The quote reflects on the character of Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, highlighting his tragic quest to reclaim a lost past and the dream of a life that ultimately eludes him. The narrator suggests that someone could learn from Gatsby's experience, emphasizing how his isolation and yearning serve as a poignant reminder of unfulfilled desires and the futility of chasing illusions.

This sentiment resonates within the context of Azar Nafisi's memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran," where literature serves as a lens to understand personal and collective hardships. By invoking Gatsby, Nafisi underscores the themes of longing and disillusionment, illustrating how individuals may become consumed by their dreams, even when those dreams are inherently unattainable.