"Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn, was also the man who had the extraordinary gift of hope. I had never understood before that it was not Gatsby’s dream that was so extraordinary, but that the dream was a dream of the West."

Question

Which of the following is the central theme of this passage from The Great Gatsby, and how is it developed throughout the novel?

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Love is the ultimate goal in life. This theme is developed as Gatsby is consumed by his love for Daisy, which becomes his driving force despite the reality of their relationship.
The pursuit of the American Dream can lead to disillusionment. This theme is developed as Gatsby’s relentless hope and pursuit of a perfect future ultimately lead to his tragic end.
The corrupting influence of wealth can destroy relationships. This theme is developed as Gatsby’s newfound wealth drives him to manipulate those around him in the pursuit of Daisy.
Social class divides people and limits their dreams. This theme is developed as Gatsby’s attempts to transcend his lower-class origins are thwarted by the societal structures that ultimately keep him from achieving true happiness.

Answer 1

The central theme of the passage you provided from The Great Gatsby is the pursuit of the American Dream can lead to disillusionment. This theme is developed as Gatsby’s relentless hope and pursuit of an ideal future, symbolized by his dreams of wealth, status, and ultimately winning back Daisy, ultimately lead to his tragic end.

Throughout the novel, Gatsby embodies the notion of the American Dream, striving for a better life and a brighter future. His extraordinary gift of hope is contrasted with the reality of his circumstances and the moral decay of the society around him. Despite his great wealth and the lavish parties he throws, Gatsby remains fundamentally unfulfilled, as his dream is tied to a romanticized version of the past and the illusion of love with Daisy. The inevitable collapse of Gatsby's dream, brought on by his inability to escape the social divides and the harsh truths of the world, reflects a broader commentary on the disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of the American Dream. The ideal that Gatsby chases is shown to be ultimately unattainable and leads to his downfall.