Helping others in American Literature
Though helping others achieve their dreams we ourselves can find happiness in our own lives. That is one of the themes created by characters in books The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men. The Great Gatsby takes place in the roaring 20’s. The is a story about Nick Carraway and the hidden secrets he learns and creates while becoming friends with his mysterious neighbor Jay Gatsby. Of Mice and Men is a drastic change from the Great Gatsby, it takes place in the 30’s during the dust bowl. It is a story about two big time dreamers, George Milton and Lennie Small, and the hardships they face while trying to reach their dream. In both stories the American dream is a big part of most of the characters, and each
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Nick agrees to invite Daisy over to his house so that Gatsby can see her (Fitzgerald 82-83). After Nick agrees Gatsby tries to offer him a job that will help him earn extra money (Fitzgerald 82-83). Nick declines his offer. This shows that Nick isn’t doing this to get something out of Gatsby, but just to help Gatsby be happy. Though in the end his attempts to reconnect them fully seems to be a fruitless effort this still shows that he tries to help Gatsby achieve the only thing that will complete his dream. Nick also comes to town with the group because Gatsby tells him Daisy is ready to leave Tom (Fitzgerald 114). He does this because he supports Gatsby in his imperative mission to win Daisy, therefore achieving his dream. When Gatsby dies Nick is the one who plans Gatsby’s funeral and takes care of everything (Fitzgerald 164). He stays loyal to Gatsby and never once gave up on him. Like Nick Carraway Steinbeck develops the character Slim to be a helping character. He is a caring character that helps George, but he also has a main role in the ranch and is one of the stable