The characters in The Great Gatsby are driven by self-interest rather than concern for others - NSC English HL - Question 10 - 2017 - Paper 2

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the characters exhibit a profound self-interest that often overshadows their concerns for others. This essay will discuss this duality of self-interest and concern among the characters, evaluating how it shapes their interactions and motivations.

To start with, Daisy Buchanan exemplifies self-interest in her actions and relationships. She is portrayed as superficial, caring primarily about her social standing and possessions rather than genuine family connections. Daisy’s decision to marry Tom Buchanan, despite her true feelings for Gatsby, is driven by her desire for financial security and social acceptance. This highlights how her self-interest undermines her relationships, as she treats her daughter more as an accessory than a priority.

Moreover, Tom Buchanan’s character illustrates blatant self-interest. He engages in numerous affairs and demonstrates a lack of respect for others, notably Myrtle Wilson. Tom's treatment of Myrtle reveals his possessive nature where he toys with her emotions, showcasing his unwillingness to confront the consequences of his actions. Tom's wealth and social elite status allow him to act without regard for those he exploits, further solidifying the theme of self-interest in the narrative.

Contrastingly, it is imperative to consider moments within the text where characters forgo their self-interest. For example, when Gatsby tries to rekindle his relationship with Daisy, his motivations appear to be about love and loyalty rather than personal gain. His extravagant parties, initially aimed at attracting Daisy's attention, later become a facade, revealing the isolation and emptiness within his own life. Gatsby shows genuine concern for others, notably when he takes responsibility for the accident that leads to Myrtle's death, indicating a complex character who includes concern in his otherwise self-interested pursuit of happiness.

Additionally, characters such as Jordan Baker offer another perspective. Her morally ambiguous actions, while selfish, also stem from societal pressures and expectations. Jordan attempts to navigate a world rife with corruption while holding onto a semblance of integrity, representing how the quest for self-interest is often intertwined with a struggle for moral guidance.

In conclusion, while The Great Gatsby illustrates characters led largely by self-interest, it also hints at their capability for concern and compassion. The interplay between self-interest and genuine emotion reflects the complexities of human relationships, particularly within the constraints of 1920s American society. Thus, one could assert that the statement regarding self-interest being the primary driver of the characters holds validity but is not wholly accurate without considering the nuanced points of individual motivations.