Similarities Between Cat On A Hot Tin Roof And The Great Gatsby

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Tennessee Williams play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Scott Fitzgerald novel The Great Gatsby are both excellent examples that demonstrate an accurate description of success or “The American dream”. The image of success in Cat on the Hot Tin Roof is based on money and family more specifically children. While in The Great Gatsby the image of success is defended by money, and opportunity (The American dream). During the course of the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof the main cast is trying to get hold of Big Daddy’s money. We learn early on that Big Daddy is dying and has not left the plantation to anyone specific, which is why the whole family is there for his birthday (to insure they get the plantation). One reason the main characters are trying to …show more content…

Much like in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, society treats views and treats people with money differently than those without it. For example, Tom and Daisy get away with the death of Tom’s mistress because of their wealth “His family was enormously wealthy – even in collage his freedom with money was a matter for reproach” (Fitzgerald,23). Further the reason that Daisy had not married Gatsby all those years ago was because he was poor, it was not until he had an enormous house and lots of money “She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me” (Fitzgerald ,367). It was not until Gatsby became wealthy did Daisy want to marry him “After she was free, they were to go back to Louisville and be married from her house” (Fitzgerald, 311). Moreover, Gatsby’s own personal success was based on how Daisy perceived his house “He hadn’t once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well loved eyes.” (Fitzgerald, 260). Critic Karielle Stephanie Gam agrees with this view of success “His wealth is never cloaked; from the mansion, to the weekly parties, to the countless dress shirts and expensive cars, it is evident that Gatsby is rich as sin and is initially, though his inclusion in the nouveau riche, the epitome of the American dream.” (Karielle Stephanie

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