The Great Gatsby by Fitz Scott Fitzgerald is considered to be one of the greatest American novels, one of the key themes in the book is Gatsby ́s dream and it will be the centre of this term paper. Out of the various approaches to the book, this paper will focus on the character constellation of the protagonist Jay Gatsby and Daisy, the woman with whom he falls in love. How does Gatsby ́s dream develop in connection with his fascination to Daisy? Claiming that, although two people are involved, his dream is only focused on himself, I will try to show, at least to a certain extent, how Gatsby ́s dream has “three basic and related parts: the desire to repeat the past, the desire for money, and the desire for incarnation of ‘unutterable visions’ in the material earth.” (Lockridge, 1968) Since Daisy represents all of these dreams when they meet for the first time, she becomes the personification of his dream, but in the course of the events their paths become separated. Therefore, this term paper will also investigate how Gatsby ́s dream further develops since being separated from Daisy and finally what happens when he meets Daisy again - why does she in the end “[tumble] short of his dreams” (Fitzgerald, 2000)?
Regarding the often discussed issue, whether or not Fitzgerald was writing a myth specifically about America and the American Dream, or whether Gatsby ́s dream can attain a wider relevance, I will not be able to refer to in much detail. The paper will also not discuss the point of narrative, but it is nevertheless crucial to mention that “Gatsby is presented almost entirely through Nick ́s puzzled and often disapproving eyes.” (Parkinson, 1988)
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- MAIN PART
- I. GATSBY'S DREAM BEFORE MEETING DAISY - AN IMAGINARY CONSTRUCT OF HIMSELF
- II. GATSBY MEETS DAISY - DAISY BECOMES THE PERSONIFICATION OF HIS DREAM
- III. SEPARATED FROM DAISY - GATSBY BUILDING UP A COLOSSAL CONSTRUCT AROUND HER
- IV. THE 'REUNION' - DAISY "TUMBLES SHORT OF HIS DREAMS"
- CONCLUSION
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper analyzes the development of Jay Gatsby's dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, focusing on its connection to his fascination with Daisy Buchanan. The paper argues that despite Daisy's involvement, Gatsby's dream is primarily self-centered. It examines how Gatsby's dream evolves through three key stages: before meeting Daisy, after their initial encounter, and following their separation and eventual reunion.
- The evolution of Gatsby's dream
- The role of Daisy in shaping Gatsby's dream
- The interplay between idealism and materialism in Gatsby's aspirations
- Gatsby's self-centered nature and its impact on his pursuit of the dream
- The unattainability of Gatsby's dream and its consequences
Chapter Summaries
INTRODUCTION: This introduction sets the stage by referencing Charles Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight as a metaphor for achieving the impossible, contrasting it with dreams rooted in the past. It establishes The Great Gatsby as the primary text and focuses the analysis on the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, emphasizing Gatsby's self-centered pursuit of a dream with three core components: repeating the past, acquiring wealth, and materializing "unutterable visions." The introduction also clarifies the scope of the paper, acknowledging other interpretative approaches to the novel while maintaining a singular focus on Gatsby's dream through Nick Carraway's perspective.
I. GATSBY'S DREAM BEFORE MEETING DAISY - AN IMAGINARY CONSTRUCT OF HIMSELF: This chapter explores the origins of Gatsby's dream, tracing its development long before his encounter with Daisy. His early life and determination to escape his parents' impoverished circumstances reveal his inherent self-centeredness and naive idealism. The chapter highlights Gatsby's creation of an idealized self, referencing Plato's concept of the ideal world and contrasting it with the material world. The introduction of Dan Cody, a wealthy figure, links Gatsby's idealism to his desire for wealth, portraying the material as fertile ground for his aspirations, yet foreshadowing potential dangers inherent in this pursuit.
Keywords
The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, American Dream, Idealism, Materialism, Self-centeredness, Unattainable Dream, Past, Repetition, Wealth.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*: A Term Paper Preview - FAQ
What is the main focus of this term paper?
This term paper analyzes the development of Jay Gatsby's dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, focusing on its connection to his fascination with Daisy Buchanan. The paper argues that despite Daisy's involvement, Gatsby's dream is primarily self-centered.
What are the key stages in the evolution of Gatsby's dream?
The paper examines how Gatsby's dream evolves through three key stages: before meeting Daisy, after their initial encounter, and following their separation and eventual reunion.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the evolution of Gatsby's dream, Daisy's role in shaping it, the interplay between idealism and materialism in Gatsby's aspirations, Gatsby's self-centered nature and its impact, and the unattainability of his dream and its consequences.
What is the structure of the term paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a main part divided into four sections analyzing the different stages of Gatsby's dream, and a conclusion. Each section explores specific aspects of Gatsby's dream and its connection to Daisy and his personal characteristics.
What is the significance of the introduction?
The introduction uses Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight as a metaphor, contrasting achieving the impossible with dreams rooted in the past. It establishes The Great Gatsby as the primary text and focuses the analysis on the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, emphasizing Gatsby's self-centered pursuit of a dream with three core components: repeating the past, acquiring wealth, and materializing "unutterable visions." It also clarifies the scope of the paper.
What is discussed in the first chapter of the main part?
The first chapter explores the origins of Gatsby's dream before meeting Daisy. It traces its development from his impoverished childhood, highlighting his self-centeredness and naive idealism. The influence of Dan Cody is also examined.
What are the keywords associated with this term paper?
Keywords include: The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, American Dream, Idealism, Materialism, Self-centeredness, Unattainable Dream, Past, Repetition, Wealth.
What is the overall argument of the paper?
The paper argues that Gatsby's dream, while seemingly centered on Daisy, is fundamentally self-centered and ultimately unattainable, leading to significant consequences.
What perspective is used in the analysis?
The analysis is conducted primarily through the perspective of Nick Carraway, the narrator of The Great Gatsby.
Where can I find the complete table of contents?
The provided preview includes a detailed table of contents outlining the structure of the term paper.
- Quote paper
- Janina Gaiser (Author), 2014, The development of Gatsby's dream in connection with his fascination to Daisy. About "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/415671
