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The characters in The Great Gatsby are victims of circumstance rather than than of their own flaws - NSC English HL - Question 10 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 10
The characters in The Great Gatsby are victims of circumstance rather than than of their own flaws. Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The characters in The Great Gatsby are victims of circumstance rather than than of their own flaws - NSC English HL - Question 10 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Discuss Gatsby's Circumstances
Answer
Gatsby's ascent from humble beginnings to wealth is a testament to his ambition. His family background did not inhibit his aspiration to rewrite his destiny. However, as he accumulates wealth, his approach to love demonstrates that despite external circumstances, his character flaws become apparent. His inability to accept reality leads him to believe he can alter time and recapture his past with Daisy, a major flaw that diverts his success into obsession.
Step 2
Examine Daisy's Role
Answer
Daisy Buchanan serves as a complex reflection of circumstance versus personal flaw. Although she is often viewed as a victim of the social expectations placed upon her, her choices reveal her moral ambiguity. Daisy's dissatisfaction pushes her into the arms of Tom, illustrating how her circumstances of wealth and societal pressures lead to her unhappy decisions. While she faces societal limitations, her flaws, such as superficiality and indecisiveness, significantly impact her fate.
Step 3
Analyze the Influence of Tom Buchanan
Answer
Tom Buchanan exemplifies a character shaped by both circumstance and personal shortcomings. His aristocratic background affords him power and privilege, which he wields with a sense of entitlement. However, Tom's actions—such as infidelity and his brutal treatment of others—also highlight his moral failures. By navigating the world with a sense of superiority, he becomes a victim of his own hubris, showcasing how personal flaws can intertwine with societal influences.
Step 4
Consider the Role of Jordan Baker
Answer
Jordan Baker represents the modern woman caught between emerging independence and traditional expectations. Her cunning nature allows her to navigate social circles effectively, yet her dishonesty reflects a lack of integrity. As a character shaped by the circumstances of her environment, she embodies the tension between societal advancements and personal ethics, demonstrating how characters can both adapt and fail in the face of their circumstances.
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while the characters in The Great Gatsby are undeniably influenced by their circumstances, their personal flaws also play a crucial role in their ultimate downfalls. Gatsby's dreams, Daisy's choices, Tom's arrogance, and Jordan's ethics intertwine to illustrate that both external influences and internal character flaws dictate their fates, reinforcing the complexity of their experiences within a shifting social landscape.