Relationships In The Great Gatsby, By J. R.

Amidst swashbuckling hobbits on horseback, women with butter in their socks and a boy with a collection of wrapping paper tigers one may see no common connection, but dig deeper into each of these characters and there is one strong link, the influence of family. A common theme in Sci Fi literature is that positive relationships with one's family leads to a deeper sense of self and greater empathy, while a stressed and negative relationship can cause one the opposite effects. Positive familial relationships manifest themselves in two ways in speculative fiction: serving as base to find ones purpose and as a source of strength an hope. On the other hand, a negative relationship with ones family can cause inner turmoil and sadness instead of

One of the key points a Sci Fi authors try to make is how positive relationships and role modeling allows one to find a sense of purpose in the world. J. R. R. Tolkien develops this message through the relationship for Frodo and Bilbo. As Frodo ages and is left feeling somewhat unsatisfied with his life thus far, he looks to his uncle and his adventures as guidance, drawing strength and motivation from Bilbo's famous/frequent phrase “ It’s a dangerous business...going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.” (Tolkien pg 82). Frodo takes stock in this information because of his close bond with Bilbo, who is his cousin, and uses the information as an excuse to never leave the Shire. Despite this warning, however, Frodo “sometimes thought of going away, but I...as a kind of holiday, a series of adventures like Bilbo’s or better, ending in peace” (pg 69) illuminating the fact that Frodo's positive relationship with Bilbo as a role model he is able to find not only inspiration, but purpose from Bilbo's message. When confronted with the possibility that danger may befall