. This is seen when Nick says "It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upon which you have expended your own powers of adjustment" (104). He is referring to how Gatsby pictured Daisy and how he was disappointed in how his dream turned out. He thought is money would be enough to win her over, yet she is still with Tom. Gatsby seems to think that it is too late to get Daisy so he ridiculously exclaims "Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!" (110). He is pretty much saying that he has the power to change time. I think that this craziness of Gatsby's is ultimately going to make him lose Daisy. I believe Gatsby needs to realize that his wealth should not overpower him and move from the past.
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I completely agree with your idea of Gatsby loosing Daisy because of his money. I believe that Gatsby's obsession with the past is ultimately going to destroy his future. I think you are right in saying Gatsby is at a lost when it comes to Daisy. He has spent years trying to get her and win her attention. Now he believes everything is right and they can just go live their happy lives, but they can't. That is something that Gatsby is just going to have to realize on his own.
ReplyDeleteI think it is really interesting that Gatsby actually did not come from a background that was prestigious and wealthy. Like you said, he achieved wealth but now he wants to win over Daisy. Even though now Gatsby might be good enough for Daisy, he wants her to be like he pictured or how she used to be. He almost wants to re-create the past and I think your quote was a really good example of him thinking he is almost invincible and can manipulate time. Once something has happened you can't really go back. People change, things change just like Gatsby changed. He used to come from almost nothing and look how much he has changed. I agree that Gatsby needs to realize that wealth does not make him a better person or worthy of Daisy. You see in chapter 6 that Tom and his friends still treat him like he is worthless and Gatsby tries so hard to be included.
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