"We know what we are, but know not what we may be" exclaimed William Shakespeare in Hamlet. In the works studied this year, there is an underlying struggle between society and the principal characters. These characters attempt to defy Shakespeare, as they try to actively control and shape what they want to become. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald frames this struggle in terms of the central figure, Jay Gatsby, attempting to alter his social class in society and achieve his American Dream by marrying the love of his life. Similarly, in Kate Chopin's The Awakening, Edna Pontellier, desires to break free from the shackles that her identity as a housewife and mother binds her with and lead a life of independence. Pecola Breedlove,
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Tom confides to Nick that “I’d be a God damned fool to live anywhere else” than the East Egg (Fitzgerald 10). This statement reveals the deep divide that exists between the two factions, suggesting that an integration between the two is impossible. Gatsby's main goal is to win the affections of Daisy, a member of the upper class. This goal of Gatsby is described as “what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men” (2). Fitzgerald portrays this goal in a negative manner to convey to the reader that the goal is far-fetched and not achievable, even with significant effort. Gatsby's perseverance and dedication to bridge the gap between old and new money is revealed in the diary presented by his dad; each day in Gatsby's life is regimented with activities. Despite this discipline and work ethic, Gatsby fails in his endeavor to join the upper class. Gatsby even tries to adopt certain traits of the upper class by addressing his acquaintances as "old sport", a phrase commonly used by those …show more content…
I can't make it more clear" (***Chopin CITE***). As Edna progresses from her state of complacency to a state of striving to change her life, the reader sees her take drastic steps to achieve this goal. She disassociates herself from her husband and attempts to venture out into the world on her own terms. In the words of Edna, she feels “sorry for women who don’t like to walk; they miss so much – so many rare little glimpses of life; and we women learn so little of life on the whole” (101). This statement by Edna displays her desire to transcend her expected role as a housewife and become a free member of society. The contrast between these two ideals is also manifested in the differences between Mademoiselle Reisz and Madame Ratignolle. Reisz is the epitome of the free single woman, with her life revolving around her love for the piano. This love is showcased by the piano being the center piece in her residence. Ratignolle’s life, on the other hand, revolves around her children. Ratignolle conveys this ideal when she reminds Edna to “think of the children” (106). The idea of children representing the life Edna wants to leave is also manifested by Edna visiting her children whenever she makes a critical decision on her
Tom confides to Nick that “I’d be a God damned fool to live anywhere else” than the East Egg (Fitzgerald 10). This statement reveals the deep divide that exists between the two factions, suggesting that an integration between the two is impossible. Gatsby's main goal is to win the affections of Daisy, a member of the upper class. This goal of Gatsby is described as “what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men” (2). Fitzgerald portrays this goal in a negative manner to convey to the reader that the goal is far-fetched and not achievable, even with significant effort. Gatsby's perseverance and dedication to bridge the gap between old and new money is revealed in the diary presented by his dad; each day in Gatsby's life is regimented with activities. Despite this discipline and work ethic, Gatsby fails in his endeavor to join the upper class. Gatsby even tries to adopt certain traits of the upper class by addressing his acquaintances as "old sport", a phrase commonly used by those …show more content…
I can't make it more clear" (***Chopin CITE***). As Edna progresses from her state of complacency to a state of striving to change her life, the reader sees her take drastic steps to achieve this goal. She disassociates herself from her husband and attempts to venture out into the world on her own terms. In the words of Edna, she feels “sorry for women who don’t like to walk; they miss so much – so many rare little glimpses of life; and we women learn so little of life on the whole” (101). This statement by Edna displays her desire to transcend her expected role as a housewife and become a free member of society. The contrast between these two ideals is also manifested in the differences between Mademoiselle Reisz and Madame Ratignolle. Reisz is the epitome of the free single woman, with her life revolving around her love for the piano. This love is showcased by the piano being the center piece in her residence. Ratignolle’s life, on the other hand, revolves around her children. Ratignolle conveys this ideal when she reminds Edna to “think of the children” (106). The idea of children representing the life Edna wants to leave is also manifested by Edna visiting her children whenever she makes a critical decision on her