Introduction
The concluding passages of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” encapsulate Nick’s contemplations on Gatsby and the future. This pivotal moment unfolds as Nick travels to his hometown of Minnesota by train, marking the conclusion of his narrative. This essay will delve into the significance of these paragraphs, examining Fitzgerald’s use of language, symbolism, and Nick’s evolving emotions to underscore the overarching theme of the elusive nature of the American Dream.
Brooding Thoughts and Symbolism
Fitzgerald strategically begins this passage with the term “brooding,” offering a glimpse into Nick’s contemplative and introspective mood.
The word choice conveys a sense of deep, dark reflection, setting the tone for the ensuing thoughts. Nick reflects on the iconic green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, a symbol recurring throughout the narrative, representing Gatsby’s aspirations and dreams for the future.
The use of the word “wonder” captures Gatsby’s excitement and anticipation for the future, emphasizing the genuine belief in the attainability of his dreams, particularly his envisioned life with Daisy.
Fitzgerald introduces the term “obscurity” to describe the land west of New York, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and vagueness. This deliberate lack of clarity contributes to the overall tone of Nick’s disillusionment, mirroring the elusive nature of the American Dream itself. Nick’s reference to the Midwest as “the dark fields of the republic” adds a layer of complexity, hinting at the contrasting realities of Gatsby’s dreams and the starkness of the American heartland.
The Orgastic Future and the Flow of Time
In the subsequent paragraph, Fitzgerald revisits the symbolism of the green light, labeling it “the orgastic future.
” This choice of description encapsulates the collective expectations for the future, tinged with an underlying sensuality and a hint of unattainability. The diction employed in this section contributes to the overall tone of the passage, accentuating the elusive nature of the American Dream, where grand aspirations often remain just beyond reach.
The final paragraph, a concise yet potent sentence, serves as the culmination of Nick’s reflections and concludes the novel. Fitzgerald strategically uses the metaphor of the “current” flowing eastward, symbolizing the prevailing corruption in society. The term “ceaselessly” accentuates the inexorable movement of time into the past, mirroring Nick’s physical journey westward as a metaphorical regression into traditional values amidst the overwhelming corruption of the era.
Emotional Shifts and The Unattainable Dream
Fitzgerald’s deliberate word choices play a pivotal role in shaping the mood of the passage. In the initial paragraphs, Nick’s tone appears bitter as he contemplates the unattainability of Gatsby’s dream. The bitterness is palpable when he suggests that Gatsby’s dream was “so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it,” only to reveal it as a mirage. Nick becomes resentful, dismissing Gatsby’s aspirations as illusory and shallow.
As the passage unfolds, Nick undergoes a shift in tone. He turns sentimental and dreamy, using ellipses to convey the continuous stretching for the elusive American Dream, perpetually just beyond his grasp. The evolving tone reflects the complexity of Nick’s emotions, oscillating between bitterness, sentimentality, and an acknowledgment of the prevailing corruption.
Conclusion: The Decay of Dreams
In conclusion, the last three paragraphs of “The Great Gatsby” stand as a poignant reflection on the decay and unattainability of the American Dream. Fitzgerald employs rich symbolism, carefully chosen language, and shifts in tone to convey Nick’s contemplations on Gatsby’s aspirations and the broader societal disillusionment. Through Nick’s journey and reflections, the novel leaves an indelible mark, serving as a timeless commentary on the elusive nature of the American Dream amidst the decadence of the Jazz Age.
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