Question

in his final comment, Nick says: "Gatsby believed in the green light, orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther . . . And one fine morning--So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past"? why is this quote significant to the theme of the American Dream in the novel?

Answer 1

Nick Carraway's closing reflection in 'The Great Gatsby' encapsulates the theme of the American Dream, symbolized by the green light, highlighting the ceaseless pursuit and the interplay of optimism and disillusionment in the context of 1920s America.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quote from Nick Carraway at the end of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the essence of the American Dream and its elusive nature. Gatsby's belief in the green light, a symbol of his hopes and dreams, aligns with the American Dream's promise of opportunity and a better future that perpetually seems just out of reach. The image of rowing against the current symbolizes the struggle and the continuous effort required to achieve the American Dream, despite being constantly pulled back by the past. This reflects both the optimism and the inevitable disillusionment that are central themes in the novel and in understanding the 1920s America.