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Referring to one of the three texts you have studied in your comparative course, explain what made a central character (hero or heroine or villain) interesting for you - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2010
Question 1
Referring to one of the three texts you have studied in your comparative course, explain what made a central character (hero or heroine or villain) interesting for y... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Referring to one of the three texts you have studied in your comparative course, explain what made a central character (hero or heroine or villain) interesting for you - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2010
Step 1
Referring to one of the three texts you have studied in your comparative course, explain what made a central character (hero or heroine or villain) interesting for you.
Answer
In the text 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Jay Gatsby is particularly interesting due to his complex nature and the embodiment of the American Dream. Gatsby's unyielding hope and ambition drive him to accumulate wealth in order to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. What makes Gatsby intriguing is not only his opulence and mysterious background but also his vulnerabilities, particularly his obsessive love for Daisy and his willingness to go to great lengths to achieve his dreams. His tragic end highlights the futility of his pursuits, making him a quintessential hero who is ultimately flawed and human.
Additionally, Gatsby's relationships with other characters, especially with Nick Carraway, provide insight into his personality. Nick serves as both a friend and a narrator, highlighting Gatsby's goodness in a corrupted world, which further deepens his character complexity.
Step 2
Choose a hero or heroine or villain from a second text you have studied. Discuss the similarities and differences between this character and the one you wrote about in 1(a) above.
Answer
In contrast to Jay Gatsby, the character of Daisy Buchanan serves as a compelling counterpart. Daisy, also from 'The Great Gatsby', is primarily portrayed as the object of Gatsby's affection, but she is also a significant character who embodies the moral decay of society during the 1920s.
Similarities
Both characters are significantly impacted by their social environments and are deeply tied to the themes of aspiration and the American Dream. Gatsby and Daisy both represent aspects of this dream; Gatsby through his relentless pursuit of wealth and status, and Daisy through her allure and charm, embodying both attraction and emptiness.
Differences
However, their motivations diverge greatly. Gatsby’s actions are driven by love and a desire for a meaningful relationship, while Daisy often acts out of self-preservation and societal expectation, reflecting a deeper moral ambiguity. While Gatsby is willing to sacrifice everything for love, Daisy is depicted as more self-serving and ultimately chooses comfort over true love at the end. This contrast highlights the differing dimensions of heroism and the duality of their characters in relation to the pursuit of happiness.