The Blend of Comedy and Tragedy in 'The Great Gatsby'

Introduction

Fitzgerald's exploration of techniques found in comedy throughout The Great Gatsby sparks a debate: is it more of a Comic Novel or a Tragic Novel? Let's delve into the elements that lean towards comedy, considering its romantic, satirical, and black comedic aspects.

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Fitzgerald's use of comedic techniques is evident, making it worthwhile to explore the romantic, satirical, and black comedic elements within the novel.

Romantic Comedy Elements in The Great Gatsby

Starting with the romantic comedy aspect, the relationship between Daisy and Gatsby embodies the quintessential romantic comedy plot. Despite its challenges, the love affair involves a beautiful, idealized heroine and eventually leads to a somewhat happy reunion. Gatsby's awkward and boyish actions during their first meeting after a five-year separation provide a sense of relatable humor, fitting more with a Comic Novel than a Tragic Novel.

The 1920s, the era in which the novel is set, witnessed the popularity of romantic comedies. Fitzgerald, aware of this trend, incorporates elements from romantic comedy films, creating a dynamic that aligns with the comedic genre.

Expanding on this, the romantic comedy genre of the 1920s, prominently represented in the emerging film industry, offered a lighthearted escape from the societal upheavals of the time. Films like Cecil B. DeMille's Old Wives For New and Don't Change Your Husband thrived on humorous portrayals of dysfunctional marriages and affairs. Fitzgerald, as a contemporary of this era, likely drew inspiration from these cultural phenomena, infusing The Great Gatsby with a comedic touch, especially in the portrayal of Gatsby and Daisy's complex romance.

Satirical Comedy in The Great Gatsby

Moving on to satirical comedy, Fitzgerald employs satire to ridicule the disorders of 1920s society. The iconic image of "the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg" serves as a mocking symbol of the prevailing materialism. Characters like Tom and Daisy represent the superficial qualities that Fitzgerald detested about his culture, emphasizing a satirical critique of societal values.

The notion that Fitzgerald uses satire to underscore the superficial qualities of his characters aligns with the elements commonly found in a Comic Novel. Laura Turner's observation further supports the idea that The Great Gatsby leans towards comedy.

Examining the satirical aspect more deeply, Fitzgerald presents a cast of characters as embodiments of societal vices and follies. The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, gazing down upon the Valley of Ashes, become a satirical representation of the spiritual emptiness and moral decay of the era. Through this symbolic device, Fitzgerald mocks the materialistic obsessions that characterized the Jazz Age, contributing to the novel's overall comedic tone.

Black Comedy and Gallows Humour in The Great Gatsby

The novel also incorporates black comedy and gallows humour, addressing serious subject matter with a humorous tone. Characters casually joking about drinking, cheating, and affairs add a layer of humor to otherwise tragic events. For instance, Jordan's sarcastic remark during Tom's call from his mistress at the dinner table reflects the use of black comedy.

Fitzgerald's inclusion of gallows humour, exemplified by a partygoer's casual remark about Gatsby having "killed a man once," further highlights the novel's fusion of tragedy and comedy.

Considering black comedy more expansively, Fitzgerald masterfully navigates the fine line between tragedy and humor by allowing characters to jest about serious matters. The characters' nonchalant attitude towards morally grave situations creates a unique atmosphere where tragedy and comedy coexist. This intentional juxtaposition serves to engage the reader emotionally while sustaining the overall comedic essence of the novel.

Counterargument: The Tragic Elements in The Great Gatsby

While the aforementioned elements suggest a comedic leaning, some argue that The Great Gatsby is more of a Tragic Novel. The dark turn of events in the novel's culmination is undeniably tragic, as evidenced by the powerful word choice in describing Gatsby's death as a "holocaust."

Catharsis, a key element of tragedy, is evident when Nick reflects on Gatsby's fate, suggesting a sense of relief, purging, and reconciliation with the inevitability of the human condition. This response leans towards the characteristics of a Tragic Novel.

Exploring the tragic elements more extensively, the denouement of The Great Gatsby plunges into a realm of darkness, emphasizing the consequences of unbridled ambition and the pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby's demise, accompanied by powerful imagery such as the "holocaust," underscores the tragic dimension of the narrative. Fitzgerald deliberately steers the novel towards a somber conclusion, challenging the notion that it predominantly fits the Comic Novel category.

Gatsby as a Tragic Hero

Examining Gatsby as a tragic hero reveals elements of tragedy in the novel. His incessant desire to attain an unattainable dream, coupled with hubristic qualities, positions him as a classic tragic figure. Gatsby's tragic flaw, his rejection of his family due to pride in his wealth, aligns more with the traits of a tragic hero than a comic one.

The moment of anagnorisis, where Gatsby realizes the unattainability of his dream, further solidifies his tragic hero status. Aristotle's definition of anagnorisis as a change from ignorance to knowledge is aptly demonstrated in Gatsby's narrative.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that Gatsby's anagnorisis is nuanced. Despite realizing the futility of his dream concerning Daisy, he clings to the remnants of his aspirations, waiting for her phone call until the very end. This complexity blurs the line between tragedy and hope, introducing a layer of ambiguity to Gatsby's character.

Conclusion

After careful consideration, it is evident that The Great Gatsby encompasses both comedy and tragedy. However, the comedic element prevails, with romantic comedy, satire, and black comedy taking center stage. While tragic elements exist, they are woven into the broader comedic tapestry of the novel. The opposing arguments have merit, but they fail to fully grasp the nuanced interplay of comedy and tragedy within Fitzgerald's masterpiece.