GREAT GATSBY
Aristotle's definition of tragedy says that the story in question should evoke both pity and fear in the reader. The tragic character must be one who is highly renowned and prosperous. This character must also have a fall from glory. He doesn't have to die, but must have a fall from glory caused by his own fatal flaw. Two stories, which fit this definition, are The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, and The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In The Awakening, Edna Pontellier dies because of her tragic flaw. Her tragic flaw is wanting to be free, and she does everything possible to achieve this. Mrs. Pontellier and her family are very well regarded. Mr. Pontellier supports her and the family very well, and everyone believes him to be the perfect husband. But Edna isn't happy. She doesn't want to have to conform to being the perfect mother, perfect wife, and a perfect lady. She wants to be her own woman. This is what brings about her downfall. Her life had become very repetitious and boring. "...As we walk, move, sit, stand, go through the daily treadmill of the life which has been portioned out to us" The treadmill is symbolic of a dream, and her life. She doesnt have to think to go through her life, it's too repetiti
When Daisy reveals to everyone that she did truly love Tom, we feel pity for Gatsby. He has a pool, which he pays to keep maintained, yet he never uses it. When Myrtle Wilson is killed, and we find out it was Gatsby's car that hit her, we immediately believe it was Gatsby driving. She doesn't have to listen to, or take care of anyone. We are all hoping that he can win over Daisy. "Edna had once told Madame Ratignolle that she would never sacrifice herself for her children, or for anyone. I made an attempt to find my host but the two or three people of whom I asked his whereabouts stared at me in such an amazed way and denied so vehemently any knowledge of his movements. There are many stories in modern literature that seem "tragic", but they are not truly tragedies. There is also a great deal of fear felt for Gatsby. "I did love him once-but I loved you too".
Common topics in this essay:
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Myrtle Wilson,
,
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Madame Ratignolle,
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living life,
Awakening Gatsby,
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aristotle's definition,
tragic flaw,
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pity fear,
fall glory,
wasted life,
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