George R.R. Martin once wrote, “Shattered legs may heal in time, but some betrayals fester and poison the soul.” The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald exemplifies this quote with the overarching portrayal of decayed moral and social values during the lavish 1920s Prohibition era. Aiding in the portrayal of Fitzgerald’s cynical work are aspects of characterization, imagery, juxtaposition, and metaphor, which convey the notion that betrayal has no prejudice regarding class, pedigree, or wealth. Betrayal has the potential to oppress and influence even the most high-born individuals. Although betrayal can behave as a means for an author’s characters to obtain what they desire, the effect of betrayal for all of the major characters
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They, as well as Nick, Gatsby, and Jordan, are having lunch there. Gatsby had chosen this occasion for Daisy’s potential admission to Tom that “she never loved him.” The tension between Gatsby and Tom becomes most palpable when Daisy cries to Gatsby with everyone present that he looks “so cool.” Nick narrates that “She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little and he looked at Gatsby… (Page 125)” Ironically, Tom has no moral regrets regarding his own infidelity, but when he is confronted with the idea that Daisy is in love with Gatsby, he assumes the victim role. Tom would most likely be unfazed by simple cheating from his wife, but true “love affairs” are relationships he cannot deal with. Imagery within this scene is utilized in the form of the blistering heat. When Fitzgerald includes, “But it’s so hot, insisted Daisy, on the verge of tears. And everything’s so confused… (Page 125)” it conveys Daisy’s reluctance to complete what Gatsby is expecting of her, which is to fully betray Tom. The weather is a metaphor for the oppressive and draining nature of betrayal on the characters’ behavior and
They, as well as Nick, Gatsby, and Jordan, are having lunch there. Gatsby had chosen this occasion for Daisy’s potential admission to Tom that “she never loved him.” The tension between Gatsby and Tom becomes most palpable when Daisy cries to Gatsby with everyone present that he looks “so cool.” Nick narrates that “She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little and he looked at Gatsby… (Page 125)” Ironically, Tom has no moral regrets regarding his own infidelity, but when he is confronted with the idea that Daisy is in love with Gatsby, he assumes the victim role. Tom would most likely be unfazed by simple cheating from his wife, but true “love affairs” are relationships he cannot deal with. Imagery within this scene is utilized in the form of the blistering heat. When Fitzgerald includes, “But it’s so hot, insisted Daisy, on the verge of tears. And everything’s so confused… (Page 125)” it conveys Daisy’s reluctance to complete what Gatsby is expecting of her, which is to fully betray Tom. The weather is a metaphor for the oppressive and draining nature of betrayal on the characters’ behavior and