The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is considered a classic by many. I can see why by only reading the last 4 paragraphs. With such a deep and relevant topic, he weaves a philosophical statement that we can all relate to. Fitzgerald's dark and brooding criticism of mankind's need to create brings words to the never ending struggle between Nature and Civilization.

When the "new world" was found by the Dutch, it was during a time when nature was of little importants to the Europeans. As Fitzgerald looks upon his time, he sees the product of that indifference, and criticizes the "inessential houses" and mass consumerism that had washed over mankind. Man cannot coexist with things as they are, he must make them better. When those Dutch made their way here, to the place where they stood "face to face for the last time in history with something commensurate to his capacity for wonder," the balance shifted.

Man must make what  he has better. But this begs the question, what is better? Better for whom? After that moment of eclipsing wonder at the awe of the "new world," man found what was "better." Better is easier, a life of "inessential"s, such as cars and electricity. Fitzgerald brings us to the struggle, man versus nature, but in the end man won. His last line, "So we beat on, boasts against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past," would have us believe that mankind is being thrown back by nature, that the struggle is evenly matched. However, the competition is in favor of mankind, as we "beat on" the current grows weaker and weaker, the boat's getting better and better, and the "green light" is upon us.

Since the dawn of man, there has been the struggle of man's creative mind and nature. Fitzgerald has been criticle of the struggle, he brings up the point that the "old, unknown world" was better, and as we progress away from it, we, as humans, become worse. But who is to say?