#1: Can you really let go of the past?

    Reminisince, particularly blinding, is a prominent topic of discussion in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Gatsby, believes his biggest goal in life is to acquire his past lover, Daisy. So, what is up for debate? The validity of Gatsby's motives. Can one really let go of their past? 

    The entirety of chapter 7 alludes to this concept. As I read about Gatsby and Daisy's reunion, I began to relate Gatsby to myself. My past is drastically different than my present. At the surface? Quarantine, COVID, etc. Digging deeper? Losing touch with friends and family. A year before quarantine began, my (current) best friend moved to India. I felt shattered knowing she had no way of return. My mentality followed that of Gatsby. "Can't repeat the past? Why, of course you can!" (Fitzgerald, 85). My manifestation became a reality when, in October 2020, she came back to the US. One reunion and our friendship strengthened. To this day, our bond hasn't been stronger. Is this an exception to the idea that, as stated by Nick, "You can't repeat the past" (Fitzgerald, 85)? 

    My experience is far from normal. Many examples can counter mine. For example, many bonds don't last. People can grow out of each other. Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are just one example. Humans are wired to want innocence. We want to look towards days when the skies were always blue, and snow on the ground was fluffy and white. But, maybe we only want to pick out the best parts with a pair of tweezers. Maybe, if we keep manifesting, life in the present will fly by us. A few years down, our present will become our past and our only memories will be of reminisince...