A Study of Tragedy Through the Great Gatsby

Leander Ovid

Mr. Joanes

ENG 4UN

19 July, 2016

Intrigued By Human Suffering:

A Study of Tragedy Through The Great Gatsby

What is puzzling about the genre of tragedy is its ability to attract audiences through human suffering. Till this date, countless people ponder upon the question of whether being attracted to tragic texts should be considered taboo. Tragedy is universally described as a genre that deals with a heroic figure that either causes or encounters disastrous events. Despite going through several alterations throughout its existence, sustaining itself for 25 centuries reveals how appealing it is to audiences (Richard B. Sewall). The tragic work of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby demonstrates the logic behind the luring capability of tragedy and promotes it to be an appealing read because readers become more engaged in not only the novel itself, but also the lives of the characters by experiencing catharsis, developing a greater appreciation for what is missing, and being engrossed by the tragic figures.  

Encountering catharsis throughout the novel enables audiences to release tension, by which they are able to experience a sense of purification. Emotions of anticipation quickly adjust themselves towards those of heart-breaking compassion as one of Gatsby’s only aspirations is crushed by Daisy. On the warmest summer day, everyone gathers up at a hotel plaza for a luncheon get-together. As Daisy, being aware of her husband's presence, gets more comfortable with Gatsby, Tom interrupts them by finally unveiling his suspicion and hate towards Gatsby. As soon as Gatsby rebuttals by stating that "Daisy never loved [Tom]," he gives Daisy the chance of answering for herself to which she responds in a shameful murmur that she "loved him too" (Fitzgerald 141-142). The reader fills with feelings of anticipation as they worry for the upcoming events that may or may not affect Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship. As a result of being introduced to the aggressive character of Tom, the reader also anticipates a physical fight between the two men and fears for the life of Gatsby. The tension builds up in the reader as the dispute between the two men begins but it quickly subsides and transforms into feelings of compassion towards Gatsby. This is because after first meeting Daisy, Gatsby reveals to Nick that one of his goals is for Daisy to tell her husband that she never had any feelings towards him. Claiming to have loved them both, Daisy shatters Gatsby’s only expectation of her and baffles him. Stunned by this situation, the reader feels the pain that Gatsby goes through and, soon after, feels rejuvenated as a result of releasing all of the emotions trapped within them. Furthermore, additional feelings of sympathy are released during the end of the novel. Following the incidents that took place in the hotel plaza, Gatsby decides to let Daisy drive “when [they] left New York [because] she was very nervous and she thought it would steady her to drive.” As they were driving, Myrtle Wilson, thinking the car holds Tom, runs out onto the road, where Daisy runs her over (154). Seeking revenge on the murderer, George Wilson is set upon discovering who is behind the death of his wife. Everyone, excluding Nick, believes that Gatsby drove the car as it belonged to him. As a result, George discovers that Gatsby ran over Myrtle. Subsequently, George shoots Gatsby, and then himself, with a feeling of satisfaction. Since the reader knows that Gatsby is innocent, feelings of sympathy are expressed as a result of the undeserving toll that takes place, without a reason, over Gatsby. In addition to this dramatic irony, Fitzgerald represents Gatsby in a way so that the reader develops feelings for him as the novel progresses. Correspondingly, the reader gains emotions throughout the whole novel and releases them altogether, ultimately resulting in a sense of purification and relaxation. Therefore, tension-filled events throughout the novel allow readers to express their emotions and enhance their experience of the text.