717758F-2ESH20-AT3-External Comparative Response How do The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the film Little Miss Sunshine directed by Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton each explore the pursuit of the American Dream? The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Little Miss Sunshine directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton are iconic works that delve into the complexities of the American Dream, exploring its allure, dangers, and profound impacts on individuals. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby encapsulates the Jazz Age’s opulence and social upheaval, portraying Jay Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and status in his quest to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby embodies the quintessential …show more content…
Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby portrays the disillusionment and moral corruption that come with the relentless pursuit of wealth and status. Nick’s realisation, “They’re a rotten crowd.You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together” (Chapter 8, page 154), reveals his disillusionment with the people surrounding Gatsby, highlighting the moral decay of those who prioritise material success over integrity. Through characterization of Gatsby’s through Carraway’s judgement and irony of Nick’s praise on Gatsby, Fitzgerald critiques the societal pressures that glorify material success at the expense of personal values, prompting readers to pity Gatsby while feeling disdain for the morally bankrupt society he inhabits. In contrast, Little Miss Sunshine illustrates emotional strain through Richard’s financial struggles and his outburst at the gas station (00:28:00). The close-ups and handheld camera work emphasise Richard’s frustration, eliciting empathy from viewers who recognize the emotional toll of striving for success. Faris-Dayton critiques the unrealistic pressures of achieving success, underscoring the emotional strain it causes. Both texts reveal the moral and emotional consequences of chasing an idealised version of success, yet differ in their portrayal—Fitzgerald uses literary techniques like characterization and irony, while Faris-Dayton employs film techniques such as over-the-shoulder shot and dutch angle (tilted shot). Empty Pursuit and Tragic Consequences The futile pursuit of the American Dream and its tragic consequences are vividly depicted in both texts. In The Great Gatsby, Nick’s reflection, “Gatsby turned out alright at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams.” (Chapter 1, page 2), foreshadows Gatsby’s tragic end, emphasising