Is the inherent pessimism of F Scott Fitzgerald exposed Essay Example

whereabouts, questioning, "Where have they got Jimmy? (174)". Additionally, Gatsby's father corrects Nick when he addresses him as Mr. Gatsby, stating, "Gatz, is my name" (175). The people that Gatsby surrounded himself with were not true friends, as demonstrated by the attitudes of his acquaintances after his death, particularly Klipspringer and Wolfshiem. Klipspringer shows more concern for the loss of his tennis shoes than attending Gatsby's funeral. Overall, the consensus among all of Gatsby's connections was that he received what he deserved (176). Wolfshiem provides significant information about Gatsby's past, revealing the true nature of Jay.

We learn that Jay emerged from the army with no money, but a strong determination to succeed in life. Wolfshiem played a crucial role in making Gatsby wealthy, though it is implied that much of Wolfshiem's business was illegal. Despite their long association, Wolfshiem wanted to treat Gatsby as a stranger. Nick finds this idea quite remarkable, considering that he only knew Gatsby briefly but holds him in higher regard than any other individuals he has encountered since Gatsby's death.

Gatsby's father's revelations of his dream are deeply moving. They reveal Gatsby's lovable nature as a young man with dreams and ambitions like any child. This is evident from the detailed schedule he wrote to achieve success. Gatsby's determination shines through his plan, as he strives to become smarter academically, fitter physically, broaden his horizons, build a respectable social life, and improve his overall appearance. He understands that the initial appearance is crucial for achieving success.

He introduces personal improvements such as "Bathing every other day" (180), as well as societal advancements like "no more smoking or chewing." These actions would create

the perception of a shared upbringing, which would counterbalance his newfound ambitious image. Maggie employs various tactics in her attempt to convince Brick to sleep with her. Initially, she utilizes reverse psychology, insinuating that other men desire her even if Brick does not: "They still notice me, Brick, and they appreciate my appearance. Uh-huh. Some of them would go to great lengths -" (Act 1).

When Brick's concentration falters, Maggie brings him back to the present by mentioning Big Daddy's illness. This is effective because it makes Brick aware of the seriousness of the situation. Then, Maggie starts to chant about Big Daddy's cancer and the possibility that Brick might not inherit part of the Poliett estate. Although Brick appears disinterested at first, this lack of concern could be misinterpreted as indifference towards his father and his inheritance.

Maggie is searching for deeper reasons behind Brick's refusal to sleep with her, resorting to exploring his mysterious past. When she brings up Skipper, Brick finally reacts emotionally, pleading with her to stop discussing it. His brief and intense sentences show how desperately he wants to avoid the subject.

However, Maggie has finally garnered his attention and is compelling the past to be unearthed from beneath Brick, not only for her own sake but also for Brick's. Currently, Brick is numbing himself from his previous experiences of homosexuality and the associated feelings of shame and disgrace. This excessive drinking is self-destructive and is destroying not only Brick but also Maggie. The revelation of Brick's past and Maggie's efforts to eliminate Skipper are necessary as a means of therapy and emotional purification for both Brick and Maggie, in an attempt to

revive their relationship.

Compared to Gatsby's father passively exposing his past, Maggie takes an active approach by pressuring Brick to admit his true feelings for Skipper. Maggie frequently pushes him beyond his emotional limitations, causing him to react violently. In Act 1, Brick strikes at her with a crutch, breaking a beautiful lamp on the table. Although Maggie does encourage Brick to confess, she complicates the situation by speaking negatively about homosexuality, which was illegal and highly frowned upon in society.

Maggie's intense investigation into Brick and Skipper's relationship remains unexplained, whether it is a desperate attempt to make Brick acknowledge his love for her, a frantic search for a justification for Brick not sleeping with her, or simply an effort to rid themselves of Skipper's presence. Throughout the narrative, the audience witnesses the ups and downs of the main characters' lives. Gatsby's personal story is profoundly disheartening and unfulfilled. The pinnacle of his life was achieving his deepest longing, Daisy. Regrettably, this joyous moment was short-lived due to Daisy's self-indulgent demeanor, ultimately leading to Gatsby's demise.

Despite the negative connotation of a low point, Gatsby's entire life was filled with sadness and he had to hide his true background. He did not want others to discover that he came from poverty, so he invented a history of elite education and social status. These apparent positive aspects came with a cost. Gatsby acquired his wealth through illegal means. Additionally, all his relationships were shallow, including his cherished Daisy who did not even send a message or flowers for his funeral (181).

Another supposed high was Nick learning of the uncaring and greedy attitude of the rich; the irony in

this is that Gatsby spent his whole life desperately trying to fit into it. Lastly, Gatsby dismisses his relationship with his father throughout the novel but there is evident love from his father at the end. Gatsby inflicts pain on himself in an attempt to be someone else; paradoxically if he had been himself, his life probably would have been satisfactory. CHTR is just as depressing as GG. The high point is the fact that Brick truly loved Skipper.

Due to societal opinion, their relationship was never consummated, ultimately leading to Skipper's suicide. This tragic event left Brick emotionally scarred and burdened with guilt. Consequently, Brick and Maggie find themselves trapped in a loveless marriage, as Maggie feels imprisoned in the same cage (Act 2). Both F. Scott Fitzgerald and Tennessee Williams exhibit prominent pessimism, as the lows outweigh the highs in their works. In CHTR, pessimism is evident in the challenges faced by homosexuals in a society that finds it repugnant (Williams may draw from personal experience as a homosexual individual).

Additionally, there is a prevalent sense of feeling trapped. Maggie's love for Brick is unrequited, as he loves Skipper who reciprocates his love. However, the two cannot be together without facing disapproval and speculation. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's works, pessimism is largely conveyed through Gatsby's life, suggesting that fulfilling one's deepest dreams and desires is impossible. This ultimately leads to another form of pessimism, as characters face numerous challenges while trying to fit into an established society.

In his writing, Fitzgerald uses the character of Nick to express his disgust towards the immoral behavior of the wealthy society. He criticizes their corrupt nature, their fake friendliness

towards those who are not part of their social circle, and their superficiality, particularly evident after Gatsby's death. These excerpts reveal a common pessimistic outlook in the works of both Tennessee Williams and F Scott Fitzgerald. Both writers display skepticism towards the past and the inevitable fate that characters like Gatsby, Maggie, and Brick will have to face.