Essay Comparing The Great Gatsby And The Last Tycoon

F. Scott Fitzgerald, through "The Great Gatsby," critiques the corruption and moral vacuity of the 1920s, exposing the hollowness beneath the era's richness. In contrast, "The Last Tycoon" offers a more reflective look at the American Dream's corruption within the growing film industry. Suggesting a broader disillusionment with the American pursuit of wealth and success across different sectors of society. Corruption and moral vacuity are central themes in both The Great Gatsby and The Last Tycoon. In The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald portrays the excessive lifestyle of the 1920s through the extravagant parties, luxurious mansions, and wealthy possessions of the characters, particularly Gatsby, engage in reckless behavior, disregard for consequences, and moral vagueness. For

In contrast, “The Last Tycoon” explores the decadence within the emerging film industry, portraying the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the 1920s. The protagonist, Monroe Stahr, navigates a world of excess, ambition, and moral emptiness as he rises to power within the industry. Stahr’s relationships with various characters, including his affair with a young actress and his professional rivalries, reflect the moral complexity and honest difficulties inherent in the pursuit of success. Dwelling deeper into the darker side of Hollywood, revealing the high cost of fame and the means people are willing to make to achieve their dreams. Moreover, the hollowness of the era’s richness is a recurring theme in both novels. In The Great Gatsby, Jay’s extravagant parties and elaborate facade of wealth mask a deep sense of longing and emptiness. Despite his material success, Gatsby still remains unsatisfied and unfulfilled, unable to attain the one thing he truly desires – Daisy’s Love. This disparity between outer appearances and inner reality emphasizes the superficiality and shallowness of the Jazz Age