Interpreting The Great Gatsby: Hope or Sadness in the Conclusion

The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a poignant exploration of the American Dream and its ephemeral nature. The final chapter of the book raises the question of whether the ending is hopeful or sad, and why. This essay aims to delve into the nuances of the ending, the context, and the underlying themes.

Is Gatsby's Pursuit of Daisy Hopeful or Sad?

Many readers see little hope in the conclusion of the novel. Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is more of a futile quest, reflecting the hollow and decaying realities of the wealthy elite. The only positive outcome from Gatsby's endeavors is the profound insight gained by the narrator, Nick Carraway. Nick realizes that the lives of the rich are sophomoric and devoid of any meaningful purpose. He understands that the social climbers will continue to chase wealth and possessions, devoid of values such as love, integrity, and truth. Even when they see these values, the current of their lives drags them back into their materialistic lifestyle.

A Unique Perspective on Gatsby's Success

However, there is another perspective to consider when examining Gatsby's fate. Like a metaphor, the ending is intricately woven throughout the novel, capturing a sense of self-realization and growth. At the end, Gatsby has achieved the yacht he once desired, symbolizing his ability to take control of his life. His unfulfilled goal of winning Daisy may have signified his past, but the means by which he achieved his new goal represents his present and future. The text suggests that humans move forward by reflecting on their past, continually dreaming and achieving new goals. Like a wave in the ocean, humans move both forward and backward, always plotting their course from the present.

An Analytical Approach: The Future and the Past

When analyzing literature, it is crucial to consider the context surrounding the quote. In this case, Nick's statement, 'Can't repeat the past? Of course you can!,' presents a paradox. How can the future recede before us? Nick's response suggests that while the future moves forward, some individuals attempt to relive the past, often hindering their ability to achieve their future goals. Nick believes that longing for the past makes it impossible to achieve the future one craves.

From this perspective, the ending is not wholly sad. Instead, it is a reflection of the duality in Western society. Some individuals strive for the future while simultaneously glorifying the past. Nick's view is biased, reflecting his recent experiences with Gatsby. If Fitzgerald shared Nick's perspective, he too would have let his experiences influence his views. However, everyone possesses such biases.

Therefore, the ending of The Great Gatsby can be seen as a dynamic interplay between hope and sadness. While the past and the present constantly clash, the pursuit of the future through lessons learned from the past is a source of hope.