Throughout The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald depicts the idea of people failing to accomplish their dreams through many of his characters. Jay Gatsby, for example, had plenty of ideas on how to create a perfect life for himself, but unfortunately was not able to achieve them. Fitzgerald is communicating the message that life does not always have a happy ending, and that failure is an unavoidable part of life.
Gatsby’s dream is to be reunited with his past lover Daisy. Marriage between the two was forbidden due to their social classes, which leads to Daisy marrying a wealthy man while Gatsby is away at war for several years. His goal of winning back Daisy leads him to create a new identity with new wealth by bootlegging liquor. Everything he does is done with this dream in mind. From gaining wealth, buying a mansion across from Daisy, and throwing huge parties, Gatsby only wants Daisy back in his life.
Gatsby first being sent to war and separated from Daisy is the first example of what caused his failure to accomplish his dream. Another example comes after he becomes wealthy. After five years apart, Gatsby …show more content…
This backfires because Daisy later breaks down and confesses that she still loves Tom. His plan couldn’t have been worse until a fatal accident occurs. While Daisy is driving home in Gatsby’s car, she accidently hits Myrtle, the woman who was secretly seeing Tom. Because Gatsby cared so much about Daisy, he covered for her by taking the blame for the accident. Myrtle’s husband, George, was seeking revenge on the driver when he heard from that Gatsby was the cause of the accident. He shoots Gatsby while he is swimming and then shoots himself as well. Gatsby unfortunately dies and Daisy leaves with Tom before his funeral. Daisy staying with Tom in the end while Gatsby’s life is taken from him is the final example of his biggest dream