Essay - What are some of the assumptions held by different characters in The Great Gatsby, and to what degree do these change in the course of the novel?
There are various assumptions held by different characters in the novel The Great Gatsby. The definition of change is to alter, to adapt to transform or to become different. The catalyst in the novel is Gatsby’s outward change of personality, peoples views of Gatsby. Various types of changes explored in the text include environmental changes, social changes, physical changes, intellectual changes, relationship changes and attitudinal changes. The Great Gatsby is written from Nick’s perspective. It uses emotive and sophisticated language, which enhances the style. Issues raised in the novel to be discussed are Gatsby’s assumptions about the need of material wealth in society in order to be happy; Daisy’s assumptions of Tom having an affair with another woman; and Tom’s and the people who attended Gatsby’s parties, assumptions of Gatsby, as to his wealth.
Jay Gatsby assumes that in order to have happiness in life, which is to be with the woman he loves, he needs to have professional accomplishments and material wealth. Gatsby’s lifestyle and pursuits reveal these assumptions about wealth in his society. “Rich girls don’t marry poor boys,” says Daisy. Everything Gatsby has done in his life is to prove that he is worthy of Daisy. His participation in a bootlegging operation allows him to acquire the wealth and social status needed to attract her. Gatsby doesn’t care for the materialism that all his followers embrace. This can be seen through his bedroom, the only room he really uses, which is empty compared to the rest of the house. The place where he actually spends most of his time has little resemblance to the rest of the house, where the guests spend most of their time. Gatsby flaunts all these material possessions only as a means of winning over Daisy, his true love. When Gatsby meets Daisy for the first time since he left for the war, Nick says, “he hadn’t once ceased looking at Daisy”, which reflects his love for her and the assumption that she also still loves him. Gatsby invites her and Tom to his house to attend one of his fabulous parties so Daisy is able to see for herself, the name he has made for himself and the amount of wealth he has achieved. Gatsby’s love for Daisy is so immense that he “read a Chicago paper for years just on the chance of catching a glimpse of Daisy’s name.” The poem, Aboriginal Charter of Rights, by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, is about the aborigines’ assertion of their rights in defiance of white control. It gives an insight into the Australian society, through the eyes of an Aboriginal in the times after white settlement. The poem discusses that certain aspects of an average Aborigine’s life has changed from what it was then to what it is now. An example of this is in the lines, “Free us from a mean subjection, From a bureaucrat Protection”, “Give us choice, not cold coercion,” Aboriginal Charter of Rights also discusses that Aborigines are now free and are permitted to make their own choices and decisions. This presents a close link to The Great Gatsby as the novel gives an insight into American society in the 1920’s and the impact it had on people. Jay Gatsby was permitted to make his own choices and decisions, but due to being blinded by his love for Daisy he realised that he had to be successful and wealthy in order to get her, and that was his choice. Gatsby’s assumptions change to a degree, as even though he had everything Daisy would want, wealth, success, and a name that was well known, he still couldn’t persuade Daisy to stay with him.
