Titular and Non-titular Characters of The Great Gatsby

Essay by wehaveproblems, High School, 12th grade,  March 2009

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Titular and Non-Titular Characters of The Great GatsbyIn the book, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a non-titular character Tom Buchanan is a non-titular character who attempts to thwart the dream of the titular character Jay Gatsby, to be with Daisy Buchanan romantically. Jay Gatsby built his life, his wealth and popularity, all in an attempt gain the love and admiration of Daisy Buchanan. When Daisy and Gatsby’s love is confronted, her husband Tom becomes paranoid and over protective. In the end Gatsby does not end up with Daisy, and Tom is arguably to blame.

Gatsby loves Daisy. “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the way.” (Fitzgerald, 72). It’s obvious to Nick as the book proceeds that Gatsby built his fortune and social status just to win her love. He sees her as a perfect, beautiful being. Ironic in the end as she’s flawed, Daisy is shallow, depressed, and a gold digger.

The grave of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Rockville, Maryland. The quote is the final line of The Great Gatsby. French : «Car c'est ainsi que nous allons, barques luttant contre un courant qui nous ramène san The grave of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzger...
The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby

The two had been in love earlier in life, when Gatsby was in the military. When he left her for military matters, he dedicated himself to re-experiencing the love they once had. “...Can’t repeat the past?” he (Gatsby) cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!...” (Fitzgerald, 99)Tom is Daisy’s husband. He is a racist, arrogant, morally faulty, non-titulay character who’s affair with another non-titular woman, Myrtle, draws no moral guilt. But when he learns of his wife’s past love with the new guy in town, Gatsby, he becomes jealous and protective. “...I’d like to know who he is and what he does,” insisted Tom, “and I think I’ll make a point of finding out...” He begins to follow Daisy around at parties to satisfy his own paranoia, blocking any possible connections between Daisy and Gatsby.

Eventually, the two, Daisy and Gatsby, do not end up together. Gatsby is paranoid for Daisy, and waits outside her house numerous nights to be sure Tom does not hurt her. Gatsby’s adoration for Daisy is admirable, but he dies ironically by Wilson’s hand when he thinks he killed Myrtle and they had been lovers. His life is in vain, likely a metaphor for the inevitability of dedicating a life to a hollow love.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925.

The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby

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Titular and Non-titular Characters of The Great Gatsby. (2009, March 05). In WriteWork.com. Retrieved 23:35, April 19, 2024, from https://www.writework.com/essay/titular-and-non-titular-characters-great-gatsby