Hidden behind both great literary works The Great Gatsby and The Glass Menagerie are societal criticisms. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Tennessee Williams reveal the truths of American culture of the time between the two world wars. The two stories comment on and seem to encourage the pursuit of happiness, but they acknowledge the repercussions of the pursuit and question the true definition of happiness. The Great Gatsby focuses on having to have put effort in the pursuit and that the happiness can only be accomplished if it is honest. Fitzgerald does this by comparing Tom Buchanan’s pursuit and Jay Gatsby’s pursuit. The upper class, as represented by Tom Buchanan, is corrupting the pursuit of happiness by equating wealth to happiness. In the
…show more content…
For example, Tom, who finds happiness in adventure, also feels an obligation to provide for his family. Tom’s happiness can conflict with his own and with other’s, like his mother’s. His mother most likely would not be happy with her son moving away and end up living in worse conditions. People’s pursuit of individual happiness has repercussions. Williams also seems to suggest that the “larger” the happiness the larger the repercussions. Then under what circumstances is it not okay to pursue happiness and does achieving your own happiness overpass other’s need? Williams’ work is more in depth about this topic, but Fitzgerald used a similar conflict in his novel to represent this. Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson’s desires clashed. Fitzgerald and Williams argue that sometimes happiness is not permanent. Money could not satisfy Gatsby and Tom Wingfield regrets leaving his family. This is true for today’s culture as well. Harsh reality will overcome happiness. Williams encourages the pursuit of happiness through each character’s individual escapes from the reality they live in and sometimes refuse to accept. Fitzgerald seems to
Bajo …show more content…
He forces himself to become rich to be able to marry Daisy and uselessly wants to relive the past. Gatsby is trying to pursue his happiness, Daisy, but is oblivious to her wants. Gatsby believes he is doing the right thing but he does not face the truth that Daisy loves both him and Tom. Fitzgerald demonstrates that truth is blurred with moral blindness. Moral blindness impairs mental judgment much like how actual blindness would impair sight. One major trait in Amanda is that she lives in the past, much like Gatsby. She often notes how “[she] remember[s] one Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain…[she] received-seventeen! -gentlemen callers!”(33). This maybe a form of escape from reality. She is disappointed with her life, especially her husband. Furthermore, she is blind to the real desires of her children, and the reality of her situation. Amanda’s turning point and
Bajo
For example, Tom, who finds happiness in adventure, also feels an obligation to provide for his family. Tom’s happiness can conflict with his own and with other’s, like his mother’s. His mother most likely would not be happy with her son moving away and end up living in worse conditions. People’s pursuit of individual happiness has repercussions. Williams also seems to suggest that the “larger” the happiness the larger the repercussions. Then under what circumstances is it not okay to pursue happiness and does achieving your own happiness overpass other’s need? Williams’ work is more in depth about this topic, but Fitzgerald used a similar conflict in his novel to represent this. Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson’s desires clashed. Fitzgerald and Williams argue that sometimes happiness is not permanent. Money could not satisfy Gatsby and Tom Wingfield regrets leaving his family. This is true for today’s culture as well. Harsh reality will overcome happiness. Williams encourages the pursuit of happiness through each character’s individual escapes from the reality they live in and sometimes refuse to accept. Fitzgerald seems to
Bajo …show more content…
He forces himself to become rich to be able to marry Daisy and uselessly wants to relive the past. Gatsby is trying to pursue his happiness, Daisy, but is oblivious to her wants. Gatsby believes he is doing the right thing but he does not face the truth that Daisy loves both him and Tom. Fitzgerald demonstrates that truth is blurred with moral blindness. Moral blindness impairs mental judgment much like how actual blindness would impair sight. One major trait in Amanda is that she lives in the past, much like Gatsby. She often notes how “[she] remember[s] one Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain…[she] received-seventeen! -gentlemen callers!”(33). This maybe a form of escape from reality. She is disappointed with her life, especially her husband. Furthermore, she is blind to the real desires of her children, and the reality of her situation. Amanda’s turning point and
Bajo