A thin line between illusion and reality Illusions and reality are vital elements in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby because the novel focuses on an idealistic world in which the main character, Jay Gatsby, prisoner. Gatsby believes he can realize his illusions through a series of plans. He is blind to the fact that his ultimate plan asks too much of others. The author skillfully chooses his words so that readers can understand how resisting reality or living in fantasy can become catastrophic. Several critics elaborate on Gatsby's obsession with achieving his dream. The other characters in the novel are aware that the past is the past, but he is unaware of it. Although Gatsby refuses to consider the truth, at first, Gatsby is seen by Nick while looking for the green light. This implies that Gatsby is achieving his goals and the light is a symbol of his future with Daisy. You can also think of the situation as someone looking for something that isn't actually there. The green light belongs to someone else and so does Daisy. However, Gatsby can only see his idealized future that reunites the bond he and Daisy had. The green light is a substitute in his mind that serves as a place for Daisy until its existence finally reappears in his life. Fitzgerald uses this object to symbolize Gatsby's mental position throughout the novel. At the end of the novel Nick understands why Gatsby had a lifelong interest in light. He understood that everyone has a dream; a vision of what they want their life to be like. Nick has also found from experience that there are incidents in the past that everyone wishes they could relive or change. Gatsby's dream was powerful enough to destroy him, but his extreme dedication is what made him honorable in Nick's eyes. Pidgeon writes, "He is truly the American boy who pursues the American dream, never knowing that the dream created by his idealism is not worthy of him".”