Self-control in The Great Gatsby: a Critical Examination

Introduction

You ever read F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"? It's one of those books that really digs into human feelings, what society expects from us, and the whole American Dream thing. Set in the wild 1920s, it follows people wrapped up in their wants, dreams, and secrets. Out of all its themes, self-control—or not having any—plays a big part in how things turn out for the characters. So what’s self-control anyway? It’s basically being able to keep your cool and think straight when temptations come knocking. This essay dives into how self-control (or the lack of it) plays out with characters like Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan. We’ll see how their choices show off their ability—or inability—to keep themselves in check and what this says about life in the 1920s.

'Self-control in The Great Gatsby: a Critical Examination'

Self-Control and Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby is kind of a mystery guy who shows both ambition and some serious self-control. His whole life is about sticking to his plan to make it big and live out his version of the American Dream. From being just James Gatz to becoming the rich, mysterious Gatsby, he's all about discipline and sticking to his goals. But here's the catch—he's obsessed with Daisy Buchanan. All those fancy parties he throws and his luxurious lifestyle? They're all just ways to win her back. So you see this split between his controlled outside appearance and what's going on inside him. He can't let go of this dream with Daisy, which ends up being his undoing. Maybe chasing after something unrealistic isn’t always so smart? It shows how if ambition overtakes common sense or reality, things can go south real fast.

Daisy Buchanan and the Illusion of Self-Control

Daisy Buchanan is quite a character when it comes to showing off self-control mixed with what society expects from her. On the outside, she looks calm and put together like women were supposed to be back then if they were in her social class. But when she’s around Gatsby, you see cracks in her self-control facade. Starting things up again with him shows she's not as composed as she seems sometimes! However, choosing to stick it out with Tom Buchanan despite everything suggests she's battling inside too—dealing with pressures telling her how to live her life as a woman back then wasn’t easy! Her way of controlling herself seems more like survival tactics within a male-dominated world where freedom was limited for women.

Tom Buchanan: The Antithesis of Self-Control

If there’s anyone opposite Gatsby or even Daisy regarding self-control—it’s Tom Buchanan! He represents what happens without any control over oneself—and oh boy does it get messy! His impulsiveness leads him into affairs like the one with Myrtle Wilson plus confrontations full-on aggression—not thinking before acting at all! Lack of restraint messes up relationships badly & sets off cycles full violence deceit…not good news for anyone involved really…but also reflects broader issues during 1920s where morals kinda decayed amidst fun-seeking lifestyles found among people then; showing dangers unchecked desires bring socially morally alike via Tom himself serving prime example herein!

Conclusion

The theme surrounding control over oneself seen clearly woven throughout narrative—that much becomes apparent upon looking closer at characters struggling alongside ethos roaring twenties indeed—Jay showcasing disciplined pursuit beyond reach dream whilst Daisy holds tenuous grip societal norms contrasts starkly against Tom's reckless abandon flaunting caution wind entirely really!. Combined portrayals offer insightful commentary concerning complex balancing act called life where striving ambitious goals meets need restraint lest disaster ensues ultimately weaving timeless tapestry depicting vivid illustration complexities inherent within human psyche navigated amidst changing times!

References

• Fitzgerald, F.S., "The Great Gatsby". Scribner.
• SparkNotes Editors. (n.d.). "SparkNote on The Great Gatsby". SparkNotes.com.
• Latham, A.J.H., "The American Dream: Reflections on an Historical Myth". History Today.
• Tate, M.E., "Gatsby's Pursuit: Reality or Illusion?". Journal of American Studies.
• Berman, R.A., "The Roaring Twenties Revisited". Modern Language Quarterly.