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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
Introduction
Answer
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the assertion that characters are victims of circumstance rather than their own flaws invites a critical examination of their development. While external circumstances significantly influence their lives, it is also their inherent flaws that ultimately lead to their downfalls. This essay will explore both viewpoints, focusing on Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan.
Step 2
Evaluate Jay Gatsby's Circumstances
Answer
Jay Gatsby's background plays a crucial role in his ambition. Born into poverty, Gatsby strives to elevate himself through wealth and status. Despite his upbringing not hindering his initial rise, his obsessive love for Daisy leads him to blur the line between reality and illusion. His inability to see Daisy realistically causes him to ignore the ramifications of his actions, emphasizing how his flaws render him vulnerable to catastrophic outcomes.
Step 3
Analyze Daisy Buchanan's Flaws
Answer
Daisy Buchanan exemplifies the interplay of circumstance and personal flaw. Although society's expectations shape her choices, her own shallowness and desire for wealth significantly impact her decisions. Her fixation on security over genuine love illustrates how her character flaws contribute to her being a victim of circumstance, chiefly in her relationship with Gatsby and her eventual marriage to Tom.
Step 4
Discuss Tom Buchanan's Role
Answer
Tom Buchanan serves as a symbol of the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege. He embodies arrogance and entitlement, believing that his social status absolves him of responsibility for his actions. Although Tom's wealth influences his character profoundly, it is his moral failures that require scrutiny, leading him to manipulate others without remorse.
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while the characters in The Great Gatsby are indeed subject to the forces of circumstance, it is their innate flaws that propel them towards tragedy. Gatsby's delusions, Daisy's selfishness, and Tom's moral decay highlight the duality of victimhood in their lives, illustrating that both internal and external factors substantially contribute to their unfortunate fates.