"A Meeting in The Dark": Book Analysis

The Motif of Carelessness in The Great Gatsby

"I couldn't forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified." This line from Fitzgerald's novel highlights a key theme: carelessness. In the 1920s, it seems like being careless was almost fashionable among the upper class. In "The Great Gatsby," we follow Gatsby, a guy who climbs his way out of poverty to snag that shiny American dream—being rich. He lives smack dab in the middle of a world full of folks who were born into privilege. And you know what? He ends up mimicking their careless behavior.

Daisy's Inattentiveness

Let's talk about Daisy for a sec. Throughout "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald paints her as pretty inattentive. She's married to Tom but doesn't seem too worried about it sometimes. Remember when she plants a kiss on Gatsby right after Tom leaves the room? (Fitzgerald 122). That's downright thoughtless—not just 'cause she's cheating on Tom but 'cause she does it where he might catch them! What if Tom walked back in? She didn't think that one through.

And get this: after Gatsby dies, Daisy doesn't even bother with a message or flowers (Fitzgerald 183). That's cold. Especially since he took the fall for her in Myrtle's death because he loved her so much. But hey, maybe all she really cared about was money and keeping up appearances.

Tom Buchanan's Indifference

Tom's no better. He's got Myrtle on the side and doesn't seem to care who knows it—even Nick, Daisy’s cousin! When Nick meets Myrtle (Fitzgerald 28), you can't help but wonder what Tom's thinking. How can he be so reckless? Everyone knows about Myrtle, making Daisy look foolish.

And he lets Myrtle call him at home! (Imagine Daisy picking up accidentally.) Or worse—he takes Myrtle out to public places (Fitzgerald 28). It's like he's flaunting his affair. If Tom cared even a little for Daisy’s feelings, he'd keep things under wraps.

Selfishness and Its Impact

Gatsby himself isn't free from blame; his obsession with Daisy blinds him to everything else. He spends years trying to impress her with wealth and status, forgetting what's truly important (Fitzgerald 137). He wants so badly to relive their past that he overlooks the fact that Daisy's moved on—she has a husband and kid now!

And don’t forget how Gatsby spins tales about his wealth, omitting how Dan Cody helped him rise from poverty (Fitzgerald 71). That’s pretty selfish; Cody deserves some credit too!

The Bigger Picture

This theme of carelessness shows us how clueless some upper-class folks were back then about the impact of their actions. Characters in "The Great Gatsby" are often selfish and insensitive—blinded by love or status or whatever else mattered most to them.

You know what's crazy? Even though this book is set in the '20s, its lessons still hit home today! Sure, we talk more about upper-class carelessness here—like celebs who squander their wealth—but it's relevant across society.

References

• Fitzgerald, F.S., & Bruccoli, M.J. (1992). The Great Gatsby: A Facsimile of the Manuscript.
• Tanner, T. (2000). The Great Gatsby: Criticism, History and Culture.
• Berman, R.A. (1994). The Great Gatsby and Modern Times.
• Lathbury, R.T., & Brownell M.M., eds. (2014). Approaches to Teaching Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
• Mizener, A. (1965). Some Sort of Epic Grandeur: The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• Eble K.E., & Bruccoli M.J., eds.,(1970). Twenty-Four Stories by F.Scott Fitzgerald: A New Collection.