preview

The Obsessive Nature of Desire Presented in The Great Gatsby, Othello and Enduring Love

Better Essays

Obsession is defined as “an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone” (1), and is a prominent theme (in) The Great Gatsby, Enduring Love and Othello. For example, in all three, there is a great desire to obtain things which are unattainable, and in turn this fuels their obsession and causes it to intensify. Furthermore, the act of being obsessive is a common human characteristic, which enforces the fact that obsession is a key element throughout all the texts. Othello has the desire to seek revenge. Fitzgerald shows the desire of lust for Gatsby to have Daisy, whilst also allowing him to accomplish a social desire of fulfilling the American Dream, which was typical of the 1920’s as people were searching for wealth …show more content…

Secondly, the phrase “their eyes met” could show the love between the two characters, as well as the rekindling of their love. In particular, the word “eyes” in this context show the level of intimacy as eyes are said to be the ‘gateway to a person’s soul’, suggesting they could be soul mates, and therefore forever linked. Additionally, “stared together” could show the mutual love felt between them, however it also reiterates the link between them is the cause for Gatsby’s obsession as he is convinced Daisy is in love with him. This is restated in the phrase “alone in space” as it connotes that the link between them is personal and despite their surroundings, their focus is upon each other thus showing their love. In contrast, the fact that she “glanced down” could show that the feelings evoked in her are wrong as she is married to Tom. Daisy’s actions could be said to be typical of a woman in the 1920’s as this is when women became more sexually liberated and by her looking down, it could be seen as her trying to provoke him into desiring her further. Alternatively, it could be seen as a trait of a stereotypical traditional woman who is expected to avert her eyes from male attention. Despite this, the “effort” that is required to avert her eyes could show the extent to Daisy’s love and compliments the belief Gatsby has: that she is in love with him, which fuels his obsession.

Similarly in ‘Enduring Love’, Jed’s obsession initially

Get Access