Question

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby demonstrates a number of characters who are not good people. Be it bigotry, materialism, crime, or worse, the characters of the novel demonstrate the debauchery of 1920s America. In a 500 word essay, argue who is/are the most despicable character(s) in the novel and why.

Answer 1

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the most despicable characters are Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby. Tom is bigoted and cheats on his wife, Daisy is materialistic and selfish, and Gatsby is involved in illegal activities and manipulative.

Step-by-step explanation:

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, there are several characters who can be considered despicable for different reasons. One of the most despicable characters in the novel is Tom Buchanan. Tom is characterized by his bigotry and racism, as he openly expresses his white supremacist views. Additionally, he cheats on his wife, Daisy, and doesn't show any remorse for his actions.

Another despicable character is Daisy Buchanan. She is materialistic and shallow, valuing wealth and social status above all else. Daisy is willing to let Gatsby take the blame for the death of Myrtle Wilson, showing her selfishness and lack of integrity.

Lastly, Jay Gatsby himself can be seen as a despicable character. While Gatsby is often romanticized, he is involved in illegal activities and amasses his fortune through bootlegging and other criminal means. He becomes consumed by his obsession with Daisy and is willing to do anything to win her back, including lying and manipulating those around him.