Violence Within The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

Themes of violence and cargonlessness be found through bring out the text of The Great Gatsby. A violent act is portrayed in every chapter of the novel but one often, the episodes are the products of passion, but they are also frequently due to carelessness. Myrtle Wilsons tragic final stage perfectly embodies the sort of negligence, passion, and power that hangs about calamity throughout the novel. The driver, Daisy, appears suddenly, kills Myrtle, and leaves suddenly, without taking responsibility for damage done. "The death car, as the newspapers called it, didnt stop it came out of the gathering darkness, wavered tragically for a moment and then disappeared around the contiguous bend" (Fitzgerald 144). The accident that killed Myrtle Wilson was a senseless and reckless act- the return of frayed nerves and a distracted mind. Daisy did not watch out- nor did she stop, investigate, or try to explain herself. The fact that her confession could have saved Gatsbys life is infuriating and typical of the character. This idea of carelessness seems common to women deep down the novel Jordan Baker is another classic example of violence by negligence. She is breezy, carefree, and completely irresponsible, a striking impression made crystal illume in every situation, most notably when discussing her driving. When Nick scolds that she is a stinky driver, and that she should be careful, her blithe excuse for her negligence is that, "Well, other mint are" (Fitzgerald 63). This flippant answer is an accurate glimpse into Jordans nature. Jordan Bakers reckless abandon is just one example of the careless natures that conduct to violence within the novel. This thread of irresponsibility permeates throughout the novel. Tom and Daisy themselves are, in the end, deemed to be careless and dangerous. As Nick says, "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they rigorous up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their wide c arelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made" (Fitzgerald 188).