Context: Gatsby is talking to Nick about how his life was much better back when he was with Daisy, and how he wants her back. Nick, in turn, tells him that he should move on and let go of her, because the past cannot be repeated.
Significance: Gatsby, the man that is depicted as all-glamorous, rich, successful, and has everything - the perfect bachelor. However, the thing, or moreso the girl he wants the most (Daisy) is not available to him. This is seen as his weakness, in a way. Gatsby has material goods, but is always lonely and loves a girl whom he cannot call his own. This is an example of the typical saying "money cannot buy love". It is a point for character revelation, as Gatsby is naïve in thinking that he can recreate the past, and also in thinking that Daisy would be willing to leave her social class (of old money) and wealth to be with him, who is of new money. This quote also demonstrates the inner conflict that Gatsby has within himself - he knows that the past cannot be recreated, but is still holding onto it, not being able to let go and wanting to recreate it again.
Significance: Gatsby, the man that is depicted as all-glamorous, rich, successful, and has everything - the perfect bachelor. However, the thing, or moreso the girl he wants the most (Daisy) is not available to him. This is seen as his weakness, in a way. Gatsby has material goods, but is always lonely and loves a girl whom he cannot call his own. This is an example of the typical saying "money cannot buy love". It is a point for character revelation, as Gatsby is naïve in thinking that he can recreate the past, and also in thinking that Daisy would be willing to leave her social class (of old money) and wealth to be with him, who is of new money. This quote also demonstrates the inner conflict that Gatsby has within himself - he knows that the past cannot be recreated, but is still holding onto it, not being able to let go and wanting to recreate it again.