Fitzgerald portrays Gatsby as a figure, symbolizing the American Dream's illusion. This choice highlights the novel's exploration of the disparity between appearance and reality, critiquing societal values during the Jazz Age.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of Jay Gatsby as a figure rather than a man in "The Great Gatsby" is a deliberate narrative choice that significantly contributes to the exploration of the American Dream and the theme of illusion versus reality.
Gatsby, embodying the aspirational spirit of the American Dream, transcends the status of a mere individual. By presenting him as a figure, Fitzgerald elevates Gatsby to a symbolic representation of the larger societal pursuit of success and the illusion of the American Dream. Gatsby becomes an icon, representing the collective desire for upward mobility and the superficial glamour associated with it during the Roaring Twenties.
The choice to depict Gatsby as a figure enhances the novel's examination of illusion versus reality. Gatsby's larger-than-life persona, his extravagant parties, and his mysterious background create an illusion of wealth and success. However, as the narrative unfolds, the gap between appearance and truth becomes apparent. Gatsby's unattainable dream, rooted in an idealized past with Daisy, reflects the illusory nature of the American Dream itself.
In essence, Gatsby as a figure encapsulates the novel's critique of the distorted values and elusive dreams characterizing the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald's choice underscores the hollowness of the pursuit of wealth and status, inviting readers to ponder the consequences of idealized aspirations and the fragility of the American Dream in the face of reality.
The probable question maybe:
In "The Great Gatsby," how does Fitzgerald's portrayal of Gatsby as a figure rather than a man contribute to the novel's exploration of the American Dream and the theme of illusion versus reality?