As a fan of literature that is inspired by the roaring twenties era, it's no surprise that my heart is forever captivated by touching quotes from the Great Gatsby. The original novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well the countless film adaptations that stemmed from it, feature interesting (and sometimes sinister) elements. I find the overall plot which focuses on lost love, the power of greed and everything that comes as a result of the two) to be quite an eye opener. These are the most intriguing quotes from the Great Gatsby.
1 Past
It's only fitting to begin with one of the most famous quotes from the Great Gatsby. As the final line of the popular book, the message it leaves behind resonates. Gatsby's downfall is a direct result of his consuming need to recreate the past. In an effort to forge new paths with an old love, he makes some poor decisions along the way, hoping to go back to the way things were (a decision that ends up costing him). Don't ever let yourself become stuck in the past; what you do in the present and the future is what really counts.
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2 Summer
The image of summer being linked to fresh beginnings leaves me with a very powerful feeling. Picturing the trees bursting with fresh leaves, ecstatic with the overlay of bright sunshine, is quite soothing. The most heartbreaking element of this quote is that the story reaches its peak during this time. In spite of this, I still find the message of things starting over absolutely beautiful.
3 Beginning and End
The relationship between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan is one of the most tragic love stories in the history of literature. Doomed to repeat the past, the melancholy embedded into the soul of these two characters is utterly heartbreaking. This line encompasses the very core of Gatsby's love for Daisy.
4 Friend
Some people become so blinded by greed and fame that they lose themselves in the process. When Nick shouts this incredibly heartfelt line to Gatsby, I swear that I had to compose myself before reading it over and over again. Gatsby, although not perfect by any means, is a victim of his environment. Hearing that someone believes in him in spite of his flaws is beautiful.
5 Heart
During the years that he's gone, Gatsby manages to build up an image of Daisy, warping reality in its wake. He spends so much time imagining her beauty and how things will be once he returns, that he allows his image of her to become better than the real thing. The message behind this is that no matter how much you don't want to, sometimes you have to let go of your past in order to heal.
6 Fall
This next quote continues on the same path as the second one. In autumn, the leaves burst with colors as they get ready for winter. Fall can also represent new beginnings. The thought of people getting the chance to have a fresh new start is just amazing.
7 Love
Lastly, these words revolve around the idea that Gatsby's feelings for Daisy are so strong that they are transparent to everyone around him. I believe that it's true that you never forget your first love. However, Gatsby's mistake lies in trying to replicate it with a woman that he once knew but knows no longer.
These quotes from the Great Gatsby are so profound. What are your favorite quotes from the book? Which film adaptation did you fall in love with?
