Obsession and Betrayal in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows Jay Gatsby's determined quest to win back his former love, Daisy Buchanan, who is now married to the wealthy and conceited Tom Buchanan. Daisy is often perceived as a modern-day "gold-digger" who values her relationship with Tom solely for his wealth. After Tom's mistress Myrtle Wilson dies tragically, he instigates a confrontation between Myrtle's husband and Gatsby. Later on, Gatsby himself is shot while swimming in his pool for the first time. Narrator Nick Carraway witnesses Gatsby's futile efforts to reclaim the past and reignite Daisy's affection.

Despite appreciating Gatsby's noble intentions of using his riches for love rather than Tom's irresponsible actions, Nick ultimately sees Gatsby's fixation on the past as foolish.

Jay Gatsby was romantically involved with Daisy Fay before the war separated them, despite his limited wealth. He dreamed of winning her over. After the war, Gatsby was surprised but determined when he found out Daisy had married someone else.

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Nick is amazed by Gatsby's persistent love for a woman who is now married and had betrayed him in the past. Initially, Nick believes Gatsby is unaware of Daisy's lack of true feelings until Gatsby declares, "Her voice is full of money." (127).

Gatsby's recognition of Daisy's altered personality is accentuated by her unusual cheerfulness. Nick realizes that Gatsby is still in love with the version of Daisy from before the war, rather than who she is now. Gatsby spent his life accumulating wealth in hopes of rekindling his past romance.

Tom Buchanan, who comes from a wealthy background, has never had to work for his money. His irresponsible actions and disregard for others come from the belief that money can fix any issue. He is unfaithful to his wife and is now having an affair with Myrtle, who is married to a gas station owner. Tom's cruelty is shown when he violently breaks Myrtle's nose after mentioning his wife: Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her [Myrtle] nose with his open hand.(41).

Tom showed no remorse for his actions and demonstrated his possessiveness by buying Myrtle a necklace similar to the collar she put on her puppy. Myrtle accepts Tom's gifts without objection, viewing him as her only means of escaping poverty. Tom views Myrtle as being from a lower social class, giving him the freedom to treat her however he pleases.

Another peculiar character in the novel is Daisy Buchanan (Daisy Fay). Before the war, she was Jay Gatsby's girlfriend. Originally, she did not concern herself with his financial status; her only focus was on patiently awaiting his return from the war. However, as time passed, she underwent a transformation. Her attitude shifted from patiently awaiting her impoverished boyfriend to hastily marrying any wealthy man she encountered. Like her husband Tom Buchanan, she too became careless and self-absorbed. She prioritizes only herself, her child, and her wealth. In a conversation with Gatsby, she admits to never truly loving Tom, stating, "Why,-how could I love him-possibly?"(139).

At this juncture in the novel, she starts to doubt her own desires. The dilemma she confronts is the wealth of both Tom and Jay. The contrast between them is clear: Jay's unwavering devotion to Daisy versus Tom's use of her for appearances. Her decision to marry Tom without love was likely motivated by his wealth. Now that Gatsby has surpassed Tom in riches, Daisy is faced with a decision. However, her hesitance ultimately leads to a critical moment that decides for her.

Throughout the novel, Nick observes and occasionally interacts with a troubled group but does not intervene to help them, even though he understands their problems and probably knows how to solve them. Nick forms opinions of each character based on their personalities and issues. Despite knowing what should be done, Nick refrains from intervening and remembers his father's advice, "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."(5).

Nick's detachment can be attributed to his early upbringing, where he was encouraged to observe rather than act. Instead of getting involved, he calmly watches others tackle their problems, refraining from criticism or blame. Nick believes that not everyone has had the same opportunities as him, which is why he serves as the narrator of the story, choosing to remain an impartial observer. Ultimately, Nick notices the stark contrasts in people's personalities, such as Gatsby's optimistic perspective compared to Tom and Daisy's irresponsible behavior.

When readers delve into a novel like this, it is common for them to quickly distinguish between the heroes and villains within the first few chapters. In American film and literature, it is typically anticipated that the villains will face consequences such as being apprehended or meeting their demise, while the protagonists will triumph, win the heart of their beloved, and achieve a happily ever after. This is why it is so surprising to witness Gatsby's failure in his pursuit of the woman he adores and his inability to rescue her from her oppressive husband.

The narrator, Nick, appears strange as he watches all the chaotic events unfold. Despite Gatsby's death marking a failure in achieving his goal, Nick perceives Gatsby differently. Nick views Gatsby as a determined man who climbed to success. He admires Gatsby for his drive and dedication, noting that Gatsby only desired fame and wealth if it involved Daisy. Nick empathizes with Gatsby's fixation and considers him superior to the other characters he encountered in the narrative.