tom buchanan great gatsby essay

Tom Buchanan

Character analysis.

(Click the character infographic to download.)

Meet Tom. He's a:

sturdy, straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face, and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward … you could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat. It was a body capable of enormous leverage—a cruel body. (1)

If you're getting the picture that our narrator doesn't much like Tom—we think you're right. But Nick is also fascinated with Tom. He probably can't help it; like Daisy, Tom is a fascinating kind of guy. Like Daisy, he's got something that everyone else wants: he's got power.

Maybe He's Born With It

Tom's family is rich. Really rich. Not well-to-do like Nick's family, and not nouveau riche like Gatsby, but staggeringly wealthy, with money going way back. (Or as far back as any money in America goes, anyway.) And he does extravagant, crazy things with it, like bringing "a string of polo ponies for Lake Forest" (1).

Okay, yeah, that doesn't mean much to us, either. It's probably something along the lines of buying a private jet: you know people can do it, but it's a pretty flashy move. Especially because he's so (relatively) young: "It was hard to realize that a man in my own generation was wealthy enough to do that."

In his own way, Tom is just as flashy as Gatsby. But everyone somehow knows that Gatsby's a newcomer. Tom, on the other hand, has something you can't buy. You might call it "breeding," but that sounds weird and a little racist, or even eugenicist . So, we're going to call it "arrogance": the absolute conviction that, thanks to money and family, he was born to inhabit a certain world; to marry a certain type of woman; and to receive homage from, well, pretty much every other man he encounters.

Although, come to think of it, eugenics is a good touch point here: Tom has been doing some light reading, and he's obsessed with the idea that the "lesser races" are going to come knock the Aryans —excuse us, "Nordic" people—off their white privilege pedestal." If we don't look out the white race will be—will be utterly submerged" (1), he says.

Okay, now Nick isn't the only one who doesn't like Tom. We're not big fans ourselves.

Maybe It's … 'Roids?

But why is Tom obsessed with the idea that his "race" is on the verge of being submerged? He certainly doesn't seem like he's going anywhere, because money isn't the only thing that makes him loom larger than life. He's also physically powerful, a college football star (for Yale), and someone whom Daisy calls a "brute of a man, a great, big, hulking physical specimen" (1.70).

Problem is, Tom doesn't like being called "hulking." We're not sure why, but we do have an idea: Tom believes that he has natural superiority. He's better than everyone else because of his family, his "blood," his station in life.

In fact, Daisy suggests, he comes by his power in the oldest, least classy way: he's just bigger and stronger than anyone else. And maybe, this passage seems to suggest, that's the root of all power. It has nothing to do with naturally superior races, or naturally superior families: it just has to do with whether or not you're big enough to steal someone else's woman. (Or money.)

Cruel Summer

Tom is definitely big enough—and he's also mean enough. He's a cruel man. It's not enough for him to take a mistress; he flaunts her "wherever he was known" (2.3-4), making sure that everyone sees her with him and apparently unconcerned with Daisy finding out about it.

And when he wins his little battle of wills with Gatsby, he drives the metaphorical knife in just a little bit more when he insists that Daisy drive home with Gatsby, saying "Go on. He won't annoy you." I think he realizes that his presumptuous little flirtation is over. (7.298).

Talk about burn. This little exchange makes Gatsby's undying love seem like a middle school crush; it deflates any feelings Daisy might have had for him; and it put Gatsby in his place by calling him "presumptuous." That's a lot of insult for a few words. And that's the point. He doesn't care about Daisy; he doesn't care about Gatsby. All he cares about is getting what's his. And Daisy, unfortunately for everyone, is his.

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W hy's T his F unny?

How The Great Gatsby Explains Trump

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel is a surprisingly apt primer on the president of the United States.

There’s an eerie symmetry between Donald Trump and The Great Gatsby ’s Tom Buchanan, as if the villain of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel had been brought to life in a louder, gaudier guise for the 21st century. It’s not just their infamous carelessness , the smashing-up of things and creatures that propels Tom’s denouement and has seemed to many a Twitter user to be the animating force behind Trump’s policy and personnel decisions. The two men, real and fictional, mirror each other in superficial but telling ways. Tom moves like Trump, aggressive and restless, and talks like him, with ponderous pride. He picks personal fights in public, “as though … it would be a privilege to partake vicariously of [his] emotions.” Tom surprises his dinner guests with disjointed political speeches, warning insistently that “ civilization’s going to pieces .” His patrician mannerisms are shot through with flashes of anxiety, “as if his complacency, more acute than of old, was not enough to him any more.”

Tom—the Yale man, the football star, the spender of old money, the scion of what he calls the Nordic race—embodies the peak of social status in his century. Trump—the former Playboy- cover subject , the billionaire celebrity, the most powerful man in America—does the same for his. And their shared personality traits are the product of their shared relationship to power—the casual unreflective certainty that comes from inheritance, and enables its holders to wield its blunt force as both a weapon and a shield. Such power has its own logic; it responds not to social or moral rules, but to what it perceives as danger. It’s for these reasons that in 2018, The Great Gatsby reads like a warning. For as much as it is a story about the American dream, it is also a story about power under threat, and of how that power, lashing out, can render truth irrelevant.

Here’s the cast of The Great Gatsby , for those distant from their high-school English classes. Nick Carraway, the narrator, is a naive midwesterner who considers himself “one of the few honest people that I have ever known.” He takes a Wall Street job to escape hometown ennui and romantic commitment, renting a house in the less glamorous of twin Long Island suburbs and flirting idly with Jordan Baker, an athlete and cynical socialite. Next door to Nick is Jay Gatsby, a self-made man in terms of both fortune and identity, and across the bay is wealthy, beautiful Daisy Buchanan, Nick’s cousin and the love of Gatsby’s life. Daisy is married to Tom, who has a lover, Myrtle Wilson. And Myrtle, in turn, is married to a struggling mechanic, whose emasculation is just thorough enough to leave him the strength for revenge.

Fitzgerald draws a connection between class and character from the first pages of the novel, encompassing honor and honesty in Nick’s comfortable middle-class notion of “advantages.” Yet it soon becomes clear that the advantage afforded by wealth is less a natural inclination to honesty than it is the privilege of bending the world to one’s own convenience. Nick sums up this dynamic:

They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.

Money is a shield between the careless wealthy and the consequences of their actions, cutting them off from the reality of what they have done and what it means. Thus, although Tom (like Trump) has a reputation for having cheated on his wife , he decries the loss of family values, transforming easily “ from libertine to prig.” His actions, however confused, are in his own mind “entirely justified”—so that talking to him feels, in the end, like “talking to a child.” Tom throws the weight of his denials around in tandem with his money, dismissively contradicting a man who sells him a dog on the street. When George Wilson, the mechanic, implies that Tom has been slow to produce the car he’s promised to sell him, all it takes is Tom’s cold “No” to make clear that he’s overstepped his place.

Yet Tom is far from the only character to use his wealth and status as a means for deceit. Jordan, similarly privileged, is “incurably dishonest,” relying on the assumed codes of polite society to protect her reputation just as she relies on drivers more careful than herself to stay out of her way. Gatsby acquires a new identity when he acquires his fortune, the excess of his belongings—shirts and books and oranges and flowers—matched only by the proliferation of stories about his roots. Nick, more subtly, aspires to do the same: He buys a set of financial books with “that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer,” seeking amid their “shining secrets” a way out of his old life and out of “that tangle back home” with a woman he’s rumored to be courting.

Even Daisy, idealized as she is, demonstrates the relationship between money and its power to override reality. As Tom’s wife, she personifies the kind of wealth that he possesses and other men can only pursue: In Gatsby’s words, “Her voice is full of money,” which is to say it’s seductive, hard to catch, and compels her listeners to belief, though she rarely says anything she means. At one point, Nick doesn’t notice her insincerity until the moment she stops speaking. When she does, he interprets her smirk “as if she had asserted her membership in a rather distinguished secret society to which she and Tom belonged”—signaling the couple’s elite status by flaunting how little they need to care for the truth.

Trump displays a similar carelessness. Amid the cloud of easily disprovable statements that surrounds his administration, he has also, strikingly, used falsehoods to define himself and his office—spinning claims of the largest-ever inauguration crowd and a landslide electoral victory and a record number of Time covers into the mythical biography of a superlatively powerful self. Trump doesn’t appear to care for realism, and maybe that’s the point: Whereas a social climber like Gatsby is meticulous with the details of his self-invention, stocking his library with real books though his guests would not be surprised by cardboard, Trump knows that the secret of power is effortlessness; in his world, as in Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s, wealth means less if you have to work for it. The president inspires loyalty through sheer swagger, telling it like it is even when it isn’t, speaking reality into existence: It is so, because I say so .

What can rouse such complacency into action? Only, perhaps, the notion that what Nick terms the “rather distinguished secret society” of the powerful is under siege. Tom expresses this anxiety early on in The Great Gatsby , when he warns from the head of his own opulent dinner table that “the white race,” having “produced all the things that go to make civilization,” must “watch out or these other races will have control of things.” He wants, above all, to preserve the ease with which he sets the terms of his world—“to ensure,” as Ta-Nehisi Coates has written, “that that which all others achieve with maximal effort, white people (particularly white men) achieve with minimal qualification.” Tom is motivated by the same reactionism that Coates has documented as one of the forces that crowned Trump the successor to America’s first black president.

Read more: Ta-Nehisi Coates on the “awful inheritance” underlying Trump’s presidency

Tom’s fears aren’t brought to life, however, until he comes face-to-face with Gatsby—the man who “sprang from his Platonic conception of himself,” whose smile, which “believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself,” reflects back to all who behold it the reification of their dreams. There’s convincing scholarship to suggest that Fitzgerald may have created Gatsby—with his “tanned skin,” close-cropped hair, and studied diction—as a light-skinned black man passing for white, and this, to the white-supremacist Tom, would have been the ultimate insult. It’s enough, though, that Gatsby acts, and leads Daisy to act, on terms that Tom has not defined—so that Tom finds his wife, and all of the wealth and power she represents, “slipping precipitately from his control.”

The tragedy unfolds from there, and strangely, it parallels Trump’s rise. Tom attacks Gatsby’s origins the way Trump demanded Barack Obama’s birth certificate, denouncing Gatsby as “Mr. Nobody from Nowhere.” There is a scene; Daisy, unable at last to embody Gatsby’s romantic ideal, drives in tears toward home, running Myrtle down with Gatsby’s car. And Tom (after conspiring, the novel suggests, with Daisy) turns Wilson’s need for vengeance to his advantage—just as Trump, with his anti-immigrant rhetoric , played to the previously unspeakable fears of those who felt their country had been taken from them. Tom names Gatsby as the source of Wilson’s grief—his wife’s lover and her killer—and Wilson kills both Gatsby and himself, while Myrtle’s real lover (Tom) and killer (Daisy) retreat unharmed. Nick’s famous condemnation comes here—“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy.” This censure is all the more scathing for the moral emptiness of the Buchanans’ petty sin, and all the more futile: The careless, by definition, pay no attention to whom they hurt.

Like Trump, who ran on promises to ban Muslims and deport Mexicans, Tom scapegoats an outsider as a threat to what his community values. Tom assigns an identity to hazy, formless discontents and fears, just as Trump has declared a national crisis that he alone can fix . The president lives in a widening circle of disgraced former aides and advisers ; likewise, Tom leaves behind him the bodies of those who have done, or been blamed for, his dirty work. And like Trump, who’s made numerous unfounded claims to cast himself as a victim, Tom cherishes his own implacable sense of what’s right and wrong and real.

And this, today, may be the most potent warning of Fitzgerald’s novel. Because when Tom and Daisy smash up the things and creatures around them, they don’t just demonstrate their own carelessness about truth and consequences. They also expose the misconceptions of their witnesses, revealing that Gatsby is blinded by his own dreams; that Jordan is naive to trust in other people’s honesty; that Nick has, as he confesses to Jordan, been lying to himself and calling it honor. So too has Trump exposed the gaps in America’s ideal of itself— the ugly currents of its power, the limits of its possibilities. He’s forced a reckoning, brought the country’s vision closer to its reality.

Yet it’s difficult, now, to know what a sense of reality is good for, when the disconnect between truth and the truths of power is so stark. In the penultimate scene of The Great Gatsby , Nick confronts Tom about what he told Wilson—and Tom is so certain of the justice of his actions that the only thing Nick can do is shake his hand. “There was nothing I could say,” Nick muses, “except the one unutterable fact that it wasn’t true.”

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Essays on The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby essay topic examples.

Whether you want to analyze the American Dream, compare and contrast characters, vividly describe settings and characters, persuade readers with your viewpoints, or share personal experiences related to the story, these essay ideas provide a diverse perspective on the themes and complexities within the book.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Argue whether the American Dream is achievable or illusory, as depicted in The Great Gatsby .
• 2. Analyze the moral ambiguity of Jay Gatsby and the consequences of his relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a tale of ambition, decadence, and the elusive American Dream. This essay delves into the complex theme of the American Dream, exploring whether it remains attainable or has transformed into a tantalizing illusion, luring individuals like Jay Gatsby into its enigmatic embrace.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby invites us to reevaluate our perceptions of success and fulfillment. As we contemplate the fate of Jay Gatsby and the characters entangled in his world, we are challenged to define our own version of the American Dream and the sacrifices it may entail.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, exploring their contrasting worldviews and motivations.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the portrayal of the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby and Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises .

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters and settings in The Great Gatsby and other literary works offer a rich tapestry for comparison and contrast. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the brash Tom Buchanan, delving into their contrasting values, aspirations, and roles within the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan illuminate the divergent paths individuals can take in pursuit of their desires. As we consider the consequences of their choices, we are prompted to reflect on the complexities of ambition and morality.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the opulent parties at Gatsby's mansion, emphasizing the decadence and extravagance of the Jazz Age.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Daisy Buchanan, focusing on her beauty, charm, and the allure she holds for Gatsby.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The Great Gatsby immerses readers in the lavish world of the Roaring Twenties. This essay embarks on a descriptive exploration of the extravagant parties at Gatsby's mansion, capturing the opulence and hedonism of the era, as well as the illusions they create.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Gatsby's parties serves as a vivid snapshot of the Jazz Age's excesses and the fleeting nature of indulgence. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the allure and transience of the materialistic pursuits that captivated the characters of the novel.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Nick Carraway is the moral compass of the story, serving as the voice of reason and morality.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that Gatsby's love for Daisy is genuine and selfless, despite his questionable methods.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The Great Gatsby presents a tapestry of characters with complex moral dilemmas. This persuasive essay asserts that Nick Carraway emerges as the moral compass of the story, guiding readers through the labyrinth of decadence and disillusionment in the Jazz Age.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Nick Carraway's role as the moral compass underscores the importance of ethical navigation in a world characterized by excess and moral ambiguity. As we reflect on his influence, we are compelled to consider the enduring value of integrity and virtue.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered the allure of materialism and extravagance, similar to the characters in The Great Gatsby .
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in the Jazz Age and recount your interactions with Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: The themes of The Great Gatsby resonate with the allure of a bygone era. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with the seductive pull of materialism and extravagance, drawing parallels to the characters' experiences in the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with the allure of materialism reminds us of the timeless nature of the themes in The Great Gatsby . As we navigate our own desires and ambitions, we are encouraged to contemplate the balance between aspiration and morality.

Nicks Personality in The Great Gatsby

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"The Great Gatsby": Theme and Symbols

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The Portrayal of Female Characters in F.s. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

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April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Novel; Fiction, Tragedy

Jay Gatsby , Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, Jordan Baker, Meyer Wolfsheim, George B. Wilson, Trimalchio, Mr. Gatz

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" with multiple motivations in mind. Firstly, he sought to critique the materialistic excesses and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, a period of post-World War I prosperity. Fitzgerald aimed to expose the disillusionment and hollowness behind the glittering facade of the American Dream. Additionally, he drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the wealthy elite and their decadent lifestyles. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald explored themes of unrequited love, longing, and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Ultimately, Fitzgerald's intent was to capture the essence of an era and offer a profound commentary on the human condition.

The story revolves around Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a married woman with whom he had a romantic past. Narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest, the novel delves into the opulent and extravagant lives of the wealthy elite in Long Island. As Gatsby throws lavish parties in the hope of rekindling his relationship with Daisy, the narrative explores themes of love, wealth, illusion, and the disillusionment that comes with the pursuit of the American Dream.

The American Dream , decadence, idealism, resistance to changes, social excess, caution.

The influence of "The Great Gatsby" extends far beyond its initial publication in 1925. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel has become a literary classic, revered for its exploration of themes such as wealth, love, and the elusive American Dream. It remains relevant due to its timeless portrayal of human desires, societal decadence, and the consequences of relentless pursuit. The book's vivid characters and atmospheric prose have inspired countless writers and artists, shaping the landscape of American literature. With its commentary on the dark underbelly of the Jazz Age, "The Great Gatsby" continues to captivate readers, serving as a cautionary tale and a poignant reflection of the human condition.

1. During F. Scott Fitzgerald's lifetime, approximately 25,000 copies of the book were sold. However, since then, it has gained immense popularity, selling over 25 million copies and establishing itself as one of the most renowned American novels. 2. The Great Gatsby did not have its original title as the author considered various options, ranging from "Under the Red, White and Blue" to "The High-Bouncing Lover." These alternative titles were potentially revealing too much about the content prematurely. 3. In 1926, just a year after its publication, the book was adapted into a film, demonstrating its quick transition from page to screen. 4. Fitzgerald's cause of death is believed to have been tuberculosis rather than a heart attack. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 44. 5. The price of this famous novel at the time of its publication in 1925 was $2, representing its value in that era. 6. The Great Gatsby did not immediately receive critical acclaim upon release. However, it has since garnered recognition and praise, becoming a significant literary work.

"The Great Gatsby" has made a significant impact on various forms of media, captivating audiences across generations. The novel has been adapted into several films, with notable versions including the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford and the 2013 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. These cinematic interpretations have brought the story to life visually, further immersing audiences in the opulent world of Jay Gatsby. Additionally, the novel has been referenced and alluded to in countless songs, television shows, and even video games, solidifying its cultural significance. Its themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream continue to resonate and inspire creative works in popular culture.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.’” “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” “So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.” “I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Studying "The Great Gatsby" holds great importance due to its enduring relevance and literary significance. The novel offers profound insights into themes such as wealth, love, social class, and the corruption of the American Dream. Its exploration of the Jazz Age exposes the allure and emptiness of a materialistic society, making it a compelling study of human desires and societal decay. F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterful prose and symbolic imagery provide rich material for analyzing character development, narrative techniques, and social commentary. Moreover, delving into the novel's historical context allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal shifts of the 1920s.

The inclusion of "The Great Gatsby" as an essay topic for college students stems from its exploration of themes like the American Dream, the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth, and the destructive allure of corruption. The character of Gatsby embodies the American spirit and can be paralleled to contemporary individuals fixated on materialism and fame as measures of romantic success. Furthermore, this literary masterpiece holds a significant place in American literature, as F. Scott Fitzgerald skillfully weaves socio-cultural elements into each sentence, providing a timeless portrayal of American life that resonates across generations. The choice to analyze and write about "The Great Gatsby" allows students to delve into these thought-provoking themes and examine their relevance to society.

1. Stallman, R. W. (1955). Conrad and The Great Gatsby. Twentieth Century Literature, 1(1), 5–12. (https://doi.org/10.2307/441023) 2. John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, (2015). Income Inequality, Intergenerational Mobility, and the Great Gatsby Curve: Is Education the Key?, Social Forces, Volume 94, Issue 2. (https://academic.oup.com/sf/article/94/2/505/2583794) 3. Robert C. Hauhart (2013) Religious Language and Symbolism in The Great Gatsby’s Valley of Ashes, ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, 26:3 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0895769X.2013.798233) 4. Burnam, T. (1952). The Eyes of Dr. Eckleburg: A Re-Examination of “The Great Gatsby.” College English, 14(1), 7–12. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/371821) 5. Tom Phillips (2018) Passing for White in THE GREAT GATSBY: A Spectroscopic Analysis of Jordan Baker, The Explicator, 76:3. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00144940.2018.1489769?scroll=top&needAccess=true&role=tab) 6. Matterson, S. (1990). The Great Gatsby and Social Class. In: The Great Gatsby. The Critics Debate. Palgrave, London. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-20768-8_9) 7. Licence, A. (2008). Jay Gatsby: martyr of a materialistic society: Amy Licence considers religious elements in The Great Gatsby. The English Review, 18(3), 24+. (https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA173676222&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=09558950&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E5a84816e) 8. Khodamoradpour, Marjan and Anushiravani, Alireza, (2017) Playing the Old Tunes: A Fiskean Analysis of Baz Luhrmann's 2013 Cinematic Adaptation of the Great Gatsby. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, Volume 71. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3020752) 9. Anderson, H. (1968). THE RICH BUNCH IN" THE GREAT GATSBY". Southern Quarterly, 6(2), 163. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/6a9e704a476d873aada2d2529821b95a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2029886)

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The Great Gatsby: Unveiling the Intricacies of Popularity

The third winner of National English Competition for Essay Writing 

By Bima Mhd Ghaluh

In the realm of classic literature, few works have achieved the level of enduring popularity as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” First published in 1925, this novel continues to captivate audiences of all generations with its timeless themes, vivid characters, and evocative portrayal of the Roaring Twenties. With its masterful storytelling, profound exploration of the human condition, and the shimmering allure of the Jazz Age, “The Great Gatsby” has solidified its place as a literary masterpiece that stands the test of time.

“The Great Gatsby” transcends its time and place, resonating with readers across ages and cultures. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to a multitude of factors that intertwine to create a literary work of profound significance. From its exploration of captivating themes to its portrayal of unforgettable characters, this novel continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape. In the following sections, I will delve into the factors that contribute to the unwavering popularity of “The Great Gatsby.” We will examine the timeless themes that underpin the narrative, the complexity of its characters, the exquisite writing style that brings the story to life, and its reflection of the Jazz Age. Furthermore, I will explore the influence of the novel on popular culture, solidifying its place not only in the minds of avid readers but also in the broader cultural consciousness. Join me on this literary journey as we unravel the enigmatic allure of “The Great Gatsby” and discover why it continues to captivate and resonate with audiences nearly a century after its initial publication.

One of the primary reasons behind the sustained popularity of “The Great Gatsby” lies in its exploration of captivating themes. Fitzgerald masterfully weaves together a tapestry of themes that resonate with readers on a profound level. These themes transcend time and place, touching upon universal aspects of the human experience.

The American Dream

At the heart of “The Great Gatsby” is the exploration of the American Dream and its elusive nature. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald delves into the idea of the dream itself, the belief that anyone can ascend the social ladder and achieve material and social success. Gatsby embodies the self-made man, driven by an unwavering desire to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan and to prove himself to the world. However, Fitzgerald presents a more nuanced view of the American Dream. While Gatsby appears to have attained the trappings of success, the novel exposes the hollowness and emptiness that can lie beneath the surface of wealth and glamour. The pursuit of material wealth and social status becomes a mirage, ultimately leaving characters disillusioned and unfulfilled.

The Illusion of Love

Love, or the illusion of love, is another compelling theme in “The Great Gatsby.” The characters in the novel are driven by their desires for love and connection, yet these desires are often distorted by their own personal ambitions and the societal expectations of the time. The pursuit of love becomes entangled with the pursuit of wealth and status, blurring the lines between genuine affection and superficial attraction. The tragic love triangle between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom Buchanan exemplifies the illusory nature of love in the novel. Gatsby’s infatuation with Daisy is not based on a deep emotional connection but rather on the idealized image of her that he has created in his mind. Daisy, too, is drawn to Gatsby’s wealth and the excitement he represents, rather than genuine love. This exploration of love as a fragile construct built upon fantasy and illusion resonates with readers, as it echoes the complexities and uncertainties of real-life relationships.

The Corruption of Wealth

Fitzgerald exposes the corrupting influence of wealth in “The Great Gatsby,” highlighting the moral decay and emptiness that can accompany material success. The opulence and excesses of the Jazz Age provide the backdrop for the novel, with lavish parties and extravagant displays of wealth. However, beneath the glittering surface lies a world riddled with moral and ethical compromises. Characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan exemplify the moral bankruptcy that can accompany extreme wealth. They are insulated from the consequences of their actions, using their privilege to manipulate and control those around them. Gatsby himself is not immune to the allure of wealth, as he amasses his fortune through illegal means in a desperate attempt to win back Daisy. Through these characters, Fitzgerald exposes the dark underbelly of the wealthy elite, challenging the idea that material wealth equates to happiness or moral superiority. The exploration of these captivating themes in “The Great Gatsby” contributes to its enduring popularity. Fitzgerald’s nuanced portrayal of the American Dream, the illusion of love, and the corruption of wealth resonates with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own desires, aspirations, and the complexities of the human condition.

Timeless Characters

One of the remarkable aspects of “The Great Gatsby” is the creation of unforgettable characters who continue to captivate readers with their complexity, flaws, and inner struggles. F. Scott Fitzgerald breathed life into these characters, allowing them to transcend the pages of the novel and take up residence in the hearts and minds of readers. Let us meet some of these remarkable individuals:

At the center of the narrative stands the mysterious and enigmatic Jay Gatsby. Gatsby’s larger-than-life persona and his relentless pursuit of his version of the American Dream make him an iconic literary figure. Born into poverty, Gatsby reinvents himself as a self-made millionaire, embodying the relentless ambition and determination that define the Jazz Age. His grandiose parties, his extravagant lifestyle, and his undying love for Daisy Buchanan all contribute to his complex character. Gatsby represents the paradoxical nature of the American Dream. While he appears to have achieved unimaginable success, his underlying motivations and the emptiness that plagues him reveal the darker side of the pursuit of wealth and social status. Gatsby’s yearning for the past and his inability to let go of his illusions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in a world built on illusions and unattainable dreams.

Daisy Buchanan

Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby’s affection, epitomizes the allure and complexity of the Jazz Age woman. Her beauty, charm, and sophistication mask a deeper longing for meaning and purpose in her life. Daisy is caught between her love for Gatsby and the stability and security provided by her husband, Tom Buchanan. Her wavering between these two men highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Fitzgerald portrays Daisy as a victim of her circumstances, bound by the constraints of her gender and social class. Despite her apparent privilege, she is ultimately trapped in a loveless marriage and unable to make autonomous decisions. Daisy’s character serves as a reflection of the limited agency afforded to women during the 1920s, shedding light on the societal pressures and inequalities of the time.

Nick Carraway

As the narrator and the gateway into the world of “The Great Gatsby,” Nick Carraway provides readers with an outsider’s perspective on the events unfolding around him. Nick is both a participant and an observer, allowing us to gain insight into the lives and motivations of the other characters. His moral compass and his ability to see beyond the surface appearances make him a relatable and trustworthy guide throughout the novel. Through Nick’s eyes, we witness the extravagance of the Jazz Age, as well as the moral decay and disillusionment that lie beneath the surface. His growing disillusionment with the world he encounters sheds light on the larger themes of the novel, serving as a voice of reason and a moral anchor amidst the chaos and corruption.

Supporting Characters “The Great Gatsby” is replete with numerous supporting characters who add depth and richness to the narrative. Characters like Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Meyer Wolfsheim each bring their own set of complexities, flaws, and motivations to the story. Tom represents the embodiment of privilege and toxic masculinity, while Jordan embodies the liberated, independent woman of the 1920s. Meyer Wolfsheim, with his shady business dealings, symbolizes the corrupt underbelly of the Jazz Age. The timeless nature of these characters lies in their ability to reflect universal aspects of humanity. Their hopes, desires, flaws, and struggles resonate with readers from various backgrounds and across different time periods. We see in them a reflection of our own complexities and contradictions, allowing us to connect with the story on a deeply personal level.

Exquisite Writing Style, Descriptive Imagery

Fitzgerald’s descriptive imagery transports the reader into the opulent world of the Jazz Age. From the glittering lights of Gatsby’s parties to the lush gardens of West Egg, the vividness of Fitzgerald’s descriptions allows readers to immerse themselves in the decadence and excesses of the era. For example, Fitzgerald writes, “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” This evocative imagery creates a sensory experience for the reader, heightening the emotional impact of the story.

Symbolism is another hallmark of Fitzgerald’s writing style in “The Great Gatsby.” Through the use of symbols, Fitzgerald imbues his narrative with deeper meanings and layers of interpretation. The most famous symbol in the novel is the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, which represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future. The symbolic use of color throughout the novel, such as the color yellow to represent wealth and decay, adds richness and complexity to the story. Fitzgerald’s skillful incorporation of symbolism allows readers to engage with the text on multiple levels, uncovering hidden messages and themes.

Rhythm and Language

Fitzgerald’s prose has a rhythmic quality that flows effortlessly from one sentence to the next. His sentences are often short, crisp, and filled with precise details, creating a sense of energy and momentum. This rhythmic quality mirrors the pulsating spirit of the Jazz Age and the fast-paced nature of Gatsby’s world. Furthermore, Fitzgerald’s use of language is eloquent and poetic, as he carefully selects words and phrases that evoke a specific mood or atmosphere. His descriptions of characters, such as Daisy’s voice being “full of money,” are both striking and memorable. This meticulous attention to language adds depth to the characters and enhances the overall reading experience.

Narrative Structure

Fitzgerald experiments with narrative structure in “The Great Gatsby,” utilizing the technique of a framed narrative. The story is framed through the perspective of Nick Carraway, who serves as both a participant and an observer. This narrative structure allows for multiple layers of storytelling, as Nick recounts his experiences with Gatsby and the other characters while reflecting on the events in hindsight. The use of Nick as the narrator adds a layer of reliability and introspection to the narrative, inviting readers to question the nature of memory, perception, and storytelling itself. The exquisite writing style of F. Scott Fitzgerald in “The Great Gatsby” elevates the novel beyond a mere tale of love and wealth. His descriptive imagery, symbolism, rhythmic language, and innovative narrative structure contribute to the enduring legacy of the novel. Fitzgerald’s writing transports readers to a bygone era, where they can immerse themselves in the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.

Reflection of the Jazz Age: Excess and Extravagance

The Jazz Age was characterized by a spirit of excess and extravagance, fueled by newfound wealth and a booming economy. This era saw the rise of the nouveau riche, individuals who amassed great fortunes and were eager to showcase their newfound social status. In “The Great Gatsby,” this excess is exemplified through the lavish parties hosted by Jay Gatsby, where champagne flowed, music played, and guests reveled in opulence. Fitzgerald’s vivid descriptions of Gatsby’s parties capture the frenetic energy and decadence that defined the Jazz Age.

Breaking Social Norms

The 1920s marked a period of significant social change, as traditional norms and values were challenged and, in some cases, disregarded. Women gained a newfound sense of freedom and independence, rejecting the restrictive norms of the past. In “The Great Gatsby,” this is embodied by characters like Jordan Baker, a professional golfer who defies societal expectations for women. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of liberated, independent women reflects the changing roles and aspirations of women during the Jazz Age.

Moral Decay and Disillusionment

Beneath the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, there was an undercurrent of moral decay and disillusionment. The pursuit of wealth and pleasure often came at the expense of moral integrity and genuine human connection. We see this theme echoed in “The Great Gatsby” through the actions and attitudes of characters such as Tom Buchanan, who engages in extramarital affairs without remorse, and the shallow socialites who attend Gatsby’s parties for their own self-serving purposes. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of this moral decay serves as a critique of the superficiality and emptiness that can accompany a society obsessed with material wealth.

The Illusion of the American Dream

The Jazz Age was defined by the idea of the American Dream, the belief that anyone could achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. However, Fitzgerald presents a more nuanced and cautionary view of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby.” Through Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and social status, we witness the hollowness and futility of basing one’s happiness solely on material possessions. Gatsby’s tragic fate highlights the dangers of chasing an elusive dream that can never truly satisfy the human soul.

Cultural and Artistic Explosion

The Jazz Age was not only known for its social and economic changes but also for its cultural and artistic explosion. Jazz music, with its lively rhythms and improvisational nature, became the soundtrack of the era. The novel’s title itself captures the spirit of this musical genre, and Fitzgerald’s prose reflects the syncopated rhythms and vibrant energy of jazz. Additionally, the vibrant art deco aesthetic of the time finds its way into the descriptions of Gatsby’s lavish mansion and the glamorous settings of the novel. “The Great Gatsby” serves as a reflection of the Jazz Age, capturing its excesses, breaking of social norms, moral complexities, and the allure of the American Dream. Through his vivid storytelling and compelling characters, F. Scott Fitzgerald provides us with a glimpse into this transformative period of American history.

Influence on Popular Culture:  Literature and Film

“The Great Gatsby” has inspired countless authors and filmmakers, who have sought to capture the allure and tragedy of the Jazz Age. Its themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream continue to resonate with audiences today. The novel’s complex characters and intricate plot have provided a rich source of inspiration for adaptations into film and television, with notable versions released in 1974, 2000, and 2013. These adaptations have introduced new generations to the story and further solidified its place in popular culture.

Fashion and Style

“The Great Gatsby” has had a profound influence on fashion and style, particularly in its depiction of the glamorous flapper era. The novel’s portrayal of opulent parties, extravagant fashion, and glittering jewelry has been emulated and reinterpreted in numerous fashion collections over the years. The iconic flapper dress, with its dropped waistline, beaded embellishments, and fringed hem, remains a symbol of 1920s fashion and continues to inspire designers to this day.

Music and Soundtracks

The vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age permeates the pages of “The Great Gatsby,” and this influence extends to the realm of music. Jazz, the quintessential music of the era, forms a natural connection with the novel. Jazz standards and songs from the Roaring Twenties have been prominently featured in film adaptations of “The Great Gatsby,” adding an atmospheric and nostalgic element to the storytelling. These evocative soundtracks transport listeners back to the extravagant parties and emotional depth of Fitzgerald’s world.

Cultural and Social Commentary

“The Great Gatsby” is more than just a captivating story; it also serves as a powerful cultural and social commentary. The novel explores themes of class, wealth disparity, and the illusion of the American Dream, issues that continue to resonate with contemporary society. Its critique of materialism, moral decay, and the consequences of a society obsessed with appearances remains relevant today. “The Great Gatsby” prompts us to reflect on our own values and societal priorities, challenging us to question the pursuit of wealth and status at the expense of genuine human connection.

Enduring Legacy

“The Great Gatsby” has firmly established itself as a timeless literary classic, a work that continues to captivate readers and spark conversations. Its influence on popular culture reflects the enduring power of Fitzgerald’s storytelling and his exploration of universal themes. As new generations discover and engage with the novel, its impact will continue to evolve and inspire, ensuring that “The Great Gatsby” remains an integral part of our cultural consciousness.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald stands as a captivating reflection of the Jazz Age, with its excesses, breaking of social norms, moral decay, and the allure of the American Dream. The novel’s timeless characters, such as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, continue to captivate readers with their complexity and depth. Fitzgerald’s exquisite writing style, characterized by lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, adds a layer of beauty and artistry to the narrative. Furthermore, the influence of “The Great Gatsby” on popular culture is far-reaching. It has inspired numerous adaptations in literature, film, and television, ensuring its enduring presence in the cultural zeitgeist. The novel’s impact is also evident in the realms of fashion, with its portrayal of 1920s glamour influencing designers and fashion trends. Additionally, the Jazz Age soundtrack that accompanies adaptations of the novel revives the spirit of the roaring twenties, adding to its cultural resonance. In essence, “The Great Gatsby” is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its captivating themes, timeless characters, and exquisite writing style. Its influence on popular culture is a testament to its enduring legacy, cementing its place as a cornerstone of American literature and a reflection of an iconic era in history.

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