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Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the complexity of dreams and the darker elements that can obstruct them.

This quote from F. Scott Fitzgerald delves into the intricate nature of aspiration and the external forces that can thwart those dreams. It suggests that while Gatsby ultimately turned out well, the various negative influences and disappointments in life can overshadow the genuine pursuits of individuals, leading to a complex interplay of hope and despair.

Themes

DreamsAspirationDisappointmentLifeComplexity

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.

More from F. Scott Fitzgerald

Don't be so anxious about it,' she laughed. 'I'm not used to being loved. I wouldn't know what to do; I never got the trick of it.' She looked down at him, shy and fatigued. 'So here we are. I told you years ago that I had the makings of Cinderella.' He took her hand; she drew it back instinctively and then replaced it in his. 'Beg your pardon. Not even used to being touched. But I'm not afraid of you, if you stay quiet and don't move suddenly.
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The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
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It was about then [1920] that I wrote a line which certain people will not let me forget: "She was a faded but still lovely woman of twenty-seven."
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The words seemed to bite physically into Gatsby.
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But you can love more than just one person, can't you?
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A sudden gust of rain blew over them and then another - as if small liquid clouds were bouncing along the land. Lightning entered the sea far off and the air blew full of crackling thunder. The table cloths blew around the pillars. They blew and blew and blew. The flags twisted around the red chairs like live things, the banners were ragged, the corners of the table tore off through the burbling billowing ends of the cloths.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead

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