Examples Of Distortion In The Great Gatsby

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Intro: F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel, The Great Gatsby, is a critique of the American upper-class, and furthermore, the overall degeneration of American society as a whole. Fitzgerald establishes Nick Carraway as the narrator, and it is through Nick’s insightful, and deeply philosophical commentary, that Fitzgerald expresses his own contempt towards upper-class society, as after witnessing the downfall of Gatsby, Nick (and thus Fitzgerald) concludes that the notion of aristocracy is established upon a “quality of distortion”, and in truth, “they [are] careless people… [who] [smash] up things and creatures and then [retreat] back into their money or their vast carelessness.” Thus, Fitzgerald establishes theme of duality, the motif of distorted images, and ultimately questions the extent to …show more content…

It is not surprising then, that Daisy Buchanan views herself as an elevated individual - in part due to her aristocratic lineage - and attempts to portray herself as such. However, her image progressively deteriorates in the eyes of Nick, and Fitzgerald herein captures his contempt towards the aristocracy, as despite having once been “the golden girl”, Daisy is now described as the embodiment of “vast carelessness”, Furthermore, Fitzgerald extends the “quality of distortion” to all classes in contemporary American society, as both Gatsby and Myrtle attempt to reject their impoverished dispositions, and portray themselves as elevated individuals. Gatsby’s attempt is ultimately futile, as despite his ostentatious displays of wealth, none of those who formerly attended his parties, attend his funeral, and he is thus left to die alone. Myrtle’s death, similarly reflects the futility of attempting to escape reality, as in an attempt to literally escape her disposition, she throws herself in front of Gatsby’s car. Thus, Fitzgerald effectively - yet quite pessimistically - expresses that it is futile to portray one’s self in an elevated manner, and living out one’s

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