Similarities Between The Great Gatsby And The Book Theif

During the two novels the authors exhibit the storyline in a way that brings their audience to their feet. In the Book Thief Markus Zaursak allows the readers to experience the emotions that are felt throughout the book creating a realistic aspect. On the other hand F scottfitzgeralds the great Gatsby shows his readers more of a story. Both novels express dynamic qualities that expresses the similarities and differences in a fashionable way through tone, voice and characters just to name a few.

The Great Gatsby contrasts the Book Thief in many different ways. They both have multiple instances where the two talk about holding on to secrets, whether it is for themselves or for others. Secrets play a big role in concluding the two books; without

it there would be empty space leaving out important information. Next, the two novels both include the aspect of war. During this time war was a prominent feature that was incorporate with a variety of other pieces of writings. War is what shapes the novels in a way that shows the realistic aspect. With having these realistic pieces shows that the authors have the intention on showing the readers that there is more to it than just a storyline.

In addition, the two express similarities through the narrators. The narrators are mentioned in the stories though, they are not the main characters. Having the narrators be others than the main character is a benefit to the overall idea. This is because it has a perspective that allows the readers to form their own opinions, without the influence of one or the other. The next major key point would be the idea of symbolism. Symbolism has a strong meaning that drives the book in a way that shows the underlying meaning of the novels. This is important for the reason being, in the end it can explain the overall meaning that makes the book complete. The next one goes along with the one previously mentioned-love. Love is what keeps the books alive. With any book that was written there is always some form of love. The authors keep this particular format because it shows the emotions that humans have for one another. Death is more than just a saying in the books. Death plays a crucial role when explaining the catastrophes the occurs throughout the duration of the novels. Death is something that has to occur in order for the

rest of the novel to be written to its entirety. Character fate is one of those inanimate objects that goes hand in hand with death. A novel is not a novel without some degree of injury. Weather it starts off with it or it ends with it, the author will find a way to intertwine the idea of character fate. No matter the timing of its occurrence, the overall result is what counts. When observing the details that are set within the novels you can pin point the fact that there is devestation in the cities. This concept in the book allows its audience to see that there are many surrounding factors that need to be taken into account when defining who the characters are. Another reoccurring item is the entity of deaths forshadowing. Death comes in a variety of ways. Even though it may seem sad, in this case it shows a side of itself that leads readers to be in the shoes of death. The final similarity is the atmosphere. The atmosphere or era is a major component that defines the two novels. It is important because the reason why these books are in existent is because of the time period. If the events have never happened the books would never be written in the fashion that they were written in. With the books having multiple similarities, it makes it easy for the intended audience to read and follow along.

Moreover, besides sharing similarities these two novels have an ample amount of differences.

To start off, in The Great Gatsby, secrets lie beneath the depths of the characters. Jay Gatsby for example, is one who hides his true feelings behind the lies. His love for Daisy is inevitable and is primarily seen through the readers perspective. In The Book Thief, the idea of secrets is physically seen promptly through other characters. A major aspect in the book happens when the Nazis come in to town and the community has to go in to hiding. At this point, Max is a character who is no considered a Jew, therfore, if he is found he could potientially see the face of death. War is a fundamental drive that is known throughout the novels. The Book Thief is based upon the historical event- the holocaust lending it to be the focal point in the novel. With this being said, the whole plot line will be created around the event of World War II. As far as it goes in The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby mentions World War I as it pertains to the past. He served in the war for a few terms and when he came back that is when the story picks up. Time period is demonstrated through the events of the past. During the time of The Great Gatsby, it has taken place in the 1920’s era, in New York. The time and setting says it how it was this was time of prohibition and illegal gambling, in which Gatsby was guilty of. In the beginning, it briefly explains that he came from the Midwest but other than that the

story takes place in a community called West Egg, in New York. Munich Germany, was the focal point in The Book Thief. With the main focus being the Holocaust, the author decided to stay true to its nature and keep some of the key points. The main characters in both of the novels are to be different, thus the reasoning of the voices. Jay Gatsby is an adult narrator while Liesel is a young child. By having this age gap, the authors intended it show the difference that each would bring in terms of feelings and tones. As an adult, many will believe that by then you should already know your place in life and have it all figured out. While a young child will bring more emotion because we tend to side with the children. Symbolism is a known matter in many novels, and in these two they are shown but in their own ways. Great Gatsby has multiple stances when it comes to symbolizing the events partaken in the book. One of those is the eyes of T.J Eckleburg. This symbolizes the idea that you are being watched at all times. Anoth one is the green light. This one represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future. The last majore one is the Valley of the Ashes. This one consists of the hidden meaning of a desolate area. It shows the moral and social decay from the wrongness of wealth. Love in The Great Gatsby, is shown through the romantic end of the spectrum. This is prominently displayed through Jay Gatsby and Daisy Bucannan. His love for Daisy is more than words can describe but the only problem is that she is married to Tom, which goes back to the idea of secrets. The Book Thief, is more on the opposite end and focuses on friendship relations. The reason being, Liesel, the main character, is focused on Rudy. Rudy is a friend of hers whom she meets while in Germany. He helps her become herself in a way that allows them to be close friends. Death is something that is very upfront in The Book Thief because with the main focal point being the Holocaust, we already predict that the mortality rate will be high. The author presents it in a meaningful way, that brings tears to the audiences eyes. In The Great Gatsby, death is more of an underlying aspect. It is seen to others that it is something that is bound to happen. There is still feelings that comes along with it but it is portrayed in a different way. The fate of the characters seen throughout the books are shown in different ways. The Great Gatsby for example, is seen in the eyes of Jay. He is the main character and he is the one who dies at the end of the novel. The foreshadow part is in a subtle way but it is through the car accident that happens towards the end of the novel. In The Book Thief, the main character, Liesel lives. The reason why we know this is because death is prone to foreshadow what is to come. He foreshadows it in a way that is very clear to the audience. He basically comes out and says that she is going to live. The devestation that destroys the cities is told form the beginning. Great Gatsby is told from the former point of view. Jay left because of this particular event. The valley of the Ashes was once the place to live. Now it is a desolate area that is in poverty and trying to reach out and gin help from others. The Book Thief is in the point of view that is in the current. The bombing that happens at the end of the novel is told in the perspective as if it was happening now. The narrator explains it by section as it is happening and explains the mass confusion that the city is now facing. The final call is the fact of the Atmosphere. In The Great Gatsby, it took place during the roaring twenties. The atmosphere of the place was more upbeat comsdiering the fact that Gatsby himself was the one who always had a party booked. The time period set on this one is one that showed the good through the evil. Moreover, in The Book Thief, the setting was told during one of the most trying times in history, the Holocaust. This right here tells you that the atmospheric feelings are going to be depressing and tragic.

In return to all of the similarities, both The book Thief and The Great Gatsby express their share of differences as well.