Question:
The Great Gatsby meets Robert Frost?
What are some similarities between The Great Gatsby and Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay?" What are some differences? Any similar themes, characterisations, or symbols? I know Gatsby pretty well, but ask to compare it to poetry and I'm handicap
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
My favorite novel and one of my favorite Frost poems. What are the odds? Have you read "Nothing Gold Can Stay?" It is fairly short but it packs quite a punch. Since you claim to know Gatsby pretty well, I will focus on the Frost poem.
Let's start with the first line.
"Nature's first green is gold"
This is very ambiguous. Why? It could represent one of two things: the change from spring (green) to autumn (gold) or that nature's growth is precious because it lasts such a short time. You should be aware of the significance of 'green' in Gatsby...I hope.
Second line:
"Her hardest hue to hold"
It's hard to hold because it happens so quickly. The beauty we associate with spring soon changes and the image of that beauty escapes our mind unknowingly. Does Gatsby try to hold on to something beautiful?
Third line:
"Her early leaf's a flower"
A reference to the dawn of spring. The first leaves of spring unfold and blossom like flowers. In spite of their flower-like appearance, one must remember that they are still leaves. This temporary stage of beauty reflects on the first two lines of the poem. Beauty is temporary.
Fourth line:
But only so an hour
Another reference to time. Nature is ever-changing and very unpredictable. Change happens quickly and without warning. This line is written as a couplet for the line above it. The beauty of the dawn of spring only lasts a moment...in this case an hour. We must enjoy it while we can.
Fifth line:
"Then leaf subsides to leaf"
A reference to change. One leaf must fade away in order to make room for new leaves. The cycle of life.
Sixth line:
"So Eden sank to grief"
What happened in Eden? The fall of man? Is similar to the fall of the leaves, metaphorically speaking?
Seventh line:
"So dawn goes down to day"
A reference to time. Nature takes its course and things will change over time. Green becomes gold, leaves become flowers, etc.
Eigth line:
"Nothing gold can stay"
Finally, we get to the very essence of the poem. The early lines mention the transformation from green to gold. What is Frost saying here? Nothing gold can stay. Autumn will not last forever. Spring will come again. The cycle of life will continue.
Like I said, I'll leave it up to you to compare that to Gatsby. Of course, you have to realize that this poem can take on several meanings. I have given you one of many.
Happy reading!!!