Optimism In The Great Gatsby

A brilliant American author named Garrison Kellior once said, “I believe in looking reality straight in the eye and denying it”. Some individuals believe that in order to keep their happiness, they sometimes have to ignore everything that is obvious or real to the human eye. Sometimes having faith in things beyond the normal comprehension is greater than settling for what is known to be realistic. Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby is shown to be one of a few who possess this special quality by creating an entirely different image of himself and clinging to the hope of being reunited with the one he loves most despite what others believed. Through Gatsby’s optimism and hope, Fitzgerald illustrates his agreement that
His true goal is to win the heart of the lovely Daisy Buchanan and he wishes for nothing less. Nick stays behind at Gatsby’s party to have a conversation. Jay does not believe that Daisy was satisfied with the party. He discusses with Nick his wish that the situation would be the same as it was years ago. Nick tries to caution his friend to not ask for the impossible of someone and that the past could not be repeated. Gatsby responds with “‘Can’t repeat the past?’ he cried incredulously. ‘Why of course you can!’” (Fitzgerald 118). Gatsby strongly believes in things beyond a normal comprehension. All individuals are aware of things that cannot happen, however this does not stop him from hoping. After the death of Myrtle, Nick has trouble of falling asleep and walks to Gatsby’s to find him cleaning the car concealed with evidence. In order to protect his friend, Nick tries to persuade him that leaving was the best option. He realizes that Gatsby would not leave without Daisy because “He was clutching to some last hope and [Nick] couldn’t bear to shake him free” (Fitzgerald 158). Gatsby still has hope that Daisy will be with him, even though she has shown countless times that Tom is who she wants to be with. The next morning after Myrtle’s death, Gatsby and Nick have breakfast together. During this time, Gatsby’s tells the truth and Nick states that he will call Gatsby later. Gatsby responds with “‘I suppose Daisy’ll
Scott Fitzgerald would agree with Garrison Kellior: individuals should deny reality. Jay Gatsby chooses not to accept the truth about his origin or of Daisy’s decision to choose Tom. Despite the fact that his wealth and fantasy was short lived, those brief moments of living in denial was worth the happiness he felt. He managed to overcome the belief that no one can derive from any lifestyle and transform into a successful individual. He showed that a child of poor farmers who dreamed big could be the famous, “Jay Gatsby”. He did not fully win the heart of the lovely Daisy Buchanan however, he did take pride in his romantic gestures and of his unwilling nature to give up. Everyone should be allowed to think beyond the bar labeled, “What’s Possible”. No one can say what is necessary or not to believe in. There should be no dimming of the light of hope that shines through those that defend the impossible. The denial of realism can inspire great ideas and contentment within individuals’ lives. If we did not have people that thought or believed differently than others, this world would be completely boring and underdeveloped. Optimism and hope are two powerful and interesting things. It is astonishing what can happen when you choose not listen to those who tell you that something is too impossible to