Question

read the following excerpt from the great gatsby:
gatsby had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his
dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail
to grasp it. he did not know that it was already behind him.
what overall idea is fitzgerald criticizing with this quote?

a. the desire to live a simple, carefree life

b. the idea that people are doomed to failure

c. the obsession with wealth and status

d. the pointless pursuit of things one can never have

Explanation:

In the quote, Gatsby's dream (related to his pursuit of wealth, status, and Daisy) seems close but is already behind him, meaning he chases something unattainable. Option A is incorrect as Gatsby’s pursuit isn’t about a simple life. Option B is too broad; the quote focuses on pursuit, not general doom. Option C is part of the pursuit but the quote’s criticism is about the pointlessness of chasing what’s unobtainable, which D captures.

Answer:

D. The pointless pursuit of things one can never have