A Comparison of The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise
While published in 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first novel, This Side of Paradise, dealt with themes of class and love which continue to resonate today. Just four years later the author penned the novel for which he is perhaps best known, The Great Gatsby. Scholars have pointed to similarities in themes amongst Fitzgerald’s works including both The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise, however far less common is an analysis of how his literary works may compare with the films which were based on the author’s novels. Given the importance of Fitzgerald’s works in our cultural and intellectual life, such an analysis is certainly worthwhile. In 2013, The Great Gatsby was transformed …show more content…
Luhrmann’s film, mostly adheres to Fitzgerald’s novel, as it examines the failings of the American dream. The film for example, portrays the rich symbolism of the reoccurring green light that glows in the distant darkness as a symbol of the promises of a fulfilled life in America that is just out of reach. This Side of Paradise likewise illustrates Fitzgerald’s concerns about the difficulty of obtaining success in America. For example, Amory, the novel’s protagonist, repeatedly tries to get ahead, to be successful and marry the young lady he loves, and yet despite being given all the opportunities and advantages, he fails. The portrayal of class and the excesses of the wealthy are also seen in both Luhrmann’s Gatsby and in This Side of Paradise. In This Side of Paradise, a description of an affluent man offers a disturbing portrait of excess. Fitzgerald writes of a wealthy man, “rolls of not undignified fat had collected near his chin; somewhere above was a wide thin mouth and the rough model for a Roman nose, and, below, his shoulders collapsed without a struggle into the powerful bulk of his chest and belly” (288). In the Gatsby film, class and class conflict are similarly addressed as the viewer sees both Gatsby and Nick struggle to be accepted within their social classes. Further, Luhrmann exaggerates the difference in social class between Gatsby and Nick through his representation of Nick’s tiny and cluttered cottage in contrast to Gatsby opulent mansion just next
While published in 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first novel, This Side of Paradise, dealt with themes of class and love which continue to resonate today. Just four years later the author penned the novel for which he is perhaps best known, The Great Gatsby. Scholars have pointed to similarities in themes amongst Fitzgerald’s works including both The Great Gatsby and This Side of Paradise, however far less common is an analysis of how his literary works may compare with the films which were based on the author’s novels. Given the importance of Fitzgerald’s works in our cultural and intellectual life, such an analysis is certainly worthwhile. In 2013, The Great Gatsby was transformed …show more content…
Luhrmann’s film, mostly adheres to Fitzgerald’s novel, as it examines the failings of the American dream. The film for example, portrays the rich symbolism of the reoccurring green light that glows in the distant darkness as a symbol of the promises of a fulfilled life in America that is just out of reach. This Side of Paradise likewise illustrates Fitzgerald’s concerns about the difficulty of obtaining success in America. For example, Amory, the novel’s protagonist, repeatedly tries to get ahead, to be successful and marry the young lady he loves, and yet despite being given all the opportunities and advantages, he fails. The portrayal of class and the excesses of the wealthy are also seen in both Luhrmann’s Gatsby and in This Side of Paradise. In This Side of Paradise, a description of an affluent man offers a disturbing portrait of excess. Fitzgerald writes of a wealthy man, “rolls of not undignified fat had collected near his chin; somewhere above was a wide thin mouth and the rough model for a Roman nose, and, below, his shoulders collapsed without a struggle into the powerful bulk of his chest and belly” (288). In the Gatsby film, class and class conflict are similarly addressed as the viewer sees both Gatsby and Nick struggle to be accepted within their social classes. Further, Luhrmann exaggerates the difference in social class between Gatsby and Nick through his representation of Nick’s tiny and cluttered cottage in contrast to Gatsby opulent mansion just next