Critical essay on the "Great Gatsby" by Fitzgeralds

The quote 'material without being real' shows the emptiness of an existence with the realization of a tainted ideal. Fittingly, this quote from Nick is placed after Daisy leaves Gatsby. Nick is imagining what Gatsby would be thinking if he had understood that the goal, winning Daisy and her materialistic insubstantiality, was unworthy of his effort. Fitzgerald does not specifically state if Gatsby is or is not waiting for the phone call from Daisy. If …

…receipt of a paycheck which they will redeem ultimately for social status. Some do have dreams, and to their life is added new meaning through the reaching for a goal. It is this reaching, the gaining of enjoyable and constructive experience, which gives purpose to their work that diminishes the monotony of their daily existence. Whereas the straight materialists will eventually spend their 'dream,' the experience that a 'reacher' gains cannot be taken away.