Adversity In The Great Gatsby - 1118 Words

Despite the outdated settings and characters in many novels, the stories and the lessons they contain are still valued and relevant to a contemporary society. Books provide the reader with an escape from the adversity of reality and place them in the fantasies and dreams of the main characters. Along with emotion, a novel should teach people lessons and the morality of actions and their consequences. Although some books may vainly appear as obsolete and forgotten, each story shares a different voice and a different perspective of the world. In The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the rivalry between East Egg and West Egg directly relates to the time period and to modern day society. The idea of progress and the betterment of an†¦show more content†¦Also, in The Great Gatsby, the idea of human nature is illustrated through the affairs and reckless actions of the characters. Similar to how the characters in The Crucible were optimistic of the truth, Gatsby believed in Da isy to confess her love. Ultimately, these misconceptions and optimism led to the deaths during the Salem witch trials and the death of Myrtle, George Wilson, and Gatsby. If Daisy were to have the courage to stand up to her intimidating, abusive husband, then Gatsby would have survived, and they could have lived a better life together. Although the witch trials and the time of Gatsby may be a long time ago, the idea that optimism and blindness by love and truth is a weakness in individuals are still relevant today and can still resonate with the modern reader. The purpose of a story is not solely just to share lessons and truths about human nature but to also share stories of the past. Recognizing history and the knowledge acquired through stories is crucial in growing as an individual and as an entire society. People may be inclined to forget awful wars or events of the past. However, the act of forgetting these stories is an effort to avoid confronting the terrors and mistakes of the past. For instance, in Night, Elie Wiesel’s purpose in writing his memoir on his experiences of the Holocaust and in the deathShow MoreRelated Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, June from The Joy Luck Club, and Edna from The Awakening1727 Words   |  7 PagesJanie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, June from The Joy Luck Club, and Edna from The Awakening In most of the worlds greatest literature, there have been introduced countless courageous characters and triumphant victories. These characters have the power to father strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. Such characters as Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, June from The Joy Luck Club, and Edna from TheRead MoreGreat Gatsby Research Paper1252 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout history it becomes apparent that all the great stories: The Odyssey, Great Expectations, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are all founded on a similar theme. The same plot line, a hero, most often the protagonist, faces danger and adversity to the highest extreme but always comes out on top. He is depicted as the pinnacle of human triumph and in essence, demonstrates a fundamental strength that all men should strive to achieve. These stories were, â€Å" full of darkness and danger. AndRead MoreGreat Gatsby and Citizen Kane compare and contrast E ssay examples677 Words   |  3 Pages The Great Gatsby Citizen Kane You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. - James Allen The Great Gatsby and Citizen Kane are both classic American stories about the so called â€Å"American Dream†. The main characters in both stories are Mr. Gatsby and Mr. Kane. They each come from similar backgrounds. They also both hold much power as adults. A difference between the two is one chose their way of living the other did not. He wasRead MoreComparison of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby and â€Å"Winter Dreams†953 Words   |  4 PagesFitzgerald was developing ideas for a story to turn into a novel. While The Great Gatsby wasn’t published until 1925, â€Å"Winter Dreams† dà ©buted in 1922 and the similarities between the novel and short story were done on purpose. â€Å"Winter Dreams† became a short draft which Fitzgerald paralleled The Great Gatsby after, but also differentiated the two in specific ways (â€Å"Winter Dreams† 217). The main characters are both men, Jay Gatsby and Dexter Green, who desire for the American dream, not necessarily forRead MoreThe Theme Of Money In The Great Gatsby879 Words   |  4 Pagesconsistently expressed throughout two novels, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Fitzgerald’s novel considers money primarily through the life of a wealthy man who flourishes in life, whose name is Gatsby. On the other hand, Steinbeck’s novel describes the story of two men, who have a limited supply of money and no accomplishments to boast about whatsoever. The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men show that great success and quality of life is determined by whoRead MoreThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jazz by Toni Morrison 647 Words   |  3 Pageshistorically accurate. The combination of influence and historical accuracy can create a new subcategory of â€Å"historical fiction†. Two exceptional novels by distinguished authors have managed to start this new concept of â€Å"historical fiction†. The Great G atsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Jazz by Toni Morrison are two literary novels that pioneered the movement of historical realism in fiction as well as influenced literary writing styles and United States culture for generations following their creationRead MoreCourtly Love in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay1109 Words   |  5 Pages Courtly love—an expression of passion, a token of intimacy, and a vibrant theme which permeates the spirit of F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby. Energetic and enterprising, young James Gatz ascends the social ladder to become a grossly successful and affluent businessman, all driven by a single purpose: to win the beautiful Daisy’s heart. Gatsby plays his role as Daisy’s courtly lover by his ambitions to satisfy his sincere, undying ardor and to prove his commitment to Daisy’s wellbeing. TheRead MoreSin : Sin And Sin1196 Words   |  5 Pagesexample of committing the concepts of the seven deadly sins, appears in the book titled The Great Gatsby. The entire plot, and characters’ values revolve around the 7 deadly sins. Gatsby and Tom both exemplify these sins. Gatsby’s desire for Daisy and his jealousy of the rich lifestyle, expresses envy. He thinks Tom doesn t deserve Daisy, he wants her and will do anything to please her to win her over. Gatsby crafts himself as an image that begs to be desired just as he once desired it. Gluttony isRead MoreRumours And Truths Of The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1308 Words   |  6 Pages Peter Lee Ms. Mastrofrancesco ENG 3U1 November 2014 Rumours and truths about Gatsby In a materialistic world, information about a man’s background or financial situation often becomes a significant factor in reflecting that person’s status. As a result, people hide the ugly truths behind the fabricated stories to gain a good reputation. Some people take to the extent of losingRead MoreGreat Gatsby’s Commentary on the American Dream Essay1265 Words   |  6 PagesIt is especially painful to see others possess what we cannot have. For the characters in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby these problems are all too real. Gatsby works for a lifetime to gain back what he feels is rightfully his, while all the while facing the crushing realization that he may be too late. Fitzgerald uses this futile search to introduce the idea that the idealized America Gatsby fought for has been corrupted over time. Descriptions of a land of picket fences and middle class freedom is