Love
Immorality |
Love is what drives 3 of the 4 main characters. The story line that develops out of the theme of love is what makes "The Great Gatsby" the heart wrenching novel that it is. Initially, Daisy explains how she was disappointed she had a daughter instead of a son and, as a result, she "hopes she will be a fool... A beautiful little fool" (Fitzgerald 17). Daisy was heartbroken over Tom's affair and hopes that her daughter will just fly through life happily and not be dragged down by disappointment. By not being the brightest her daughter would not notice the little things she did that led her to discover her husband's affair and she would live a life of fulfillment. Gatsby and Daisy soon rekindle their love and the only thing left that Gatsby wants is for "'I never loved you'" to come out of Daisy's mouth to Tom and "after she obliterated four years with that sentence they could decide upon the more practical measures to be taken" (Fitzgerald 109). The love between Daisy and Gatsby is what drove the story line and when it gets to the point that they decide to tell Tom, Gatsby is willing to do whatever it takes to secure their future together. The only thing he was waiting on was those for words and then their lifetime of love and happiness could begin, again.
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In the beginning immorality is shown in a minor sense, however the immoral acts develop throughout the story. Toms affair was very well known and "his acquaintances resented the fact that he turned up in popular restaurants with her and, leaving her at a table,sauntered about, chatting with whomsoever he knew" (Fitzgerald 24). It is one thing to have a private affair, however Tom nearly broadcasted it and rubbed it in everyone's face. This not only made him look bad and expose his dirty little secret, but embarrassed Daisy and their friends. As a result, Daisy is left feeling neglected. Tom soon discovers Daisy and Tom's affair and does not want to "let him make love to [his] wife" while he "sit[s] back and let[s]" it happen (Fitzgerald 130). One immoral act leads to another, however Tom's mistress is going to be hauled away by her husband, so he has already lost one lover and cannot stand the idea of losing the other one that he wed. Soon after the confrontation over the affair, everyone heads back into town and Daisy drives her and Gatsby to steady her nerves. Myrtle darts in front of the car thinking it is Tom and Daisy could not react due to being overwhelmed by everything and not being mentally prepared to drive. She was found with "her left breast... swinging loose like a flap... [with her] mouth... wide open and ripped at the corners" (Fitzgerald 136). On top of that, Daisy "did not even stop [her] car" (Fitzgerald 139). The build up of all the lies and immoral acts catch up to them all and results in a death they least expected, however it goes to show the lack of morals the character had. They did not even stop to see if they could have helped her. Maybe if they did they could have postponed her death. The theme of immorality develops over time and keeps the reader guessing what measures the characters will actually go to to save themselves or get what they want.
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