Unrequited Love

Unrequited- (adj.) Not returned or reciprocated. Commonly used in relation to feelings, especially love. Unrequited love is a common motif throughout The Great Gatsby, most notably in Daisy, Tom and Gatsby, and Myrtle and George.

The love Triangle between Daisy, Tom and Gatsby is the most prominent source of unrequited love in the novel. While Tom loves Daisy, Daisy only loves Gatsby. Gatsby expects Daisy to tell him that she has only ever loved him, because he has only ever loved her. But that's not true. During their five year hiatus, Gatsby's love was unreturned as Daisy loved Tom.

Finally, the love that George has for Myrtle is as unreturned as any other in the novel. George loves Myrtle with all of his heart, but Myrtle is too materialistic to love George's poor lifestyle. Therefore, she found a way out in Tom. Myrtle loves Tom, but this love is also unrequited. Tom only uses her as an outlet for what he can't get from Daisy.
Source: The Great Gatsby.

Selfish People

In the novel, The Great Gatsby, two main character show your selfish nature. These two people are Mr. Jay Gatsby and Mr. Tom Buchanan.

Jay Gatsby shows his selfishness by trying to force Daisy, Tom's wife, to leave Tom and be with Jay. Even though Daisy and Tom don't have the best marriage, they are still a married couple and Jay is trying to intrude into their lives and have Daisy all to himself.

Tom Buchanan shows his selfish nature by having an affair with Mr. Wilson's wife, Myrtle. He's cheating on his wife and in a marriage. He leaves Daisy and satisfy his own selfish needs, when he has a loving wife at home. But he insists on having sex with another person.

The Great Gatsby Film Versions

The Great Gatsby has been twice made into a movie, once in 1974, once in 2000. While I prefer the 1974 version because of its higher accuracy to the novel, both the 2000 version and the 1974 version capture the essence of the novel. However, I feel as if the 2000 version strayed away from the more linear qualities of the 1974 version, and interpreted the book in its own way.

The 1974 version of The Great Gatsby is a much better interpretation of the novel. It follows the book almost exactly, only straying from the dialouge to express ideas otherwise impossible. This version featured well known actors and actresses of the 70's, such as Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, and Sam Waterson.

The 2000 version of The Great Gatsby took a much more liberal outlook of interpreting the book. They incorporated new ideas, and changed dialouges, settings, and actions to match what they wanted. Toby Stephens, Mira Sorvina, and Paul Rudd all starred in this TV movie based on one of the greatest novels the 20th century.

Source: Personal experience watching the movies.

Source: Actors and Actresses: www.imbd.com/title/tt0210719/

www.imbd.com/title/tt0071577/

Old vs. NewMoney

In the Novel, Jay Gatsby is represented as new money. Jay had been making his profit selling alcohol illegally. He earns his money very quickly and throws big parties to show off his money and luxury's. Since Jay is receiving his money from a new source and being illegal. Jay resp resents the new way to make money and become successful

While Tom Buchanan represents old money and the traditional way to make a hard earned dollar. While Jay is making a profit from something illegal while Tom is making a profit the old way, through sweat and hard work.

However both characters are both following their dreams. Jay's dream is to become very wealthy after spending time with the wealthy Dan Cody. While Tom is leading a wealthy life with his profession. Both characters represent money but Jay is one of being illegal.

The Green Light

There are many symbols in the Great Gatsby that are used to represent the ideas and meanings of characters and settings. The most prominent one is the Green Light, which is located on the edge of Daisy's dock. This green light represents Gatsby's dreams and hopes for the future, and his longing for Daisy's love.

Gatsby has everything money can buy; nice clothes, expensive cars, and the nicest house on West Egg. But the one thing he longs for most is what lies just beyond the Green Light across the sound. This green light has occupied Gatsby's dreams for just under five years, and when he finally gets the courage to arrange a meeting, the green light becomes little more than just that: a green light.

One common ideology during the early to mid 1900's was the concept of the American Dream. The idea that anyone can obtain riches and fame, and all it required was a little effort, and an endless amount of hope. The green light also represents this idea, but into perspective with Gatsby's love for Daisy.

Jealousy

Jealously in the Great Gatsby is very prominent by Tom, and the many attendants of Gatsby's parties. For example, Tom is married to Daisy, Daisy is in love with Gatsby while in love in Tom at the same time. During one chapter, when Tom bursts out saying what is going on between Gatsby and Daisy( having an affair). Jay Gatsby tries to persuade Daisy to tell Tom the truth about who she loves. While Tom is beginning to wonder who Daisy loves. Tom was beginning to feel jealously over Jay and how she might be leaving him.

While Gatsby is throwing big parties on a weekly basis, the people attending the parties are overwhelmed by jealouly. In the beginning of the book, its tells the quiick story of a group of attendees at the party. These people began to gossip about the infamous Jay Gatsby, creating ridiculous rumors. For example saying that Gatsby killed a man etc. These people were jealous of his sucess and with anyone that becomes sucessful or does something extraordinary, people have a tendency to counter it with negative feedback.

Source: The Great Gatsby

The women of Gatsby

During the 1920s, women a were giving a new role and faced a new social change during this era. In the Great Gatsby women are defined defiant and foolish. Since the new age was underway, women began to drink and portray themselves as wildly as men do at parties. Daisy, was one of the women often oppressed by tradition is one who frees herself from Tim. But then liberates herself with she has an affair with Gatsby. However, Women are also very foolish in the book. Often being used frequently by men in the novel. For example, Myrtle is being used by Tom constantly. Myrtle is having an affair with Tom, while Tom on the other hand has no intentions of leading a serious relationship. He goes to her when he wants to, and Myrtle was always there waiting for him. Tom treated her with no respect and yet Myrtle stays at his side. Women during the novel gossip constantly. Jordan, is almost always between Tom and Myrtle's marriage. She gossips to Nick about the ordeal frequently.

source: The Great Gatsby, chapters 1-7