Illusions In The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald employs an array of techniques to explore illusion and reality. Characterisation is used to demonstrate how people can be skewed by other’s imaginations. To explore the temporariness of dreams, the author uses imagery and pathetic fallacy. Additionally, dreams are proven to be unattainable through the use of symbolism.

Fitzgerald utilises Gatsby, to display how hope can turn a reality into illusion, much like Daisy and Tom’s perfect life - due to their money - is an illusion to mask their “vast carelessness” (P. 190). Gatsby is depicted as an incessant dreamer, with an “extraordinary gift for hope” (P. 2). After dedicating much of his life to getting Daisy, he skews his perception of her, as he has built her up in his head. This is confirmed by Nick when he states “there must . . . [be] moments . . . when Daisy tumble[s]

48) man and the “single green light” (P. 23) at the end of Daisy’s dock. When describing the owl eyed man, the word owl is used to show the man is wise, as owls have connotations with being intelligent. Therefore, he can identify what is real. However, Gatsby’s books trick the man showing that even those who are wise can be “fooled” (P. 48). Fitzgerald also uses the symbol of the green light to show that Gatsby’s dream is unattainable as he is searching for the idea and not the girl. After reconnecting with Daisy, the “colossal significance of [the] light . . . vanishe[s] forever” as she is no longer across the bay. He becomes caught up in getting the girl that when he finally does, she is not as spectacular as the illusion he has made himself. Furthermore, when Gatsby “stretche[s] out his arms” (P. 22) towards the light, he can never physically grasp it. Thus, the dream is impossible to achieve. Therefore, Fitzgerald employs symbolism to delve into the world of illusion and