Final answer:
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, 'The Great Gatsby,' the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, is told to forget his past, but he continues to chase it, particularly through his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the central figure of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, Jay Gatsby, and specifically what he is persistently being told by others and how he responds to it. Throughout The Great Gatsby, the most accurate statement is that people want Gatsby to forget his past, but he actively continues to chase it. This is portrayed in his relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a love interest from his past, suggesting his inability to move on from bygone days. He is ceaselessly trying to recreate a lost era and resurrect a love that no longer exists in its original form. This quest is symbolized by his lavish parties which are, in effect, an attempt to attract Daisy's attention and win back her affections.