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Three Principles of Existentialism in The Great Gatsby
Summary: While it is argued that F. Scott Fitzgerald emulated Shakespeare in his novel The Great Gatsby through his incorporation of tragic character flaws, his incorporation of existentialist ideas is much more apparent. The character Jay Gatsby embodies three main principles of existentialism: Gatsby is the brave, nonconformist individual combatting absurdity and inhumanity; he created a second life for himself in order to win Daisy's love; and he preserved his separateness as an emblem of his independence.
F. Scott Fitzgerald can be considered as a devout existentialist, or a staunch Shakespearean traditionalist; however, as seen in the last chapters of the novel that lead up to Gatsby's death, Fitzgerald's writing incorporates more existentialist ideas than Shakespearean influences.
In existentialism there are three main principles; one states, "The absurdity and inhumanity of the godless modern world must be combated by brave, nonconformist individuals." Jay Gatsby is the "brave, nonconformist individual" that Fitzgerald uses in his novel. Gatsby was focused solely on obtaining the admiration and affection of Daisy, and he did not allow anybody else to influence him otherwise. His devotion to Daisy is apparent in chapter seven, where he covers for Daisy after she kills her husband's mistress, Myrtle. Gatsby is the only humane character in the novel, The Great Gatsby, because he had compassion for other people. On one occasion, he bought a stranger...
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This section contains 429 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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