The Power Of Lust In The Great Gatsby
The Power of Lust No literary character’s actions are more greatly controlled by lust than those of Jay Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, exemplifies the power of lust with the relationship between Gatsby and the object of his affection, Daisy Buchanan. As a confidant of both Jay and Daisy, Nick is the first character to understand the full magnitude of Gatsby’s infatuation and the extent to which it will disappoint him. Having been apart from Daisy for several years, Gatsby asks Nick to invite Daisy over to his house in order to reunite the separated lovers. The pair, along with Nick, have tea while attempting to fill the void that has resulted from years without any form of communication between each other. After facilitating
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Gatsby begins to reevaluate all of his belongings on the basis of how they could further his relationship with Daisy. When she comes over to his house, Gatsby “revalue[s] everything in his house according to the measure of response it [draws] from her well-loved eyes” (91). Objects that he had previously neglected suddenly had value and others became worthless simply because of Daisy’s response. Further, he spends excessive amounts of time pining after Daisy, instead of focusing on his own well-being. Prior to their reunion, Gatsby “read[s] a Chicago paper for years just on the chance of catching a glimpse of Daisy’s name” (79). Even though Daisy is married and has her own family, the vitality of Gatsby’s vision makes it impossible for him to accept the inevitability of their separation. When they are apart, he obsesses over her, looking for any sign that she may still love him. His so-called love blinds him, preventing him from realizing that their relationship is failing simply because it is based on false hopes and unrealistic expectations. Nick puts it best when he laments, “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired” (79). Gatsby is pursuing Daisy endlessly, even though she will never belong to him. He believes that Daisy will be the one thing that finally makes his life complete, an
Gatsby begins to reevaluate all of his belongings on the basis of how they could further his relationship with Daisy. When she comes over to his house, Gatsby “revalue[s] everything in his house according to the measure of response it [draws] from her well-loved eyes” (91). Objects that he had previously neglected suddenly had value and others became worthless simply because of Daisy’s response. Further, he spends excessive amounts of time pining after Daisy, instead of focusing on his own well-being. Prior to their reunion, Gatsby “read[s] a Chicago paper for years just on the chance of catching a glimpse of Daisy’s name” (79). Even though Daisy is married and has her own family, the vitality of Gatsby’s vision makes it impossible for him to accept the inevitability of their separation. When they are apart, he obsesses over her, looking for any sign that she may still love him. His so-called love blinds him, preventing him from realizing that their relationship is failing simply because it is based on false hopes and unrealistic expectations. Nick puts it best when he laments, “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired” (79). Gatsby is pursuing Daisy endlessly, even though she will never belong to him. He believes that Daisy will be the one thing that finally makes his life complete, an