QUESTION 4.
How appropriate do you think it is to describe ‘The Great Gatsby’ as a tragedy?
The Great Gatsby can be described as a tragedy in more than one way. Firstly, the plot follows the perfect explanation of Greek Literature -a character's down fall due to their own personal flaw. In the events of Gatsby, Myrtle and even George Wilson, all three died due to their own irrational behaviour and motives.
Myrtle's death is a result of her pursuit of a life and love that was false. This was provided to her by Tom Buchannan, and it's the very life she's running after that is ended by Daisy Buchannan (who ironically seems to be running away from the reality of Tom), as she runs over her in Gatsby's car. Gatsby takes the blame for her death however, and it is this nobility and honesty of character (according to Nick in the least), that leads him to be shot by George Wilson. This death was the repercussion of the ricochet of rumours and events; a death that George justified as revenge for his wife's death. George's death however, was of his own accord: in a moment of perhaps panic, regret or guilt. That is to say, George could not cope with the psychological circumstances of the event. It may further be argued that perhaps Gatsby could not handle the stress of realisation -apparent as he takes his final swim in his untouched swimming pool. This could be symbolism of him throwing in the towel, as he gives up on his love for Daisy.
Further tragedies of the novel can be brought out with the intricate web of unrequited love between characters. If followed closely, it is discovered that Tom Buchannan appears to be at the very centre of the web- having both Myrtle and Daisy in love with him, and Gatsby and George in love with the former and latter respectively. Tom brings out another level of sadness of real-life experience in the novel. This refers to the inequality of women in the 20's, and how violence towards females was regarded as common. Chapter 2 is a perfect example of this as he hits his mistress, Myrtle, and breaks her nose. Nobody scorns his reaction, nor is any action taken. There are other parts in the novel that suggest he may also be violent towards his own wife, such as Chapter 1 when she tries to explain a bruise on her finger.
The main tragedy of the novel however, is the ending chapter. Nick believes that every person is entitled to some form of peace of mind, yet nobody appears to Gatsby's funeral despite all his attempts. It is this distortion of belief that leads Nick to the epiphany that one's ambition, or ''American Dream'' to better themselves in any way, can never be fully gained. The upsetting behaviour of Daisy and Tom at the very end of the novel aid this epiphany for Nick, as well as the readers that society can never allow a person to be in any way "Great".
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