In Search of a Dream/Clash wit
In Search of a Dream/Clash with Reality A dream is a vision, a vision different for each man on the earth. Some dream of the past, events they cannot change, either with horror and shame at their choices or resting content in the preludes to their happiness and glory. Others, knowing their past, look to the future for their greatness or failure to come. One must be careful, though, that these dreams, past or future, do not obscure reality; that one doesn't only see what he wishes to see. The consequences are dire. Indeed, one is often left with nothing. F. Scott Fitzgerald knew this for he, himself, was a self-made victim of it and he incorporated it into his novel The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby, the main character of
Gatsby, like all men, had a dream. the book, knew what he wanted though he subconsciously denied reality and still thought he could realize that dream. On the hottest day in the summer, Gatsby went for a swim in his pool that he had never before used. His was of the future, so he did what he thought he should to make the dream come true. Gatsby's fires flicker and die when his money is revealed as coming from illegal activities and when Daisy decides that she loves her husband, Tom, and won't leave him for Gatsby. First, the Valley of the Ashes serves this purpose well. Because of this, he was left with nothing. The burning hot summer was his passion for Daisy and life, what he thought were the realization of his dreams. All mankind can fully reach their dreams but one's head must be involved just as much as one's heart is in order to realize those dreams. Taking a dip in the pool at the peak (the hottest day) of this dream takes the heat off, squelching it and ultimately leaves him with nothing, not even his life. Fitzgerald uses wonderful symbolism of these dreams and denial of truth to reach them in the Valley of Ashes and in Gatsby's death. Should one not do this all he would be left with would be the residue from the clash with reality- memories and ash. He was shot and killed while he was in it. Nothing is left but that which can be scattered with a gust of wind. The trash of the city is taken and burned, reduced to ashes of what was.
Common topics in this essay:
Valley Ashes,
Dream/Clash Reality,
Jay Gatsby,
Scott Fitzgerald,
Ashes Gatsby's,
valley ashes,
hottest day,
past future,
symbolism dreams,
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Acceptance Essays
