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Examples Of Realism In The Great Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby, a realistic novel gives us a glimpse into the high paced life of the 1920’s. F. Scott Fitzgerald creates life-like situations in the novel to portray the characters as a representation of his own life. Realism in this classic novel, often considered to be one of the greatest works of all time, is evidently shown in the plot, the setting as well as the characters.

The story revolves around the romance of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, narrated by a character named Nick Caraway along with many subplots including characters like Jordan Baker, Tom Buchanan and others. One of the main themes in the novel is The American Dream - to live a subtle, happy, rich suburban life. This is realistic and believable as the novel was written in a time after war, which left Americans with the desire to settle down and acquire money. From different sources of history we know the 1920’s were a time of parties and lavish lifestyle which is vividly shown in the novel. The roaring 20’s have been captured beautifully in the novel as the characters yearn to live life carelessly fulfilling all their exotic desires. …show more content…

Although he’s married to Daisy Buchanan, he has an affair with another woman, Myrtle. Affairs outside of marriage is common in real life which again is an example of realism. In chapter 2, Tom and Myrtle argue “discussing in impassioned voices whether Mrs. Wilson had any right to mention Daisy’s name.” This could mean that hearing Daisy’s name from his mistress arouses guilt in Tom. Guilt is a feeling every human being feels at some point in their lives, directly relating to everyday life. Tom, in a fit of anger strikes at Myrtle giving her a bloody nose just like the author once did. “…Scott was ‘constantly drunk’. Once, he bloodied her nose.” Another character, Jordan Baker is depicted as a carefree, boyish, self centered woman like the flappers in the

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