Similarities Between Romeo And Juliet And The Great Gatsby

371 Words2 Pages

The characterization of the characters in the texts Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby were very significant as their actions created conflict in the plot. Tybalt Capulet and Tom Buchanan had aggressive personalities and their actions created conflict for the lovers. Tybalt’s hate is expressed when he enters the scene causing a fight. Tybalt says, “What, drawn and talk of peace! I hate the word, As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.” (Shakespeare 1. 1. 65-67). This statement led to a fight between the Capulets and Montagues and the decree made by the Prince after the fight later led to the banishment of Romeo. Tom’s aggression caused quarrels between him and Gatsby. This is shown when Tom snaps at Daisy, “‘Wait a minute,’ snapped Tom, ‘I want to ask Mr. Gatsby one more …show more content…

The selfless love portrayed by Romeo Montague and Jay Gatsby cost them their lives. Romeo portrays his love when he doesn’t hesitate to deny his name for Juliet’s sake. He says, “I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized; Henceforth I never will be Romeo.” (2. 2. 49-51). Romeo’s willingness to pursue a relationship with the enemy's daughter leads to conflicts for him and Juliet that eventually take his life. Jay Gatsby was also a very selfless man when it came to his love for Daisy. Gatsby shows his love when he agrees to take Myrtle’s death’s blame upon himself, “‘Was Daisy driving?’ ‘Yes,’ he said after a moment, ‘but of course I’ll say I was’.” (143). Gatsby’s love led him to be selfless if it meant protecting and earning Daisy’s love despite the consequences. Gatsby’s selfless love cost him his life as this became the reason for his death. Both Romeo and Gatsby meet their unfortunate end due to their selfless acts for their partners. The similarities between the characters’ character traits from Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby had similar consequences, connecting the two