F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, set in early 1920s New York, tells the story of millionaire Jay Gatsby and his enduring affection for Daisy Buchannan. Mr. Gatsby attempts to attract Daisy's love as the couple separates before Gatsby goes to war. However, throughout the novel the reader encounters unethical characters as well as a complex, intertwined plot that incorporates themes from early 20th century society. The true essence of the novel and the major themes of the story are captured and symbolized in a key paragraph in Chapter 5, page 86. This paragraph combines the motifs of time and Gatsby's great desire to return to the past; it further reflects the emergence of falsity and greed as important elements. The motif of time is evident throughout the story as it represents Gatsby's attempt to return to the past. Specifically, the scene in chapter five where Gatsby and Daisy are having an awkward conversation and Mr. Gatsby is leaning against the "mantel clock" (86) reflects a need to return to the society of the earlier period; to avoid a greedy, cynical people...