"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter- tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms out farther...And one fine morning- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" (182).
The only somewhat optimistic part of this whole book were the final lines of the novel that gave a glimmer of hope for the future. Although it sounds like the current keeps pushing them back, at least they keep trying to achieve a goal. Nick seems to be fighting society, like when he mentions how the people at Gatsby's party are so stupid. He never really fits in with the rest of the high society types, but they seemed more lost in the world than he did. They are the people fighting the current and being pushed back as the future recedes. There came a point in people's lives when they seemed to give up, like when Daisy and Gatsby cannot be with each other. Even their riches and materials could not bring them happiness or closure. This is a theme in the novel, centered around the meaningless society events that Nick attended as he watched the people be pushed back by the current. They were never really happy, just bored and unsatisfied most of the time. The quote seemed really profound to me and appropriate to end the novel.
I don't really know much to say to this post, other than I really liked it. I agree with your comments on how Nick kind of steps back and watches as the rich people lose themselves in their parties and materialistic obsessions. He never shares in these trifles, but remains a character who is sturdy and strong in his convictions - if that makes sense which it probably does not.
ReplyDeleteGood work. haha