The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, takes place during the roaring 20s in America. Throughout this novel, the largely contrasting characteristics of the East and West are prevalent in the demeanors of the characters. Both men originated from the West but Tom represents the corruption of the East whereas Gatsby represents the simple mindset of the West. Gatsby is far nobler and more idealistic because he comes from a humble background and Tom has had everything in life handed to him. The persona of Gatsby and Tom Buchanan are shown in their work ethic. Gatsby grew up dirt poor, but was driven and determined to make something more of himself than what his town could offer. His father even makes this fact clear when he shows Nick
…show more content…
Gatsby is hopelessly in love with Daisy Buchanan, who is married to Tom Buchanan, but her marital status means nothing to him. He is so in love with her that his expectations of her are unrealistic and she will never be able to fulfill them. “He hadn’t once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes” (Fitzgerald). When Gatsby gives Daisy a tour of his house, he watches her and her reactions the whole time. Tom is a restless man who cannot find a woman good enough to make him stay faithful to one. Along with his wife Daisy, he also has a mistress named Myrtle Wilson. Once when Myrtle angered him, he hit her as if it was no big deal, “Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand” (Fitzgerald). Gatsby has unrealistic views of women, whereas Tom thinks there is no one sufficient enough out there for him. Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby proves to be far more idealistic and noble throughout the novel compared to Tom Buchanan. However, Gatsby would be considered more noble and idealistic than Tom is. Gatsby spends his money on others, but has unrealistic expectations for his future life with Daisy. Tom cheats on his wife, hits women, and flaunts his wealth so that others are aware of what he has and they do not. They represent the ideals of the West being wiped away and the ideals of the East taking over, where people will do whatever it takes to become
Gatsby is hopelessly in love with Daisy Buchanan, who is married to Tom Buchanan, but her marital status means nothing to him. He is so in love with her that his expectations of her are unrealistic and she will never be able to fulfill them. “He hadn’t once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes” (Fitzgerald). When Gatsby gives Daisy a tour of his house, he watches her and her reactions the whole time. Tom is a restless man who cannot find a woman good enough to make him stay faithful to one. Along with his wife Daisy, he also has a mistress named Myrtle Wilson. Once when Myrtle angered him, he hit her as if it was no big deal, “Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand” (Fitzgerald). Gatsby has unrealistic views of women, whereas Tom thinks there is no one sufficient enough out there for him. Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby proves to be far more idealistic and noble throughout the novel compared to Tom Buchanan. However, Gatsby would be considered more noble and idealistic than Tom is. Gatsby spends his money on others, but has unrealistic expectations for his future life with Daisy. Tom cheats on his wife, hits women, and flaunts his wealth so that others are aware of what he has and they do not. They represent the ideals of the West being wiped away and the ideals of the East taking over, where people will do whatever it takes to become