Make Jay Gatsby Great Again!

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Daily writing prompt
If you could be a character from a book or film, who would you be? Why?

The answer to this prompt might change at another point in time. However, if you want to ask me here and now, who I would want to be, I’d want to be Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby. I know the whole point of the story is that all the success in the world couldn’t replace the woman who got away.

But for me, where I’m at at this particular moment, I would like to challenge that notion. I find it very difficult to believe that this man who acquired an almost unfathomable fortune, fame and, quite frankly, power, was unable to find some sense of happiness in his life because of a woman. Granted, my response to this prompt is most likely because of where I’m at and my current headspace.

Tonight, kid 2 and I are in Atlanta. We came into town to see Kid 1’s gymnastics meet in Duluth, just 30 minutes away. It’s always interesting, because one is there. And for the last few years, her and I have been in a place where risen even any animosity, at least in my end. There is an anger. The feelings of “could’ve should’ve would’ve“. Friendly. That is to say that we get along and are civil. But nothing more.

I bring this up because tell me tonight, that kid 1’s girlfriend, who, according to X1, should have been there with them this weekend to see Kid 1 competing in his gymnastics meet, stayed home to go to the prom with her friends. She’s the type who starts arguments with him just before he’s getting ready to compete, just to get into his head. he word “toxic” comes to mind…

The funny is, the girl is only a sophomore in high school. So it’s not as if this is her senior prom. Hell, she’s not even a junior! X1 has also told me that when kid 1 and his girlfriend go out, he pays for EVERYTHING. The thing is, the girlfriend’s family is very wealthy. In fact, she will say that she quit wants to go out “and the end up going shopping. Or more to the point, she goes shopping and K1 pays for everything.

As I’ve talked about elsewhere previously, i’m at a point in my life where I’ve realized that I don’t need to be in a relationship in order to be happy. It’s just hard and a little heartbreaking to watch your own kid going through some of those growing pains. I could give him all the advice in the world I want; but I know that ultimately, he has to see things for himself.

I’m going back to today’s prompt, I just think that Jay Gatsby didn’t try hard enough to find fulfillment in his own life, other than pining for Daisy.

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12 responses to “Make Jay Gatsby Great Again!”

  1. Silk Cords Avatar

    Maybe relating to Gatsby on that level takes having been madly in love with somebody but never having the chance to make it last. There’s a big difference between that and getting the chance and then realizing they’re not who you thought they were. That second option, like you dealt with, gives some closure. 

    You did miss one aspect of the book / character also: the wealth, etc… all were his attempts to find something to fill the emptiness and have “fulfillment”. Like much of the current ultra-rich crowd, it’s never enough though because it’s all superficial. Money can’t buy true love, or even genuine respect.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. rebuilding rob Avatar

      This is true. But I guess like all of us, sometimes I have those moments where I think that all that wealth, power, fame, notoriety, could sustain me even with that “hollow fulfillment” for my remaining days.

      I know it’s not real but sometimes I just feel like it would be enough.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Silk Cords Avatar

    I can relate. It all may not buy true happiness, but it can insulate you from alot of the world’s pains also. Some folks say it’s just trading one set of problems for another. To a degree, I suppose it’s true, but…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. rebuilding rob Avatar

      I agree. These are just passing Blossom having in low moments.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Silk Cords Avatar

        Having to drive around in Atlanta traffic will make anybody have low moments, LOL. It’s as bad as L.A. anymore. Duluth isn’t exactly the best neighborhood nowadays either.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. rebuilding rob Avatar

        I don’t know: the part of the Duluth I stayed in was pretty nice.

        But since Detroit is the closest thing, I have to a big city, it’s all about perspective

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Child of God Avatar

        I’m so tired I’m looking forward to Heaven .I think I’ll go?went through to much hell scary place .Im not going anywhere write know. I want to help okay ✌️🥰😇✍️🙏

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Silk Cords Avatar

        Sounds like you’re soul weary. That sleep may have been a gift.

        When you pray, ask for God to send his spirit to recharge you, and visualize a beam of white light coming down from above and filling you with hope and love.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Child of God Avatar

    I’m

    Like

  4. Child of God Avatar

    Sorry gotta go to Church be back write more. He Hovering ,Me Sad,and in pain

    Like

    1. Child of God Avatar

      Wow was up with this ? I fell asleep in church then went to altar to ask forgiveness and to be more clearer headed

      Like

  5. Huilahi Avatar
    Huilahi

    Amazing article! I’ve always found Jay Gatsby to be a fascinating figure in the world of literature. I loved the book and read it way back in high school. For me, what makes Gatsby fascinating is that he is committing to achieving a dream which is unattainable. He is a dreamer who unfortunately suffers when he is awoken to harsh reality of class in his country. I enjoyed Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation of the book as well. Here’s a review of the film which I initially hated but have now come to adore:

    "The Great Gatsby" (2013)- Movie Review

    Liked by 1 person

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