Tragic Consequences of Carelessness
Tragic Consequences of CarelessnessTragic Consequences of Carelessness
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic American novel, The Great Gatsby, several of the principal characters live mindless, indulgent and irresponsible life styles where consequence is only an afterthought. Indeed, Daisy, Tom and Jordan exhibit a carelessness that exposes the true corruption of the American dream. The social class to which these characters belong allows for them to do as they please and carry on with their selfish actions. Selfishness is also a trait found in other characters within the novel, and this attribute with its resulting carelessness eventually results in tragedy. The vulgar pursuit of wealth during the 1920’s is carried through the text and displayed in various ways by every character’s thoughtless attitude. This corruptive influence of wealth and materialism even directly affects and ruins the lives of the less affluent individuals in the novel.
Throughout the book, Tom, Daisy, and Jordan seem to exhibit a position of indifference. They do not portray concern about anything of substance, aside from themselves. Because the inherited social status of these characters has desensitized them to various emotions, they seem disinterested in a world that does not revolve around them. While these three are the most obviously self-centered, the other characters in the story show their selfishness in more subtle ways.
Jordan Baker’s careless and deceitful actions throughout the book continually demonstrate the self-absorption that brings about the downfall of every principal character. “She was incurably dishonest” (63). Nick’s reaction to her inconsiderate ways displays that his care for others is extremely limited as well. “It made no difference to me. Dishonesty in a woman is a thing you never blame really…” (62). Nick, although not born into this way of life, illustrates these careless ways appropriately, but to a lesser extent. Unlike the others, however, Nick exhibits some redeeming qualities. When Gatsby dies, he is the only one who seems to care.
From the start of the novel, Nick accurately characterizes Daisy and Tom as people who, “drifted here and there unrestfully wherever people played polo and were rich together” (10). Daisy Buchanan, accustomed to wealth, adoration, and luxury, prompts Gatsby’s murder with her own careless actions. Her inattentive driving directly causes the death of her husband’s mistress Myrtle Wilson, and ultimately this reckless behavior inadvertently causes the murder of Gatsby. Because of her excessively self-indulgent behavior, Daisy proceeds to bring about the destruction of the two people she had loved, Tom and Gatsby.
Along with the other main figures in this novel, Tom shows an unyielding disregard for his wife...
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