Literary Analysis of the Great Gatsby Essay

F. Scott Fitzgerald demonstrates the thematic concern of carelessness in his fictional novel, The Great Gatsby, by using characters such as Jordan, Myrtle, and Daisy. Carelessness is exemplified many times throughout the book; such as on page 26. The narrator says, â€Å"She nodded and moved away from him just as George returned.† This statement describes Myrtle caressing her secret lover, Tom, just before her husband re-enters the room. She is careless as to hide her affection. Another example can be found on page 58, in a conversation between Nick and Jordan in the car. Nick: â€Å"Suppose you met somebody just as careless as yourself.† Jordan: â€Å"I hope I never will.† In this scene, Jordan is driving recklessly, as usual. Nick is confronting her about being careless for the first time. This is not the last time the author shows the thematic concern though: â€Å"Daisy sat back upon the couch. The nurse took a step forward and held out her hand.† During this part of the novel (page 23), Daisy pays no attention to her child. She leaves the nurse to take care of and raise her daughter; hence the term ‘careless’. As proven by the excerpts above, Fitzgerald clearly is attempting to put a subtle emphasis on this trait of life. By creating a chaotic atmosphere in the book, carelessness is obvioiusly going to play a big part in the plot to reach the climax. With quotes like the examples given, Fitzergerald accomplishes his goal of displaying carelessness throughout The Great Gatsby.