F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby, weaves relatable events and characters into his novel in order to increase its complexity. In what essentially becomes the climax of the novel, Tom Buchanan appears to instantly suffer the loss of his mistress as well as the divorce of his wife. A text connection can be established with the parable of the rich fool from the Bible because in the parable, the affluent man is apathetically selfish and never content, until one day, the Lord takes everything away from him. Like the rich fool, Tom does not appreciate the love of his wife enough to sacrifice the termination of he and his mistress’ relationship. It is not until his mistress dies and his wife almost leaves him that Tom sees the importance of loyalty, love, and appreciation. Once again, a biblical text connection can be made to the moment during the “prolonged and tumultuous argument” between Gatsby and Tom. Nick remembers how his underwear “kept climbing like a damp snake around my legs,” (126) making an allusion to the malicious serpent in the Bible in Genesis; the snake presents itself during a heated argument as if to continue spreading the evil spirit to all that are near. Ingeniously, Fitzgerald applies his vast knowledge to his writing in a convoluted manner that makes his work interesting and intriguing.
I can see the similarities between Tom's story and the Parable of the Rich Fool, but I disagree that Tom gained a new respect or appreciation for Daisy. In Tom's eyes he never lost Daisy; even in the deciding confrontation with Daisy and Gatsby, he had complete faith that she would choose him over Gatsby. After Myrtle's death he makes up with Daisy, but it is not due to a sudden clarity in thought, where he could see the error in his ways; instead, it was out of desperation and fear of being alone. The character that Fitzgerald developed for Tom throughout the novel was incredibly stubborn, and as sad as it is may seem, his views towards women will never change.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with Alec on his opinion of Tom, however I feel that the author's purpose in portraying Tom in such a matter benefit's his message of man's foibles and pathetic nature. This is a theme highlighted in both Biblical texts such as the Parable of the Rich Fool, as mentioned above, but I feel that this author may have created a modern version of this ancient story in The Great Gatsby. I do not feel that Fitzgerald is making a specific Biblical reference in his description of the snake wrapping around Nick's leg, however, man's fear of serpents has been a constant theme present in many different societies, including those of the Ancient Jews.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Wickes
I agree with Alec in this case. Once Myrtle is killed, Tom does realize that one of his loves has passed on but does not build an appreciation for his wife Daisy. I believe that Tom feels that he is just left with Daisy as his other option. Daisy agrees to make up with Tom because she always believed that he loved her despite his rude actions. I also agree with Alec in that Tom feels that he would be lonely if he did not win back the love and trust of Daisy. With his aggressive and stubborn attitude, Tom is always determined to get what he wants.
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