Theme Of Obsession In The Great Gatsby

Words: 1508
Pages: 7

1. INTRODUCTION:

Thesis: Both stories portray devastating consequences of the delusional obsession shown within both romantic and familial relationships, and using imagery describing the consequences of inaction, reveal that obsession leads to an inevitable demise incited by pipe dreams and unintentional chaos.

Line of approach (Supporting points):

1. Obsession for material wealth and status leading to demise (Gatsby and wealth + Claudius and becoming King, Polonius and reputation with King)
2. Obsession in romantic relationships leads to destructive romance and death (Gatsby + Daisy and Hamlet + Ophelia)
3. Hesitation in action and inaction both result in unavoidable disarray (Gatsby’s wooing of Daisy; Hamlet’s inability to kill uncle)
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BODY PARAGRAPH #1:

TOPIC SENTENCE: Both Hamlet and The Great Gatsby exhibit proletarian literature, in which characters seek advances in both wealth and status, only for their newfound affluence to lead to their demise.

Gatsby’s desire for wealth was inspired by Dan Cody, a man whose lifestyle that was cultivated by his exorbitant wealth ultimately resulted in his
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reality regarding perception of women

Nick’s intrigue with Gatsby develops into an obsession that results in him being trapped inside a lifestyle with no moral values, causing him to abandon his own dreams and move back to the Midwest.

“Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction… If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him…” pg 2

“So my first impression, that he was a person of some defined consequence, had gradually faded and become simply the proprietor of an elaborate road house next door” pg. 68

• Nick was captivated by Gatsby’s wealth and mystery; blinded him from Gatsby’s delusion regarding Daisy
• Nick’s intrigue with Gatsby influences him to live with people emotionally and mentally exhaust him with both their problems and gluttonous lavishness
• Furthers appearance vs. reality; juxtaposition between Gatsby’s appearance as loud and