梦想与现实的碰撞
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald focuses the dream of an era on the hero Jay Gatsby, reproduces the life of the hero Gatsby under the American dream through the perspective of the narrator Nick Carraway, and shows the broken American dream in the flashy world after the First World War.This article will mainly take Gatsby's story as the main line, and reveal the illusion and collapse of the American dream through his pursuit and dream.
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Ⅰ. Beautiful New land -
the place
where Gatsby's dream begin
The New World was a "paradise" for persecuted Christians in Europe to rebuild their paradise and realize their dreams.In 1654, Captain Edward Johnson declared that the New World was "the place where the new heavens will be made." In the two centuries of pioneer years, the Puritan dream of freedom was intertwined with the secular dream of ordinary people, giving the embryonic form of the American dream, and the character of freedom, equality, democracy and independence was integrated in this spiritual pursuit and material desire.
More than two hundred years ago, the great westward movement was in full swing, and the American Industrial Revolution was also in full swing.In the process of becoming prosperous from desolation, the adventurers accumulated not only wealth, at the moment of choosing to go west, it means that they have to give up the original civilized and comfortable living environment, and then face the harsh conditions of the wild land, but such a choice, just shows how firm their dream, how sincere.
In the chaos that followed World War I, the country spawned "the lost generation," who saw "all Gods dead, all wars fought, all faith in man shaken.
Whether from the arrival of the first wave of immigrants to the New World in the early 17th century, to the prosperity of the westward movement and the transformation of the capitalist industrial development after World War I, the American dream has always included the game between the two forces of material pursuit and spiritual pursuit.
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II. The Sound of Spring -
The Germination and Growth of Gatsby 's
American Dream
The American Dream has created the arena for Gatsby's whole life. When he was young, Gatsby grew up in the last few years when the American Dream was flourishing vigorously. For over a hundred years, generations of immigrants have come to various places such as California, New York, and San Francisco because they believe that no matter how humble and poor their origins are, as long as they work hard, they will eventually get what they want and deserve, whether it is money, power, respect or status.
Gatsby is a loyal advocate of the American Dream. He firmly believes that as long as he is as diligent as his predecessors and persists in striving, he can have a better life. Although Gatsby's parents were just poor farmers in North Dakota, this boy has always been a self-made hero since childhood. He always believes that he is the "Son of God". He even changed his name from James Gatsby to Jay Gatsby to fulfill the mission bestowed by the Heavenly Father. Jay Gatsby is the heroic figure that this seventeen-year-old boy admires. He has always been unwavering and steadfast in his admiration for him. Gatsby has been preparing for his legendary fate. At the age of sixteen, he embarked on his journey in pursuit of the dream.
When Gatsby met his metaphorical Heavenly Father - Dan Cody, his fate was changed. He followed Cody on a sea voyage, studied hard to learn the manners and speech of the upper class, and showed the smiling faces that people liked to see. Even though Gatsby didn't get a single cent of Dan Cody's inheritance in the end, he received an education that was particularly suitable for him. Gradually, the originally vague outline of Jay Gatsby became concrete and vivid. At that time, like all the people who harbored the American Dream, they were all moving forward on the path that symbolized fame and money. He was not alone. Looking around, there were people struggling hard on this path all around him.
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Ⅲ. The Height of Summer —
The Flourishing and
"Fulfillment" of Gatsby's American Dream
Gatsby sees Daisy as the embodiment of the American Dream. After meeting Daisy, Gatsby decides to pursue a love with her, which sets him apart from others who strive solely for wealth. As a poor young officer, Gatsby realizes that only wealth can bring him closer to Daisy. Therefore, he strives to stand out in the consumerist society of the 1920s, eventually becoming a model of success in people's eyes, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle and social circle. However, these superficial glories mask his sincere feelings for Daisy. For Daisy, Gatsby is willing to abandon his beliefs and completely transform himself, even if it ultimately leads to his downfall.
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IV. The Autumn and Winter Symphony of the American Dream by Gatsby: Its Fragmentation and Imperfections
Gatsby, obsessed with his past dreams and love for Daisy, pursues an idealized vision of wealth and success. Despite her marriage to Tom Buchanan, Gatsby remains devoted, believing his opulence can win her back. The green light at Daisy’s dock symbolizes his unreachable dream, appearing multiple times in the film, each time witnessing Gatsby’s struggle and illusions.
In a poignant scene, Gatsby muses on the fog blocking the green light, hinting at his confusion between dreams and reality. He believes he can reclaim the past, dismissing Nick’s warning that one cannot return to it. However, Gatsby is fighting against time, filled with hope even as his dream slips away.
The tragic turning point comes with Myrtle’s death, which shatters Gatsby’s aspirations. Daisy's coldness towards Tom ultimately brings them together as they plot against Gatsby, who waits outside, unaware of his impending loss. In the film, Gatsby still expects Daisy to call him before his death, deepening the tragedy of his unrecognized dream.
The reality is that Gatsby and Daisy inhabit different worlds—her life of privilege contrasts with his pursuit of beauty and emotion. While Gatsby's lavish parties are mere distractions, Nick's final farewell underscores Gatsby's nobility amidst the decadence around him. Gatsby embodies the American Dream's fragility, illustrating its hollowness and leading to his tragic end.
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Conclusion
Despite the disillusionment of his era, Gatsby's tragic existence and inner greatness challenge the emptiness of materialism, reflecting the promise of hope and renewal, akin to the cyclical transition from winter to spring.
文案｜ 2023级9班 周钰涵 唐柳 王家烨 姚宇轩
排版｜2023级9班 李海洋
图片｜2023级9班 李海洋 唐柳
指导老师｜任虎军
