Essay Comparing The Great Gatsby And A Streetcar Named Desire

During the modernist era, numerous renowned authors emerged, showcasing their artistic masterpieces. Among them, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Tennesse Williams present themselves in their famous works, "The Great Gatsby" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Although both Williams and Fitzgerald employ distinct writing styles and settings to manifest their presence within their respective literary works, both utilize characters to express the profound anguish experienced in life.

First, F. Scott Fitzgerald skillfully presents his perspective through the character of Nick Carraway, the narrator in "The Great Gatsby." A notable example that captures Fitzgerald's perspective by delving into Nick's character and his assertion is, "I am one of the

When Nick says he is one of the few, it implies that he perceives the majority of society as corrupt. However, a contradiction arises when Stalon, a reliable website, states that "Scott Fitzgerald stole Zelda's ideas (his wife) and plagiarized her diaries" (Keats). This irony emerges from Fitzgerald's repeated emphasis, through Nick, on his honesty and the suggestion of societal corruption throughout the book, juxtaposed against his immoral actions. That demonstrates Fitzgerald's presence in the novel through Nick's character, inviting readers to examine the complexities of his self-presentation. In addition, Fitzgerald's depiction of Gatsby's extravagant mansion in "The Great Gatsby" emphasizes his presence in the story. Fitzgerald vividly describes it as "a factual imitation of some Hôtel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side... and a marble swimming pool and more than forty acres of lawn and garden" (Fitzgerald 5). Although Fitzgerald himself was born into a middle-class background, the depiction of Gatsby's opulent home suggests that Fitzgerald, like Gatsby, yearned for a life of high social status and wealth. Supporting Fitzgerald's

Blanche expresses her emotions when she states, "Whoever you are—I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" (Williams 125). Blanche's feelings and knowledge of her dependence on strangers are conveyed through the author's distinctive writing style in this play, depicting a need for connection and an understanding of life's realities. Not only, but Williams' affinity to his character's emotional depths traces back to his struggles. Sources such as Myflorida indicate, "From his early childhood, Williams experienced the emotional turmoil of living in a dysfunctional family" (Qtd. in Myflorida). This connection resonates with Williams' battles with depression and hardships, which reflect Blanche's emotional journey. As Fitzgerald employs the character-driven perspective to convey his view of society, Williams uses the theatrical form to bring forth his emotions and reflections. Furthermore, the modest setting of a small house in "A Streetcar Named Desire" reflects Williams' background and contributes to his presence in the play. Blanche's discontentment mirrors his dissatisfaction with his circumstances when she criticizes the house, exclaiming, "Never in my worst dreams could I picture—only Poe! Only Mr. Edgar Allan Poe could do it justice!" (Gestures toward street.) "Out there, I suppose, is the