The Great Gatsby Redemption Essay

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Fortunately, when Charlie returns to Paris to regain custody of his daughter, it is with understanding the error of his ways and the goal to complete his redemption. Yet, throughout the story Fitzgerald questions if true redemption is possible. On one hand Charlie seems to search for familiar people who could possibly put him back in trouble. He also reminisces about the Paris he once knew in a fashion of awe and longing by describing that they were “royalty, almost infallible, with a sort of magic around us” (Fitzgerald 2167). Yet, on the other hand Charlie curtails his alcohol to one drink a day and demonstrates an unwavering paternal love for his daughter by going through the necessary motions to gain her back and give her the best future. …show more content…

At the beginning of the story Marion Peters doubts that Charlie has reformed and understandably refuses to forget or forgive his part in her sister’s death. This grudge she holds for Charlie’s past actions causes him to not be able to move onto his future since she will not give him custody. In addition, Duncan Schaeffer and Lorraine Quarrles serve as “ghosts of the past” (Fitzgerald 2169). Unlike the other inanimate temptations, Charlie cannot just push them away or tune them out, because he has memories with them. Just when final stages of receiving Honoria are being discussed and Charlie’s redemption is almost complete, Duncan and Lorraine show up in their ridiculous old stupor. Although Charlie repeatedly states that he did not invite them there, Marion is lead to believe that the current Charlie is not reformed after all, causing him not to be able to take Honoria with him. It is in this passage that Fitzgerald demonstrates how the past will continue to impose on one’s future whether one wants it to or not and no matter how hard someone tries. Another important, but confusing note is for some reason Charlie does not recall that he leaves the Peter’s address for Mr. Schaeffer to find him, which is why they are able to toward the end of the story. This could be a way of Fitzgerald saying ultimately it is

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