Critical Lens Paper Modernism in the Great Gatsby

Philosophers argue that there is nothing that cannot change and people should always be prepared for change at all times. However, change is sometimes not good since it can bring disaster in social, political and economic issues. Modernism refers to the practice of adopting new behavior, systems, practices and habits through the replacement of traditional and classical thoughts or ideas. In modernism, the traditional and classical issues are considered to be the foundations for the new developments. The concept of modernism was first practiced in western societies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to the author, blind modernism is a recipe for moral decadence since it undermines family values. In addition, the author explores the issue of resistance to change and its impacts on the society. According to the author, people should not just resist change without evaluating its impacts on the society.

The fact that the American dream seems to have died a natural death means that majority of Americans have lost hope in the institutions that are supposed to promote their rights and freedoms and at the same time ensure that every American lives a happy and enjoyable life. In addition, modernism in the Great Gatsby is depicted in the quote “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer. The modern American society is not what the forefathers of this great nation envisaged. In the past, the American forefathers believed in uniting the world and propelling it into progress through a joint effort of all nations and individuals.

However, it was soon evident that the modern lifestyle of most Americans was marked by self-interests that were destructive. In today’s America people have become selfish and self-centered that they do not want to care about others but themselves. The quote above shows that while Americans still hope for a better future, majority of them have neglected the basic moral principles that are supposed to guide them through this journey. In this case, nick reminds the audience and the reader that no matter how people think that they have progressed in terms of modernism, they should never forget their roots and origins. Americans have for a long time behaved as if the modern lifestyle is the epitome of progress yet they forget where they are coming from. The American dream of hope is anchored on the traditions and beliefs of Americans yet majority of Americans do not seem to understand their past (Martell and Vernon 57).

The green light represents the past struggles of human beings to accomplish their goals through transcending and re-creating the past in the modern times. The author seems to inform the audience that although Americans keep pushing hard to achieve the American dream there seems to be a lot to be done in terms of moral uprightness to achieve any tangible progress. Although the dream may take a very long time to be realized, Americans should not give up. They should embrace a holistic approach in ensuring that the American Dream is captured in the social, economic and political aspects of the entire American population without discriminating any individuals. Works Cited Fitzgerald, Francis Scott.  The Great Gatsby (1925). na, 1991.