Final answer:
In 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's unwavering belief in his dream contrasts sharply with Nick's realistic observations, highlighting the theme of the elusiveness and potential peril of dreams, notably the American Dream.
Step-by-step explanation:
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', we see a clear contrast between Gatsby's unwavering belief in his dreams and Nick's more realistic observations. Gatsby's beliefs about the situation suggest that he is holding onto a dream, possibly of love or success, with an almost religious fervor. He maintains hope and clings to an idealized version of the past and future. However, Nick, through his observations, seems to indicate that reality is far different and that dreams often do not align with the truth of situations. This juxtaposition develops a theme about dreams in that it demonstrates the potential danger of an unyielding pursuit of a dream, possibly leading to disillusionment or a failure to confront reality.
This theme also conveys a broader message related to the American Dream, which many characters in the book are chasing in various forms. The dream's elusiveness and the ultimate realization of its hollowness become critical aspects throughout the narrative. In a way, Gatsby's belief in the possibility of his dream's fulfillment represents the quintessential American optimism and perseverance, while Nick's sobering outlook mirrors a growing awareness of the era's underlying cynicism.