Internal Conflict in the Great Gatsby
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, wealth and other hedonistic qualities are initially portrayed as being the force behind happiness, behind living a life of pleasure, behind following the quintessential American Dream. The characters in the novel thus relentlessly subject themselves to constant gratification. Despite the moral decay that seems to accompany such acts of gluttony, the characters continue to act extravagantly and carelessly. However, these views, suggests Fitzgerald conflict with the superficiality and futility of living such a life – as is clear from the destiny of the characters portrayed in the novel. Ultimately, argues Fitzgerald, the ever-incompatible qualities of hedonism and …show more content…
One notable instance is the extravagant parties that Gatbsy throws, which are described as including pits full of musicians, impressive spreads of alcohol, and corps full of caterers. This wild party is accompanied by uncontrolled revelry and excess – as apparent from lewd behavior, adulterous pairings, among an overall lack of general concern, the extent of which is emphasized by the fact that most of the guests did not even know who Gatsby was. An additional example of hedonism is displayed through the demeanor of Tom, who engages in adultery to fulfill his obsession for supremacy. Jordan, too, portrays the essence of hedonism through her flirtatious encounters with several, in addition to her indulging in gossip. Daisy’s infatuation with physicality and materialism serve to reflect on her life and how it has become accustomed to Tom’s riches, all of which she takes for granted. Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy, a married woman, and his attempts to philander with her are, similarly, characteristic of the hedonistic theme of indulging in one’s pleasures. Sadly, Fitzgerld stresses, many, such as Gatsby, who acquired his fortune through illegal means, were willing to go to extreme lengths to live a life of decadence and …show more content…
The titular protagonist Jay Gatsby, asserts Fitzgerald, represents the imprudent fixation with materialism - a divisive wall separating him from that which he truly desired. Tainted by his criminal activities, a significant source of his immense wealth, Gatsby becomes trapped by barriers past which he will never be able to advance. Unfortunately, the unethical and sometimes criminal practices that run rampant in East Egg are even shrouded with a frontage of decency. The Buchanans, on the other hand, whose relationship lacks any genuine sense of rappaport, are physical embodiments of the emptiness at the center of the American Dream. Tom, for instance, is unfaithful and feeds his sexual desires by having an affair. As a result of chasing the American Dream and living hedonistically, disaster follows Gatsby and eventually engulfs him with his death– emphasizing the detrimental effects of pursuing something one can’t have, living life gluttonously in a fictional world where all ends
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, wealth and other hedonistic qualities are initially portrayed as being the force behind happiness, behind living a life of pleasure, behind following the quintessential American Dream. The characters in the novel thus relentlessly subject themselves to constant gratification. Despite the moral decay that seems to accompany such acts of gluttony, the characters continue to act extravagantly and carelessly. However, these views, suggests Fitzgerald conflict with the superficiality and futility of living such a life – as is clear from the destiny of the characters portrayed in the novel. Ultimately, argues Fitzgerald, the ever-incompatible qualities of hedonism and …show more content…
One notable instance is the extravagant parties that Gatbsy throws, which are described as including pits full of musicians, impressive spreads of alcohol, and corps full of caterers. This wild party is accompanied by uncontrolled revelry and excess – as apparent from lewd behavior, adulterous pairings, among an overall lack of general concern, the extent of which is emphasized by the fact that most of the guests did not even know who Gatsby was. An additional example of hedonism is displayed through the demeanor of Tom, who engages in adultery to fulfill his obsession for supremacy. Jordan, too, portrays the essence of hedonism through her flirtatious encounters with several, in addition to her indulging in gossip. Daisy’s infatuation with physicality and materialism serve to reflect on her life and how it has become accustomed to Tom’s riches, all of which she takes for granted. Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy, a married woman, and his attempts to philander with her are, similarly, characteristic of the hedonistic theme of indulging in one’s pleasures. Sadly, Fitzgerld stresses, many, such as Gatsby, who acquired his fortune through illegal means, were willing to go to extreme lengths to live a life of decadence and …show more content…
The titular protagonist Jay Gatsby, asserts Fitzgerald, represents the imprudent fixation with materialism - a divisive wall separating him from that which he truly desired. Tainted by his criminal activities, a significant source of his immense wealth, Gatsby becomes trapped by barriers past which he will never be able to advance. Unfortunately, the unethical and sometimes criminal practices that run rampant in East Egg are even shrouded with a frontage of decency. The Buchanans, on the other hand, whose relationship lacks any genuine sense of rappaport, are physical embodiments of the emptiness at the center of the American Dream. Tom, for instance, is unfaithful and feeds his sexual desires by having an affair. As a result of chasing the American Dream and living hedonistically, disaster follows Gatsby and eventually engulfs him with his death– emphasizing the detrimental effects of pursuing something one can’t have, living life gluttonously in a fictional world where all ends