Theme: Idealism (Leaving Cert English): Revision Notes
Theme: Idealism
Understanding idealism in The Great Gatsby
Idealism refers to the pursuit of high principles and unrealistic standards of perfection. In Fitzgerald's novel, idealism becomes a destructive force that blinds characters to reality and ultimately leads to tragedy. The novel presents a critical examination of how idealistic dreams, particularly those connected to wealth, love, and social status, can become dangerous obsessions.
Idealism in literature often explores the tension between characters' noble aspirations and the harsh realities they face. Fitzgerald uses this theme to critique American society and values in the 1920s.
Idealism through the American Dream
The concept of the American Dream
The American Dream represents the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. This concept promotes the idea that America operates as a meritocracy where individual effort determines success. However, Fitzgerald presents this as an overly optimistic and unrealistic view of American society.
The novel was written during the Jazz Age of the 1920s, a period when traditional values were changing rapidly after World War I. This generation, known as the Lost Generation, had become disillusioned with conventional morality and increasingly focused on material wealth and pleasure.
Fitzgerald's pessimistic critique
Rather than celebrating the American Dream, Fitzgerald exposes it as fundamentally flawed. The novel demonstrates how the pursuit of this idealistic vision corrupts individuals and destroys authentic relationships. The dream of unlimited opportunity masks the reality of a society divided by class and privilege.
The Valley of Ashes serves as a powerful symbol of those left behind by the American Dream. This desolate wasteland between New York and West Egg represents the moral and spiritual emptiness that results from the single-minded pursuit of wealth and status.
Different characters embody different idealistic beliefs
Gatsby's idealistic transformation
Jay Gatsby represents the ultimate believer in the American Dream's transformative power. Born James Gatz, a poor farmer's son, he completely reinvents himself to pursue his vision of success and love. His dedication to this self-created identity shows both the appeal and the danger of idealistic thinking.
Gatsby's pursuit of wealth becomes an obsession that consumes his entire life. He believes money can buy him acceptance into high society and win him Daisy's love. This materialistic idealism blinds him to the reality that the wealthy elite will never truly accept someone from his background.
The contrast between East and West Egg
The novel presents a clear divide between East Egg (representing old money and established wealth) and West Egg (representing new money and social climbing). This geographical symbolism highlights how idealistic dreams of social mobility are often blocked by existing class structures.
Characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent the antithesis of the American Dream. Born into privilege, they have no need to strive or dream. Their careless attitude towards others shows how the dream's promise of equality remains hollow when confronted with inherited advantage.
Wilson's trapped idealism
George Wilson represents those whose dreams have been crushed by harsh reality. Unlike Gatsby, Wilson lacks the resources or connections to escape his circumstances. His wife Myrtle's death destroys his last hope, leading to his desperate and violent actions at the novel's end.
The green light as symbol of idealistic pursuit
The changing meaning of the green light
The green light at the end of Daisy's dock serves as the novel's central symbol of idealistic longing. Initially, it represents hope and the possibility of achieving one's dreams. The colour green traditionally symbolises both money and renewal, connecting Gatsby's financial and romantic aspirations.
However, as the novel progresses, the green light's meaning shifts from hope to futility. Gatsby reaches towards something that remains forever out of grasp, symbolising how idealistic dreams can become self-defeating obsessions.
Gatsby's mythologising tendency
Gatsby creates an entire mythology around himself and his relationship with Daisy. He builds his identity on a fantasy rather than reality, describing himself as "a son of God" who has invented his own destiny. This grandiose self-perception demonstrates the dangerous extremes of idealistic thinking.
The American Dream as facade
The hollow nature of wealth
Despite achieving tremendous financial success, Gatsby remains fundamentally empty and isolated. His lavish parties fail to provide genuine connection or happiness. The contrast between his public magnificence and private simplicity (particularly evident in his bedroom) reveals the superficiality of his achievement.
The novel suggests that the American Dream's focus on material success creates a spiritual vacuum. Characters possess wealth but lack purpose, direction, or authentic relationships.
Valley of Ashes as reality
The Valley of Ashes represents the consequence of unchecked industrial capitalism and the pursuit of wealth. This wasteland, populated by those who serve the wealthy but cannot join them, exposes the American Dream's failure to deliver equality and opportunity for all.
The inhabitants of this desolate area, like George Wilson, remain trapped in cycles of poverty and desperation, unable to access the opportunities that the American Dream supposedly guarantees.
The death of idealistic dreams
Gatsby's tragic end
Gatsby's death in his swimming pool serves as a powerful metaphor for the drowning of idealistic dreams in harsh reality. His refusal to abandon his pursuit of Daisy, even after she chooses Tom, demonstrates how idealism can become a form of self-destruction.
The imagery of drowning recurs throughout the novel, suggesting that characters become overwhelmed by their own unrealistic expectations and desires.
The collapse of the dream
The novel's ending reveals the ultimate futility of Gatsby's idealistic pursuit. Despite his wealth and dedication, he cannot recapture his past with Daisy or achieve genuine acceptance in high society. His death represents the failure of the American Dream's promise of transformation and success.
The idealism of love
Gatsby's idealisation of Daisy
Gatsby's love for Daisy represents perhaps the novel's most dangerous form of idealism. He has created a fantasy version of her that bears little resemblance to the real woman. This idealisation prevents him from seeing Daisy's flaws and limitations, ultimately leading to his destruction.
The novel presents this as a form of objectification, where Gatsby transforms Daisy into a symbol rather than treating her as a complete human being. She becomes the incarnation of all his dreams and desires.
The Holy Grail symbolism
Fitzgerald uses religious imagery to describe Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy, comparing it to following a Holy Grail. This comparison emphasises both the sacred nature of Gatsby's devotion and its ultimately impossible nature. Like the legendary grail, Daisy remains forever beyond reach.
The destructive nature of idealistic love
Gatsby's unwavering devotion, while appearing romantic, actually becomes controlling and possessive. He refuses to accept that Daisy has changed or that she might choose to remain with Tom. This idealistic love allows no room for the real Daisy's agency or complexity.
Exam tips
Essential Writing Strategies:
- When discussing idealism in The Great Gatsby, always connect it to specific symbols and characters
- Use quotes to support your analysis of how idealistic thinking leads to tragedy
- Consider how Fitzgerald uses the American Dream to critique 1920s American society
- Examine how different characters represent different aspects of idealistic thinking
- Connect the theme of idealism to the novel's tragic ending
Key Points to Remember:
- Idealism in The Great Gatsby is ultimately destructive - it blinds characters to reality and leads to tragedy
- The American Dream serves as the novel's central idealistic concept - Fitzgerald presents it as hollow and unattainable for most people
- The green light symbolises the futility of idealistic pursuit - it represents dreams that remain forever out of reach
- Different characters embody different relationships to idealism - from Gatsby's obsessive pursuit to the Buchanans' careless privilege
- The novel suggests that idealistic love can become a form of objectification - Gatsby's devotion to Daisy prevents him from seeing her as a real person