Power of Hope Within Gatsby and Ebb

Essay - Gatsby

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Hope in all contexts has power over individuals. Arguably, individuals whose hope is inextricably linked to their society’s false values will

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witness the disintegration of dreams built on such fleeting hope. Comparatively, those whose hope is bound up in ethnical pursuits will see
the realisation of their dreams. The Great Gatsby and Sonnets from the Portuguese (hereon Gatsby and Sonnets) explore of this idea; and
when viewed comparatively, one can further see the flaws within the former and the purity within the latter.

F. Scott. Fitzgerald explores the concept of how hope which is embedded within greed, immorality and waste ultimately leads to

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unhappiness and destruction. However, Barrett Browning’s subverting of commonly held values and pursuit for perfection within a
relationship however reveals an endearing love that achieves equality. Gatsby’s dream is reflected in Daisy who represents all the good he
has lost in buying into “the American Dream.” To fulfil this dream, Gatsby must prove he has attained her exclusive world of great wealth and
now has a “real right to touch her.” Fitzgerald’s list like description of Gatsby’s mansion and grounds as a “factual imitation of some Hotel de
Ville in Normandy,” reveal the power this dream has over him. It’s “thin beard of raw ivy, marble swimming pool and forty acres of land”
appeal to Nick as they are intended to impress Daisy. As in the personification of the ivy, “thin… raw” and bearded, Daisy’s dream is an
‘imitation’ of ‘old’ money, revealing the unwholesome nature of his wealth as a façade to Daisy and the outside world. Barret-Browning
explores our pursuit for achievable hope in whereby she explores the pursuit of a pure love that is satisfiable, just, and has power over her
words, “If though must love me let it be for nought / Except love’s sake only.” Her conditional clause ‘if’ and verb choice in ‘let’ highlight the
deliberate choice by the lover to love the...