(http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gatsby/characters.html)
II. BODY
A. Analysis of the ‘Jazz age’
Before starting my essay, I am going to talk about the time period that the story passed. Novel represents the 1920s; this date is referred to as ‘Jazz age’ because of the popularity of black music in that time. The music was everywhere and people were always dancing. In that time, people wanted to get rid of their depression about wars. Newyork was attractive centre of social life because night life was active. Since alcohol was illegal, it became attractive for young so, gradually, society was corrupted. People were just thinking of enjoying life and making money in that time.
B. Critic of the character ‘Tom buchanan’
In the novel, Tom Buchanan is one of the essential characters who members of “… a rather distinguished secret society…”( Fitzgerald, 14) He comes from upper class and good educated but he lacks personal wealthy he sees himself superior then others. He sacrifices morals and honesty to gain good reputation. Because of his family and what he learns from them make him a forceful man. He spends his time enjoying himself and reading book. The book he reads is quite symbolic and they are generally about racism and sexism. For instance, he says “I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read The rise of the colored Empires by this man Goddard?” (Fitzgerald 10). This shows he supports the claim that the white race is superior to everything. He obsessed with an in escapable failure of society.
Besides his immoral acts, he always discourses about morality. For example, he condemns the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy however he has been cheating on Daisy which shows his insensitiveness and arrogance. He uses his wife’s infidelity to cover his own little “hanky-pankies”
Tom Buchanan portrays the 1920s as an era of decayed social and moral values, evidenced in its overarching cynicism, greed, and empty pursuit of pleasure.
C. Critic of the character ‘Daisy buchanan’
Second important character is Daisy Buchanan. For her, money is the most important thing in life even than love. She always busy with social activities and interaction, which deals with money. Gatsby also mentions that, “her voice is full of money”. (Fitzgerald 119). In the past their love was impossible because Gatsby was a poor man coming from bad family. “He was at present a penniless young man without past” (Fitzgerald 121) However she wants to come back after Gatsby gains money and good social states. Her actions to him are quite hypocritical. She also represents the failure of the American Dream since Daisy does not realize that all men are equal whether they are wealthy or not. Because of that, she doesn’t love man for love.
(http://www.directessays.com/viewpaper/42959.html)
D. Critic of the character ‘Jordan Baker’
Jordan Baker is the other major character that was portrayed as being dishonest, having the arrogant attitude of many of the people of her time, but also she also has the characteristics of modern women. I think Fitzgerald gives her crucial role in his novel because of her bad character. She is also comes from a wealthy family and like Daisy, she is so arrogant and spoilt. She is part of the American dream. Also she was a primary example of modern women. She was self-sufficient and very independent. She is in the novel in order to show further Fitzgerald's theme of the decline of morality leading to the corruption of the American Dream.
(http://www.enotes.com/great-gatsby/q-and-a/what-purpose-jordan-baker-24141)
III. Concluding Paragraph:
In conclusion, these all represent the reality of the “Jazz age”. Daisy and Jordan are both self-centered, cynical young woman, Tom tries to support what he learns are the values of the older generation. I think they are the most dislikeable characters because they are always lying in order to cover up their shortcomings.
