The Great Gatsby cover
The Corruption of the American Dream Notable Quotes

The Great Gatsby

Passages worth revisiting from classic literature.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Francis Scott) 2021 210 min
Chapter IX

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

The novel's famous closing line captures the futility of trying to recapture what has been lost.
Chapter I

“I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Daisy's words reveal her resignation to a shallow world and foreshadow the tragedy that follows.
Chapter IX

“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money.”

Nick's harsh judgment exposes the moral emptiness beneath aristocratic privilege.