Examples Of Distortion In The Great Gatsby

Intro:
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s acclaimed novel, The Great Gatsby, is a critique of the American upper-class, and furthermore, the overall degeneration of American society as a whole. Fitzgerald establishes Nick Carraway as the narrator, and it is through Nick’s insightful, and deeply philosophical commentary, that Fitzgerald expresses his own contempt towards upper-class society, as after witnessing the downfall of Gatsby, Nick (and thus Fitzgerald) concludes that the notion of aristocracy is established upon a “quality of distortion”, and in truth, “they [are] careless people… [who] [smash] up things and creatures and then [retreat] back into their money or their vast carelessness.” Thus, Fitzgerald establishes theme of duality, the motif of distorted images, and ultimately questions the extent to

which an individual’s self-perception affects their ability to discern reality and illusion.

It is not surprising then, that Daisy Buchanan views herself as an elevated individual - in part due to her aristocratic lineage - and attempts to portray herself as such. However, her image progressively deteriorates in the eyes of Nick, and Fitzgerald herein captures his contempt towards the aristocracy, as despite having once been “the golden girl”, Daisy is now described as the embodiment of “vast carelessness”, Furthermore, Fitzgerald extends the “quality of distortion” to all classes in contemporary American society, as both Gatsby and Myrtle attempt to reject their impoverished dispositions, and portray themselves as elevated individuals. Gatsby’s attempt is ultimately futile, as despite his ostentatious displays of wealth, none of those who formerly attended his parties, attend his funeral, and he is thus left to die alone. Myrtle’s death, similarly reflects the futility of attempting to escape reality, as in an attempt to literally escape her disposition, she throws herself in front of Gatsby’s car. Thus, Fitzgerald effectively - yet quite pessimistically - expresses that it is futile to portray one’s self in an elevated manner, and living out one’s

delusions.

Paragraph 1:
Fitzgerald’s critiques the Aristocratic notion of elevation in the characterization of Daisy Buchanan.
Initially she is portrayed as “The King’s Daughter”, “The Golden Girl”
She naturally draws men into her, and is admired for her beauty
Daisy is described as having “a voice full of money”,
Fitzgerald portrays her a symbol for aristocracy, of wealth, and power, able to draw people in to admire her for her beauty
However, according to Fitzgerald, “beauty is only skin deep”
Daisy is revealed to be heartless
She is directly responsible for the death of Myrtle, yet she keeps driving
Daisy is apathetic
Nick describes both her and Tom as “careless people”
She allows Gatsby to take the blame, and quickly rekindles her relationship with Tom, not bothering to even attend Gatsby’s funeral
Essentially, is the epitome of feminine beauty, and she portrays herself as such
She maintains a degree of innocence in her behaviour, yet it is suggested that this is merely a facade.
Daisy embodies the “quality of distortion” that is inherent - according to Nick - to the Aristocracy
The notion of aristocracy is based upon the intangible illusion of lineage that somehow keeps her and the rest of the Aristocrats elevated
They think themselves superior to others, and are perhaps perceived that way by others as well, yet in reality (according to Fitzgerald) they have no right to believe so.
The condescending views inherent to the Aristocracy, are a hinderance to American society, as they limit those who are not born into the class; in reality they are “careless people” and Fitzgerald thus asserts that as long as the aristocracy exists, the “orgastic future” is dead, so too is the American Dream.

Paragraph 2:
Gatsby himself, epitomizes the notion of elevated self-perception, as he rejects his impoverished past, attempting to portray himself as part of upper-class society.
He claims that he is “an Oxford man”
His past is convoluted, and he keeps it that way
Some believe him to be a “German spy”, or “Cousin to the Kaiser”, and it is through these elaborate stories that Gatsby’s past remains hidden for so long
His ostentatious displays of wealth, are however, merely his attempt to make a name for himself
He is a self-proclaimed “Son of God”, a larger than life figure
Gatsby maintains the persona, of an exceedingly rich, british aristocrat, and this is reflected in all manners of his life
His parties
His glamorous mansion
His expensive shirts
His diction, particularly the phrase “old sport”, which he overuses
All of this is a facade however
James Gatz was born to a family of poor farmers, and, unsatisfied with his disposition, he endow himself with great wealth and fortune
Ultimately, Gatsby’s attempt to reject his origins is futile.
Gatsby’s legacy ends with his death, and despite the numerous admiration his parties received, not a single one of his former guests attends the funeral (apart from the man dubbed “Owl-eyes” -, and thus Fitzgerald conveys the futility of attempting to escape reality, as even the “Great Gatsby”, the self-proclaimed “Son of God”, was unable to do so.