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Archetype In The Great Gatsby

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When one envisions the American Dream, one might picture the classic rags-to-riches story or simply the freedom to prosper and succeed. But in reality, not everyone gets an equitable chance to rise above the ashes, and because of this one can only wonder about the tangibility of this dream. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, readers explore this idea, examining people from the ultra-wealthy, such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, to the impoverished lower class, such as Mr. Wilson. In doing so, one realizes that not a single character ends up satisfied, all left to grasp the barest trace of happiness and comfort. While Tom appears to fit the simplistic archetype of the affluent out-of-touch person that cruelly antagonizes the other characters …show more content…

Nick specifically depicts his stance and facial features, giving him “the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward” and setting the impression of someone constantly on edge (Fitzgerald 7). While Tom as a member of old-money high-class society could be illustrated as relaxed and in comfortable control of his life, Nick’s use of the word “aggressively” instead depicts a rabid dog that will fight at a moment’s notice to protect its own territory, confirming that he wants to protect his place and position against everyone else. With this stance, Tom may seem akin to an apex predator, but he, in reality, compares more to a sheep in a wolf’s clothing. With his forceful facade and stature, Tom puts people on edge, an intimidation tactic that conceals his genuine fears. But, even with this intense description, Nick “felt that Tom would drift forever seeking,” exemplifying how Tom, along with the other characters, will never be satisfied with their lives (Fitzgerald 6). The verb “drift” makes Tom seem ghost-like, almost inhuman, as just a soul past its prime. This idea connects Tom with everyone else in the novel, seeking to thrive and prosper, illustrating the complexity of the journey to achieve the American Dream, disproving the idea that Tom only serves as a negative depiction of the upper class. Through the description of Tom, Fitzgerald begins to disillusion readers with the validity of the American Dream, even to the seemingly influential upper

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