Table of ContentsIntroductionBody ParagraphConclusionIntroduction “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a seminal work of American literature that captures the essence of the Jazz Age and the elusive nature of the time. American dream. One of the novel's most poignant moments is its final scene, which encapsulates the themes of hope, disillusionment, and the inexorable passage of time. In this essay, we will analyze the final scene of "The Great Gatsby," exploring its symbolism, thematic significance, and its commentary on the broader societal context of the 1920s. By dissecting the final passages, we can better understand the ultimate fate of the characters and the enduring message of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayBody ParagraphThe final scene of “The Great Gatsby” takes place after the tragic death of Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic millionaire whose life and aspirations form the crux of the story. Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, reflects on the futility of Gatsby's dreams as he stands on the banks of Long Island Sound, watching the green light on Daisy Buchanan's dock. The green light, a recurring symbol throughout the novel, represents Gatsby's nostalgic and inaccessible dreams. In this scene, the light takes on a double meaning: it symbolizes both the hope that drives Gatsby and the ultimate illusion of the American dream. Nick's contemplation of the green light underscores the central theme of aspiration versus reality, suggesting that the dreams of wealth and success that Gatsby pursued were always out of reach, a mirage in the distance. Fitzgerald's use of setting in the final scene is also significant. The desolate shoreline and vast expanse of water evoke a feeling of isolation and the inexorable passage of time. Nick's reflection that "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that recedes year by year before us" captures the essence of Gatsby's unwavering optimism and the tragedy of his unwavering belief in a dream doomed to failure from the start. These images reinforce the novel's critique of the American dream, highlighting the disparity between the idealized vision of success and the harsh realities that often accompany the pursuit of such dreams. Furthermore, the final lines of the novel, “So we move forward, boats against the current, drawn back ceaselessly into the past,” sums up the cyclical nature of human endeavor and the inevitability of returning to our origins. This metaphor suggests that despite our efforts to move forward and achieve our aspirations, we are continually pulled back by the weight of our past experiences and the incessant flow of time. This notion is particularly relevant to the character Gatsby, whose obsessive fixation on recreating his past romance with Daisy ultimately leads to his downfall. The final scene therefore constitutes a poignant commentary on the futility of trying to escape one's past and on the limits inherent to the American dream. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssayConclusionIn conclusion, the final scene of "The Great Gatsby" is a masterful culmination of the novel's themes and symbolism. Through the reflections of Nick Carraway and the evocative images of green light and desolate shore, Fitzgerald poignantly captures the essence of the American dream as an elusive and ultimately unattainable ideal. The scene highlights the central motif of aspiration versus reality, illustrating the disillusionment that often accompanies the relentless pursuit of success. Furthermore, the metaphor of boats going against the tide constitutes..