Examples Of Human Nature In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald addresses the themes of following dreams and human nature through the narrative of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and enigmatic man who organizes expensive parties to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald explores the theme of chasing unrealized aspirations throughout the novel, the darker sides of human nature that can cause people to act in harmful ways. He also offers commentary on the American society and humanity by using symbolism and characterization to construct his argument. Fitzgerald illustrates the perils of obsession and the weaknesses in American culture and human nature by employing symbolism and characterization to show Gatsby's pursuit of irrational dreams. One of the most significant

As Nick reflects, "I couldn't forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures, then retreats 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" (Fitzgerald, 179). Nick expresses his inability to forgive or like Tom, but acknowledges that Tom's actions are justified in his own mind. Tom and Daisy's careless and selfish behavior lead to them "smashing up things and creatures" and then retreating back to their wealth and carelessness, leaving others to clean up the mess they had made. Thus leads to Tom's lack of empathy and disregard for the consequences of his actions on others. Fitzgerald uses Tom's character to criticize the wealthy elite who abuse their power and wealth to manipulate and control others, contributing to the decay of society. Thus illustrates the flaws in human nature that can lead individuals to behave in destructive ways and serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked greed and