“The Great Gatsby” Cannot The Reflects The Glamour Of America Essay Example

lawn, and proximity to millionaires - all for a monthly rent of eighty dollars.

In a land of opportunity, where old barriers are broken down and fresh starts with numerous advantages are made possible, the mixing of wealthy individuals with the narrator himself becomes a reality. However, it is important to avoid associating the people of this place with romantic imagery. The narrator, Nick, remains impartial and is able to perceive both sides of the world he has entered. While acknowledging the wealth that the inhabitants possess, Nick also recognizes his neighbor's house as nothing more than a replica of a hotel in Normandy. During his first drive through this area, he is impressed by the gleaming white mansions of fashionable East Egg along the water. These initial descriptions establish a stark contrast that is further emphasized when Tom Buchanan is introduced.

The depiction of Tom in the text is far from flattering. According to Nick, Tom seems to be living a luxurious life, never having experienced financial hardships and enjoying a prestigious status. He even has the means to purchase a series of polo ponies from Lake Forest. However, Nick's personal observations sway our perception of Tom, as he describes him as someone who is constantly in search of some thrilling excitement, reminiscent of an irretrievable football game. This portrayal positions Tom as a rather pitiable character, residing more in a world of fantasies than reality. Fitzgerald's writing style often juxtaposes dreams and reality, which is readily apparent in Tom's introduction wherein his mere presence, without needing to utter a word, is significant. He is presented in front of his "Georgian colonial mansion", sunlight reflecting off

the windows, and exuding power as he stands on the porch with his legs apart. This portrayal aligns perfectly with the quintessential 'American image' – an independent individual who possesses everything he can see, including a lawn that stretches from the beach and extends for a quarter of a mile.

Despite initially appearing to showcase the power accessible to those who are willing to seize it, Nick's unbiased perspective allows the reader to perceive an alternate side to all of this. Not even the flamboyant elegance of his riding attire was able to conceal the immense strength present in his physique - his shining boots seemed to barely contain his muscular form, and when his shoulder moved under his slender coat, a formidable mass of muscle could be seen shifting. This was a body capable of exerting immense force - a merciless physique." It is these final three words uttered by Nick in depicting this image that completely reshape its interpretation.

Tom is a pivotal character in expressing Fitzgerald's ideas, alongside other main characters in the novel. Despite their differences, Tom and Daisy are a closely connected duo. They counterbalance Gatsby's aspirations, as their actions only result in destruction, which is even more detrimental due to their lack of concern rather than purpose. To grasp this concept, we must explore the role of these characters. Daisy is depicted as an object, evident through her detachment from both feelings and thoughts.

Prior to marrying Tom, she became heavily intoxicated and in a state of drunkenness, she desired to return Tom's pearls to him. She clung onto a letter from Gatsby, which fueled her desire to abandon her marriage to

Tom on the basis of love and romance. However, this sentiment was short-lived as she eventually came to her senses and "the next day at 5 o'clock she married Tom without any indication of fear or hesitation". Her primary motivation was Tom's stability and his ability to provide for her for the rest of her life, as well as the social distance it placed between her and the working class, allowing her to rise "above the challenges faced by the impoverished". Even towards her daughter, she treats her as a mere toy, displaying a lack of genuine affection or concern throughout the entirety of the novel.

Then she added irrelevantly that I should see the baby. Given her daughter is three years old and is referred to as "the baby," Daisy cannot be considered a model of motherhood. Daisy is initially depicted lying on a couch with Jordan Baker. Jordan is another confident woman who exudes authority through her body language alone. "She was slender and small-breasted, carrying herself with an upright posture that she emphasized by thrusting her shoulders back." Jordan is a skeptic, skilled in sarcasm and inherently self-centered. When asked about meeting someone as careless as herself, she responded with, "I hope I never will."

Nick finds her personality interesting, which is why he becomes romantically involved with her. However, they eventually break up due to their differences. Nick's understanding of the true nature of these glamorous characters is important because it challenges the idea that their lifestyle is desirable. Gatsby, in terms of the American Dream, embodies it perfectly. Although initially mysterious, Gatsby is gradually unveiled throughout the novel, with intermittent revelations breaking

up Nick's chronological account and keeping the readers engaged.

The next aspect presented to us about Gatsby involves the speculation of various individuals at his parties. Some people claim that he once killed a man, while others suggest he was a German spy during the war. However, it is important to consider these remarks within their context. Although Nick partially believes these stories about Gatsby, he also analyzes and reflects on the situation. He acknowledges that the fact that there are murmurs about Gatsby from those who rarely engage in such behavior is a testament to the romantic speculation surrounding him. Nick is particularly impressed by how superficial gossip revolves around someone who appears to be anything but shallow himself. In fact, he finds it captivating that Gatsby can host elaborate parties and be the center of attention without actually needing to be present. Initially speaking as an observer, halfway through his portrayal of the party, Nick seems to shift into becoming a participant.

The text delineates two ways of narrating the same story about the party with potential deeper implications. Instead of emphasizing the music, dancing, or extravagance, the author highlights the extensive preparations involved in organizing such gatherings. The first page of chapter 2 reveals a flurry of activity, showcasing the arduous work and manual labor undertaken by individuals who will not even attend the event. The author mentions various personnel, including servants, gardeners, and a butler, who presses a button incessantly for thirty minutes. Additionally, there is a corps of caterers, hundreds of feet of canvas, enchanting fairy lights, towering piles of discarded orange halves, and a fully stocked bar rail featuring a

wide selection of gins and cordials that even most young female guests could not distinguish from one another. These are just a few examples of the opulence and magnificence displayed.

Or perhaps 'wastage'. Later in the book, he mentions how the average American is content with being a serf but draws a boundary at becoming a peasant. This might symbolize the immense effort required to achieve one's dreams, a notion reflected in Gatsby's questionable actions and Daisy and Tom's avoidance of accountability. Nick continues by describing the atmosphere of the party, with crowds of people and music filling the air.

Despite his potential to be captivated by the allure of this place, the protagonist maintains a certain detachment due to his understanding of the intricacies involved in these gatherings. This dual role as both participant and observer gives rise to irony, tinged with a slight distaste, in his perception. The narrator, Nick, also possesses a dry sense of humor which he employs throughout the narrative. He manages to engage in and witness the unfolding events. Notably, there is a moment where he indulges in detailing the individuals attending Gatsby's parties. In chapter four, he proceeds to list their names and notable traits. The manner in which this enumeration is presented satirizes high society within America, further contributing to the book's portrayal of glamour.

Gatsby's parties are characterized by the presence of drinks, young women, young men, food, music, light, and dancing. Nonetheless, these events also have a hidden darker aspect. The servants work tirelessly and there are frequent breakages. The gardens and caterers play crucial roles in facilitating this excessive indulgence at Gatsby's parties. Regrettably, the displayed glamour

is not as alluring as it appears.

In addition, Nick's role is changing from being just an observer to becoming a conscience. He has strong feelings for Daisy and has created a whole universe filled with expectations and scenarios. Despite his naivety in hoping that Daisy will leave Tom for him and his wealth being derived from illegal activities, these are not the most important aspects of his character. Nick aligns himself with Gatsby because he values the ideal of the man. Although he disapproves of Gatsby's morals and belief that the ends justify the means, understanding that Gatsby is mistaken about many things, it does not diminish Gatsby's greatness in Nick's eyes. Nick recognizes a remarkable quality within Gatsby, one that would contribute to a better world if present in everyone. Gatsby possesses innocence and desperately wants the world to treat him according to his beliefs, which appeals to Nick. He tells Gatsby, "You're worth more than the entire group put together," highlighting Nick's admiration for him.

An intriguing revelation about Gatsby emerges after his demise, when his father discloses his lifelong pursuit of self-improvement. Though Nick finds himself in a challenging position, he believes that Gatsby's amassed fortune is a commendable accomplishment that can make his father proud, without the need for him to know the dubious means by which it was obtained. The father hails Gatsby as an American hero, a notion that is quite fascinating considering Gatsby's involvement in criminal activities, adultery, and manipulation of Nick. At first glance, Gatsby appears to embody the true embodiment of the American dream – exceedingly affluent and self-made, generous and flamboyant. However, Gatsby's unyielding determination to

shelter Daisy from any harm ultimately leads to his downfall.

His death is attributed to his misplaced trust in a flawed character. Gatsby believes that shielding Daisy from any responsibility for Myrtle's death is a positive action, as he believes he is assisting the woman he adores. However, in reality, the world does not operate in such a manner. Gatsby is setting himself up to face the consequences and potentially driving Daisy back into the arms of her secure husband, where she can feel safe without him. "He placed his hands in his coat pockets and eagerly turned his attention back to observing the house, as if my presence was tarnishing the sanctity of his watch. So, I departed and left him standing there in the moonlight - vigilantly watching over nothing.

The novel explores a social commentary on high-society, glamour, and wealth. It particularly focuses on Gatsby and his parties. If Tom and Daisy symbolize the glamour, then the book has a pessimistic tone due to their shallow characters and decision to run away. This novel is not a romantic reflection on any era's glamour but rather delves into the perversity of the world. Even a noble dream can be distorted and destroyed by those accountable for it, as well as those who are indifferent around them.

While it is possible to attain the American Dream, one must take into account the potential repercussions.