What Are The Similarities Between The Great Gatsby And Ordinary People

Through works of literature, readers find themselves getting lost in situations both familiar and strange. In both The Great Gatsby and Ordinary People, I can imagine myself in the position of both Daisy Buchanan and Dr. Berger respectively. I believe that Daisy, the love of Gatsby’s life, and I are similar because both of us are driven by our emotions; however, unlike Daisy, who is materialistic, I appreciate the value of my belongings . Dr. Berger, a psychiatrist in Ordinary People, and I also share the traits of being understanding and helpful; despite these similarities, Dr. Berger is different in that he has twenty more years of experience dealing with complex situations. Throughout the story, it is shown that Daisy is driven by her

Daisy shows a desire for materialistic items in this novel when she faces a dilemma to either wait for her true love to prove himself as a wealthy man or choose a man of established wealth. This shows how Daisy is materialistic possessions because she decided to have what she wanted instantly gratification instead of waiting for wealth. The reader knows this because when Gatsby confronts Tom he exclaims, “She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me. It was a terrible mistake, but in her heart she never loved anyone except for me” (130).I however, do not share a concern over materialistic things. I believe that materialistic items have no effect on happy a person is. I learned this value when, for the first time, I met my cousins from Israel. Living on a limited salary at home, they invested their life savings into coming to meet us. This experience taught me that having a luxurious car or a new chain are much more insignificant ways of using the money to value the opportunities of life. In addition, I find myself wanting to have more experience entitling me to change many lives instead of the one that I have affected. Unlike my inexperience helping autistic children Berger's many situations have helped him to better understand and impact those in need. Berger’s suggestions to help Conrad handle his anger, "Geez, if I could get through to you, kiddo, that depression is not sobbing and crying and giving vent, it is plain and simple reduction of feeling. Reduction, see? Of all feeling. People who keep stiff upper lips find that it's damn hard to smile." are formulated by years of experience and expertise. Berger is able to advise his patients individually, nonetheless I needed the assistance and proficiency of the coaching