Similarities Between Frankenstein And The Great Gatsby

In both Frankenstein and The Great Gatsby, the protagonists fall into a life of despair and pain because of their unwavering obsession with their respective subjects. Jay Gatsby is infatuated with a rich married girl named Daisy, whom he only knew for a short time before he went to fight in the war. Upon his return, Gatsby does everything in his power to draw Daisy back in and achieve his ultimate goal of having her as his own despite the many obstacles in his way. His persistence does not come without a price, however. Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with becoming a legend and hero in the scientific world. He believes that he is a greater being than the rest of humankind and that he has immense power. Because of his deep desire to meet his full potential, he pushes the boundaries of his own morals and integrity. The consequences of his irresponsibility are bloody and heartbreaking. While Frankenstein’s infatuation stems from his narcissism and Gatsby’s from his idealism, both character’s egotism and superficiality contribute greatly to their uncontrollable, downward spiral into an obsession; their respective

Gatsby is obsessed with attaining the idea of a girl. His infatuation with Daisy causes him to accept her consequences as his own. As a result, he is wrongfully blamed for the death of a woman and assassinated by an ailing widower. Victor Frankenstein is less admirably obsessed with himself. His ego makes him believe that he can defy the laws of the universe. Because of his egotism, he is given extremely severe consequences by fate. Both Gatsby and Frankenstein suffer greatly because of their obsessions. The two stories teach that an obsession is unhealthy under the wrong conditions. They also illustrate that one needs some perspective when looking at a situation. Without perspective, one can go down a dark and daunting path without even knowing