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The Great Gatsby Research Paper

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Sam Parupudi Dr. Paskali H English 3 6 March 2024 Gatsby’s Tragic Odyssey The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald introduces a wealthy but enigmatic figure named Jay Gatsby whose meticulous rise to wealth reflects the societal pressures of the 1920s, exposing the disillusionment inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream, which James Truslow Adams defines as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller.according to ability" (214-215). Within the tragic journey of an Aristotelian hero, the intertwined forces of Hamartia and hubris shape their downfall, with Hamartia embodying the inherent flaw and hubris representing excessive pride. This potent pairing propels the narrative into peripeteia, a sudden reversal …show more content…

Gatsby's pursuit of wealth contrasts with Tom's inherited privilege, revealing the limitations of the American Dream. While Gatsby's ascent to wealth and status stems from relentless labor and a calculated desire for acceptance, Tom's effortless enjoyment of inherited privilege underscores the entrenched inequalities of the era and challenges the meritocratic ideals of the American Dream. On the other hand, Gatsby's tragic downfall exposes the myth of meritocracy, while Tom's entitlement showcases the moral decay accompanying wealth. Through Gatsby's relentless pursuit of wealth and status, juxtaposed with Tom Buchanan's inherited privilege, Fitzgerald delves deep into the complexities of ambition, morality, and societal decay. Unlike the conventional tragic hero, Gatsby's downfall is the consequence of societal barriers and the inherent emptiness of material success, rather than stemming from hubris. Gatsby's meticulously crafted persona not only reflects the societal pressures of the time such as displaying opulence in his parties but also exposes the superficiality of relationships and the disillusionment that accompanies the pursuit of the American

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