Twisted Love In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

William Faulkner describes Homer, “as a man who likes men, going out drinking, and not being the marrying type” (685). But Emily was convinced or rather felt she would take control of their relationship, and he would eventually become her husband. She even purchase attire for him for their joyous occasion, so of course everyone was very happy that she would finally have someone to love besides her departed father. Emily’s father unnaturally kept her to himself, so Emily seemed to have the same plans for Homer as well. Once Emily realized Homer had no intentions on settling down with her she put her plan in motion.

This is opposite of social norms in the nineteenth century because a woman having sexual desires was not natural, and she must be coerced into sexual acts by a man. Chopin writes a story where Calixta’s sexual desire builds without her really noticing it because a women having sexual desires is natural. Calixta is described as “greatly occupied and [does] not notice the approaching storm” (154). Calixta puts her needs and wants to the side to take care of her husband and son, but now she needs to do something for herself. In the late-nineteenth-century, women were thought to be happy with whatever their man could give them, Calixta wants more.

Throughout the story Tom still feels some sort of commitment to his wife, even though he’s screwing around with Myrtle behind Daisy’s back. I think Tom is confused. He chooses to be with Myrtle over Daisy, but feels the need to protect Daisy when she’s threatened, it actually seems that he cares for both women, but can’t commit to either.

The only reason he does all this is because he is hoping daisy will come one night. In the end of the novel Gatsby wants Daisy to tell Tom that she never loved him. Daisy can't do that though. She tells him “I did love him once—but I loved you too.” (p. 134) This is a partial death of his dream. After the car wreck Gatsby went back to his mansion without Daisy.

The play “Trifles” written by Susan Glaspell majorly mirrors the relationship between husbands and wives, and their attitudes towards resolving daily hassles. The men were looking for the “effects” while the women were concerned with “causes”. Mr. and Mrs. Hale were the closest friend of the family of Mr. Wright John and aware of the strain in their marriage. Mr. Hale’s superficial effort to salvage the situation caused more harm than the deep emotional insight of Mrs. Hale who tried to save her friend. Mr. Hale’s testimony showed how close he was to the family.

Another example of materialism is Daisy and Gatsby 's relationship. “Daisy marries and stays with Tom because of the lifestyle he can provide her” (Wulick). This relationship is built on materialism, the only reason Daisy liked young Gatsby was because he lied to her into thinking he was rich. After he left, she went to Tom only because of his wealth and the lifestyle he can provide for her. After Gatsby came back he was heartbroken that Daisy didn’t waited for him, but he didn’t giving up.

Koly in Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan reminds me of Matilda in Matilda by Rhold Dahl because they both insist on learning and reading even though their families are against it. In Matilda, her family is against her learning because they are all more interested in money, food, and TV. Therefore, Matilda was unhappy with her life, so she chose to live with Mrs. Honey because she treasured education just as much as Matilda. On the other hand, Koly’s family is against her getting an education because of cultural reasons. Using what I know, I predict that Koly will become forlorn with her new life and husband, which will lead to her running away from home to get an education.

Despite his poor upbringing Gatsby falls in love with Daisy, a young woman from an affluent background. Her parents do not approve of their relationship, but Gatsby still promises to remain faithful to her when he leaves to fight in the war. While he is away, Daisy meets another man named Tom Buchanan whom she later marries. Although Daisy is married to another man, Mr. Gatsby refrains from entering into a relationship with any other women, and always keeps Daisy in his heart. Tom has many mistresses while he is married to Daisy, which further complicates the situation.

Historically, a woman’s value has come from her marriage. This is reflected in Shakespeare’s work Hamlet, especially in Ophelia’s role. While Ophelia’s brother is encouraged to travel the world and interact by their father, Ophelia is told to keep her purity and stay away from men until a proper marriage can be arranged. This represents how Ophelia’s value is tied to her marriage and her virginity, rather than any other positive characteristic she may have, and reminds the audience that Ophelia holds little value, especially compared to her brother, who serves as her male counterpart. The audience further sees how Ophelia is only valued for her virginity and purity when Hamlet insults her shouting “Get thee to a nunnery” (page number here).

His treatment of Myrtle suggests no deep emotional investment either, as is showcased when he casually breaks her nose with “…a short deft movement” (Fitzgerald 41). He calls for her when it suits him, lies to her, and exerts physical dominance when she becomes inconveniently demanding. He has no desire to be close to his mistress; she is merely the means by which he avoids being close to his wife. Similarly, Daisy’s fear of intimacy, though as intense, is not quite as immediately apparent. Indeed, her marital fidelity, until her affair with Gatsby, and her distress over Tom’s involvement with Myrtle might suggest to some readers that Daisy desires emotional intimacy with her husband.