Assignment 1: Character Analysis of the novel 'The Great Gatsby'

This blog is part of an assignment for sub. code- 22399 Paper 106: The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II .

Introduction:

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, is a novel that delves deep into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream. At the heart of this work are its richly drawn characters, each contributing a unique perspective to the overarching narrative. Through their actions, motivations, and relationships, Fitzgerald crafts a poignant commentary on the decadence and moral decay of the 1920s.

Jay Gatsby:

Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic millionaire around whom the novel revolves, is a captivating figure shrouded in mystery. Born James Gatz, he reinvents himself as the wealthy, charismatic Jay Gatsby, driven by an insatiable desire to recapture the past and win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby's obsession with Daisy is a central theme, symbolizing the elusive nature of the American Dream and the futility of chasing an idealized past.

Gatsby's lavish parties and extravagant lifestyle are a facade, masking his true yearning for Daisy's affection. His unwavering devotion to her is both romantic and tragic, as he fails to recognize that the Daisy he idolizes is merely a construct of his imagination, not the real person. Fitzgerald skillfully portrays Gatsby as a tragic hero, whose downfall stems from his inability to accept reality and his blind pursuit of an unattainable dream.

Daisy Buchanan:

In contrast to Gatsby's idealism, Daisy Buchanan represents the careless and shallow nature of the wealthy elite. Described as possessing a "cruel body" and a "bright, smiling face," Daisy is a complex character torn between her love for Gatsby and the security of her marriage to Tom Buchanan. Her indecisiveness and lack of agency highlight her superficial nature, as she is more concerned with maintaining her social status than acting on her true feelings.

Daisy's character serves as a critique of the privileged class, whose wealth and privilege have rendered them morally bankrupt and incapable of genuine emotion. Her inability to choose between Gatsby and Tom ultimately leads to tragedy, underscoring the destructive power of wealth and the emptiness of the materialistic lifestyle she embodies.

Nick Carraway:

Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, serves as both an observer and a participant in the unfolding events. As an outsider to the wealthy social circle, Nick's perspective is invaluable, offering an objective and moral lens through which the reader can judge the actions of the other characters. His growing disillusionment with the decadence and dishonesty of the upper class mirrors the reader's own disenchantment.

Nick's relationship with Jordan Baker, a cynical and dishonest young woman, further highlights his struggle to reconcile his moral compass with the corrupt world around him. Their failed romance symbolizes the breakdown of traditional values and the erosion of authenticity in a society obsessed with wealth and status.

Tom Buchanan:

Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, is a character who epitomizes the toxic masculinity and racist attitudes of the time. Described as a "brute of a man" with an "arrogant" demeanor, Tom is the embodiment of the privileged, old-money class. His affair with Myrtle Wilson, a working-class woman, exemplifies his sense of entitlement and lack of moral integrity.

Tom's actions throughout the novel reveal his hypocritical nature, as he condemns others for the very behaviors he himself exhibits. His physical brutality towards Myrtle and his casual racism towards those he deems inferior highlight the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Fitzgerald uses Tom's character to critique the destructive forces of classism and prejudice that pervaded the society of the time.

Jordan Baker:

Jordan Baker, the embodiment of the moral decay of the 1920s, is a complex and contradictory character. As a professional golfer, she represents the newfound independence of women in the era, yet her dishonesty and lack of ethics undermine this progressive image. Jordan's casual lying and disregard for the truth reflect the superficial values of the wealthy social set she inhabits.

Her relationship with Nick serves as a microcosm of the larger societal issues Fitzgerald explores. Their initial attraction is based on superficial qualities, but as Nick becomes disillusioned with Jordan's lack of integrity, their connection crumbles, mirroring the disintegration of traditional values in the face of rampant materialism and decadence.

Myrtle Wilson:

Myrtle Wilson, the tragic figure caught in the crosshairs of the novel's central conflict, represents the plight of the working class in a society dominated by the wealthy elite. Her desperate pursuit of wealth and status through her affair with Tom Buchanan ultimately leads to her brutal death, a fate that symbolizes the crushing power of the upper class over those deemed inferior.

Myrtle's tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of the class divide. Her character highlights the stark contrast between the privileged lives of the wealthy and the harsh realities faced by those on the margins of society.

Conclusion:

Through these richly drawn characters, Fitzgerald crafts a multi-layered narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and the societal forces that shape individual choices and destinies. Each character represents a different facet of the American experience, from the idealistic dreamer to the morally corrupt elite, and their interactions and relationships illuminate the larger themes of the novel.

The Great Gatsby stands as a powerful commentary on the disillusionment of the American Dream, the destructive allure of wealth and status, and the enduring human capacity for both hope and tragedy. Fitzgerald's masterful character development and intricate web of relationships create a poignant and timeless exploration of the human condition, resonating with readers across generations.

Words: 951