Pursuing the Lost American Dream
- After reading The Great Gatsby
In this fast-paced era, we are often driven by all kinds of dreams and pursuits, but we usually overlook the reality and illusion behind our dreams. The Great Gatsby, a classic work, leads us into a world of dreams, love, and disillusionment with its profound theme, vivid narrative, and excellent artistic expression.
reality and illusion
The story unfolds from Nick's first-person perspective, telling how his neighbor Gatsby struggles to become a rich and mysterious figure from a young man at the bottom of the social ladder, as well as the intricate love story between him and Daisy.
Gatsby, a young man from a poor background, has finally made his way into New York's high society through his hard work and talent. He dreams of reliving the warmth of his old flame, Daisy, and will stop at nothing. However, as the story progresses, we gradually realize that Gatsby's dream is actually a bubble of disillusionment. His reunion with Daisy does not bring the happiness he imagined but accelerates his tragic fate.
The Great Gatsby is not only a fascinating literary work, but also a masterpiece that deeply reflects the social reality. Author Fitzgerald explores the nature of the American dream, the relationship between wealth and love, and the differences in social classes and other important topics through the life portrayal of the main character, Gatsby. Gatsby, in the novel, is an idealistic character who aspires to realize the American dream through his own efforts, but eventually falls into the abyss of emptiness and disillusionment. This can't help but make us think about how fragile dreams are in front of reality and how we should stay awake on the road of pursuing our dreams.
In addition, the novel also vividly depicts the prosperity and emptiness of the American “Jazz Age” in the 1920s. It was a time when materialism was prevalent and moral concepts were weak.
People were obsessed with the pursuit of money, fame and love, but often ignored the true needs and values of their hearts. Gatsby's tragic fate was not only the destruction of his personal dream, but also the epitome of the spirit of the whole era.
In the process of reading this novel, we were deeply touched. Gatsby's story made us realize that dreams, though beautiful, need to be based on reality. If a dream is only the pursuit of material things and the desire to become a “big shot”, but lacks the thought of why to have wealth and how to survive after having wealth, such a dream is ultimately a mirage, and must be short-sighted and there is no continuity of the dream.
The Great Gatsby is not only a literary treasure worth savoring, but also an eternal exploration of human nature and dreams. It will continue to inspire thought and resonate with readers as a monumental piece of literary history. If you haven't read this novel yet, then we highly recommend it. We're sure it will bring you different revelations and insights.
文案 | 2023级10班 周媛 杨婷 胡潇月
图片 | 2023级10班 周媛 杨婷
排版 | 2023级10班 李思颖 李瑾
指导老师 | 王德义
