1. “Civilization’s going to pieces,” broke out Tom violently... The idea is if we don’t look out the white race will be — will be utterly submerged. It’s all scientific stuff; it’s been proved.”
Scott Fitzgerald was attempting to argue the point that society is evolving into a less accepting world than in previous time periods. Prejudiced ideas and racist thoughts prevail in the minds of white citizens, in this case Tom Buchanan. The growing threats of minority groups taking over society ran through the minds of 1920's majority groups resulting in racist tensions between the two groups. Fitzgerald was trying to stress the fact that when diversity of culture is introduced into an area that already has an established society, then the new group will not be tolerated easily without presumptions.
2. Whenever you feel like criticizing any one...just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."
The author wanted to show that there is a little glimmer of hope for society to remain unprejudiced by using Nick's father as a symbol of innocence and wisdom. He shares his knowledge with Nick that one must see through another's eyes in order to view an assumption clearly enough to make an assessment. Fitzgerald wants the readers to learn that a proper judgement of one's character can not be correctly completed without the consideration of their lifestyle and what they have gone through. He believes that society has become more concerned with living a normal, carefree lifestyle than trying to see life as another would view it.
3. "In two weeks it'll be the longest day in the year... Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it."
Daisy is telling her visitors that for people's entire lives they are constantly waiting for change and something good to happen, but once it does occur the rest of their life goes by very quickly. Fitzgerald is trying to warn readers not to dwell on future events to come because once they take place other occurrences in life move at a rapid pace. The result of anticipating every move of what's yet to come ultimately is a disappointment because a person will be excited for the future but then let down by how fast life goes by.
4. "I married him because I thought he was a gentleman...I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe."
Myrtle is complaining about how her husband, George, has not lived up to all he seemed to be when she married him. She expected him to be rich and successful in order to have children with him, but now that she has gotten to know him she thinks that he is no better than a dog. The author is stressing that people are more concerned with high-ranking social status than true priorities in life such as true love. Myrtle represents the lower-class citizens attempting to make their way to the top social ranking by choosing the less difficult steps to get there.
5. "He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward and distinguished nothing except a single green light..."
Gatsby is reaching out towards the green light across the sea at Daisy's house as if to symbolize the eternal reach for people to accomplish their hopes and goals in life. Gatsby wishes to pursue his longing of having Daisy's heart although it is merely impossible just like people dream of achieving the perfect lifestyle. Fitzgerald is trying to make the point that people will always be aiming for goals that they probably will not be able to succeed in; people overestimate their abilities to do well in the world. The author is trying to stress that people need to set more realistic goals in life so they can prosper with less difficulty.
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