How does Fitzgerald present the theme of isolation through the character of Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby'?

Gatsby is the primary representation of a figure that is completely isolated due to his disassociation with reality, and the belief that by simply acquiring wealth he will be able to secure Daisy’s love. It becomes evident that Gatsby is a figure that subsists exclusively in the illusionary realm; his illusions are so immense, not because of what they are, but because they are only loosely based on reality, and so are more fantastic than what reality can actually provide him with. At the end of Chapter I the first appearance of Gatsby is a dramatic and symbolic gesture. In this moment Gatsby is ‘content to be alone’, completely isolated as he reaches out for the intangible ‘single green light’. Here Gatsby represents how people are constantly striving for something that is better than what reality can provide them with, and since Gatsby insists on living within this blinding, idealistic dream, he falls prey to complete social isolation. Gatsby’s’ tragic end in fact lies within his insistent belief that illicit gain will certify his position in the upper class and therefore Daisy. In realty his new money is no match for the generational wealth behind the members of the East egg, and so he will remain eternally isolated from the tight circle of the East egg, in which stature, tradition and honour are sacrosanct. This notion is furthered as he is shown to be ‘trembling’ in this position of wanting , one that is pervaded with uncertainty and longing. This verb strikes a stark juxtaposition to the ‘sturdy’ Tom ‘standing with his legs apart on the front porch’ with an air of permanence surrounding him. Tom, a representative of the upper class, is rooted in this community, in the midst of his heredity wealth for the rest of his life, whereas Gatsby remains alone and solitary in the unreality he has weakly fashioned out of reality.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is the theme of pride demonstrated within Christopher Marlowe's 'Paradise Lost'?


'Ariel and Caliban are equally enslaved' Use your knowledge of the play as a whole, and show how far you agree with this view.


What are the tenets of an excellent English essay?


Why does P.B. Shelley claim that poets are "the unacknowledged legislators of the World" in the 'Defence of Poetry'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences