507561
Mr. Woodard
English Lit
13 October 2008
Living the Past in the Present
First time riding a bike. Graduating from college. Skydiving. Memorable past events mold a person’s present figure. Paramount past events in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald create Gatsby’s attitude and present actions towards various characters throughout the novel. Living in the past, Gatsby’s goals and aspirations are difficult to be achieved in the present. Even with his wealthy stature he is still unhappy that he doesn’t have everything he wants. Gatsby’s present actions and attitudes are strongly influenced by past incidents which contributes to the meaning of the themes in the novel.
In the novel, Gatsby’s central goal is to be with his lover Daisy who is unfortunately still married to the wealthy prick, Tom Buchanan. Gatsby and Daisy’s love was shattered when Daisy’s parents would not accept Gatsby as a proper suitor for their daughter considering his financial status. After arriving home from war to find out that Daisy is married to another man who has the right financial qualifications for her parents, Gatsby is motivated to prove himself to Daisy that he could be what she needs. Five years after their breakup, Gatsby built himself up to a prosperous man owning a mansion on Long Island. He has extravagant house parties that light up the whole area just to attract Daisy so she could see him in his new form. Attempts like this to woo Daisy with money are continued throughout the novel. Gatsby’s was devastation of Daisy’s rejection pushed him to make money and then show it off to receive attention from her. When he actually does make contact with her in the novel he wears a bright gold and silver suit—obviously symbolizing his present financial situation. When Gatsby has his money its almost like he’s lost his ability to pick up women. He got together with Daisy and had a strong relationship with her without money but it seems like he is struggling...