How Is Illusion Shown In The Great Gatsby

Illusion in The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Before writing The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald must have done thoughtful and extensive research. This is apparent because, to explore the novel's main theme, 'The American Dream', he chose to place it in the 1920s. This was, indeed, a perfect time slot because the 20s were notorious for the numerous ways in which they influenced the public. These years served as a defining point for many aspects of everyday life such as wealth, social status, and general 'success'. The American population during this time became obsessed with the term 'success' and exactly what it meant to be 'successful'. That was the common goal for just about everyone who lived during this time. Life was all about the 'American Dream'. Everyone wanted 'it all', and often times would go to great lengths

He was a poor man whose family did not posses a name in society. His parents were "shiftless and unsuccessful farm people (pg. 104)". Gatsby's pathetic family situation was somewhat tolerable for him, for a little while. It was not until he met a girl named Daisy that he realized he was less than content with what little he possessed. Gatsby was very much in love with Daisy. He wanted to marry her and keep her forever. To Gatsby' dismay, that was not to be. Their brief romance only lasted only four short months, which was not long enough for him by far. Daisy decided that she had to leave Gatsby behind and go on with her life. In many ways, this was the worst thing that she could have done to Gatsby. After she left, he tried to follow her, "he says he's read a Chicago paper for years just on the chance of catching a glimpse of Daisy's name. (pg. 84)", but she was out of touch. Gatsby wanted Daisy back so much that he would do anything to keep his sorry past where it should be: in the past. He needed to change his life to keep his love with