Examples Of Juxtaposition In The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald’s utilizes juxtaposition to illustrate the striking differences in perception of reality between the two characters Gatsby and Nick. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald depicts Gatsby’s irrational view of reality, how he often expects that he can“fix everything just the way it was before", turn back the clocks(110). Gatsby’s perception of reality is often unrealistic,he has engrained in his mind that he can turn back the clocks and live in the past, as if life is on pause and he can hit rewind. Nick,on the other hand can see the foolishness in Gatsby’s perception. Fitzgerald demonstrates Nick’s rational perspective compared to Gatsby. Furthermore, Fitzgerald portrays how Nick tries to make Gatsby understand that he “ can’t repeat the past”because time continues and you can’t fix the past ,you can only prepare for the future (110). Fitzgerald's characterization of Nick shows his logical and rational perception compared to Gatsby, it is evident that Nick has a clear sense of reality compared to Gatsby who has lost his grip.
Fitzgerald's utilization of juxtaposition illustrates the striking differences in perception between Nick and Gatsby, by portraying the loss of reality in Gatsby balanced by the the humble realistic perception of