One of the most renowned and famous novels depicting life during the Roaring 20s era of America History, is that of The Great Gatsby. Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author portrays key themes and components of the 1920s which paved the way for a restructure in American society. Choosing to write about a time of economic prosperity and societal happiness, Fitzgerald indicates clearly his beliefs that this time of growth in US history only resulted in a degradation of American culture. As the financial boom brought in significant amounts of wealth for individuals at the time, this monetary sustainment led to materialistic values and over-emphasis on attaining success at any given cost. In doing so, many individuals undertook the work of
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Perhaps the two outcomes of positive and negative reactions when faced with obstacles and hardships can be seen through the two primary characters, Gatsby and Nick. When faced with difficulties in life, it was made evident through actions that Gatsby often reacted negatively, while Nick was seen as taking the more optimistic and beneficial route. In analyzing the essay “The Perils of Obedience” by Stanley Milgram, it is made evident that the extent of submission that human beings will endure in the face of authority is significant. Milgram proclaims that “the essence of obedience is that a person comes to view himself as the instrument for carrying out another person’s wishes,” (The Perils of Obedience) and that is precisely the way in which Jay Gatsby acted in the face of authority, and adversity. His obedience at the onset caused him to develop the initial detrimental habits which formed, thus prompting him to become the fabricated symbol of wealth and affluence, yet holding inherent the deterioration of ethics and moral values. As a result, Gatsby was not only reacting in an unfavorable manner in regards to the authority ahead of him, but did so as a means of escaping the adversity he was plagued within. Given that the end of the war brought him to the realization that he no longer had Daisy by his side, Gatsby formed negative habits in the face of adversity, ultimately causing him to turn into the bootlegging and corruptive individual, despite holding good-hearted intentions in the beginning. Yet, Nick serves as a constant reminder to Gatsby that it is never too late, and something can be done to change the position in which he is in. Although Gatsby is constantly pitying himself and regretting the things he has done, Nick profoundly states “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t
Perhaps the two outcomes of positive and negative reactions when faced with obstacles and hardships can be seen through the two primary characters, Gatsby and Nick. When faced with difficulties in life, it was made evident through actions that Gatsby often reacted negatively, while Nick was seen as taking the more optimistic and beneficial route. In analyzing the essay “The Perils of Obedience” by Stanley Milgram, it is made evident that the extent of submission that human beings will endure in the face of authority is significant. Milgram proclaims that “the essence of obedience is that a person comes to view himself as the instrument for carrying out another person’s wishes,” (The Perils of Obedience) and that is precisely the way in which Jay Gatsby acted in the face of authority, and adversity. His obedience at the onset caused him to develop the initial detrimental habits which formed, thus prompting him to become the fabricated symbol of wealth and affluence, yet holding inherent the deterioration of ethics and moral values. As a result, Gatsby was not only reacting in an unfavorable manner in regards to the authority ahead of him, but did so as a means of escaping the adversity he was plagued within. Given that the end of the war brought him to the realization that he no longer had Daisy by his side, Gatsby formed negative habits in the face of adversity, ultimately causing him to turn into the bootlegging and corruptive individual, despite holding good-hearted intentions in the beginning. Yet, Nick serves as a constant reminder to Gatsby that it is never too late, and something can be done to change the position in which he is in. Although Gatsby is constantly pitying himself and regretting the things he has done, Nick profoundly states “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t