The Great Gatsby: Theme & Key Quotes: Forgiveness

Theme Overview: Forgiveness

In the novel, the absence or presence of forgiveness can be traced through the character relationships, often revealing their moral compass and depth of understanding and regret.
The theme of forgiveness is explored through the characters’ actions, decisions and interactions, creating a milieu of desired absolution or penance.

Key Quotes

Demonstrations of Forgiveness:

“I’m certainly glad to see you again.” Despite Daisy’s infidelity and abandonment, Gatsby is quick to forgive her when they reunite, highlighting his enduring love.
“They’re a rotten crowd… You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” Here, Nick forgives Gatsby for his materialism and corruption, epitomising the complex dynamics of forgiveness in the novel.

Lack of Forgiveness:

“She never loved you, do you hear? She only married you because I was poor.” Here, Gatsby’s inability to forgive Daisy for choosing Tom over him, reflects his fixation on the past, and his inability to accept and forgive.
“Tom’s got some woman in New York. She might have the decency not to telephone him at dinner-time.” Daisy’s criticism of Tom’s affair implies her lack of forgiveness, yet ironically, she herself seeks forgiveness from Gatsby for the same transgression.

Thematic Links:

Wilson’s revenge-filled quest for justice tells a tale of unforgiveness, in a harsh and uncompromising world.
The concept of forgiveness is also intertwined with the theme of money and corruption, as wealthy characters seem better equipped to dispense or withhold forgiveness, revealing the distortion of moral values.

Symbolic Representation:

Gatsby’s persistent attempts to recreate the past symbolise his struggle for forgiveness and acceptance from Daisy.
The unattainable green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolises Gatsby’s yearning for absolution and the futility of his pursuit.