Introduction
In the opulent and tumultuous world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the relentless pursuit of the American Dream is omnipresent, as is the notion that wealth and social status are the ultimate markers of success. The characters in this narrative are each driven by their desires and riddled with flaws, providing fertile ground for examining the wisdom imparted by Benjamin Franklin’s aphorisms in “The Way to Wealth.” Three maxims from Franklin’s work that the characters embody in “The Great Gatsby” are “There are no gains without pains,” “The second vice is lying, the first is running in debt,” and “He that lives upon hope will die fasting.” Through the lives of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan, one can observe the manifestation of these principles and their consequences.
Jay Gatsby: Pains and Gains
Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist, is the epitome of the first maxim: “There are no gains without pains.” Gatsby’s entire existence is a series of painstaking efforts to transcend his humble beginnings and win the love of Daisy Buchanan. His lavish parties, his immense wealth, and his carefully crafted persona are all testaments to his relentless pursuit. As Nick Carraway, the narrator, observes, “He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way” (Luhrmann,2013). Gatsby’s pains are not just physical or financial but deeply emotional; his gains, he believes, are justified by his love for Daisy. However, despite his sacrifices, Gatsby’s dream remains ever elusive, suggesting that even monumental pain does not guarantee the desired gains.
Tom Buchanan: Lie and Debt
Tom Buchanan, on the other hand, embodies Franklin’s warning that “The second vice is lying, the first is running in debt.” Tom’s existence is saturated with dishonesty and ethical bankruptcy. His extramarital relationship with Myrtle Wilson, his prejudiced beliefs, and his contempt for individuals he deems inferior all indicate a man who lacks integrity. Tom deceives his spouse, Myrtle, and, most crucially, himself (Luhrmann, 2013). He is beholden to his own illusions of grandeur and entitlement, with harmful consequences for those around him. His obligation is one of personal qualities, and he appears incapable of fulfilling it, as he persists in fabricating falsehoods to uphold his illusion of superiority.
Daisy Buchanan: Hope in Vain
Daisy Buchanan is a tragic embodiment of the maxim, “He that lives upon hope will die fasting.” Daisy’s life is one of hollow luxury; she is caught between her love for Gatsby and her marriage to Tom. She hopes for a life filled with love and happiness, but takes no decisive action to achieve it.
Daisy’s hope is passive and dependent on others, notably Gatsby. Her infamous line, “What’ll we do with ourselves this afternoon, and the day after that, and the next thirty years?” encapsulates her paralysis in the face of hope(Luhrmann, 2013). She lacks the desire or ability to take control of her life; as a result, her aspirations remain unfulfilled, leaving her feeling deprived of emotional nourishment.
Conclusion
To conclude, The Great Gatsby serves as a poignant illustration of Franklin’s maxims on wealth, virtue, and the perils of hollow ambition. Gatsby’s relentless efforts show that not all pain leads to gain, especially when chasing an illusion. Tom Buchanan’s deceitful life and moral obligations warn about the hollowness of sacrificing integrity for appearances.
Daisy’s character, languishing in hope, illustrates the futility of waiting for life to happen to one without taking definitive action. Together, these characters’ experiences resonate with Franklin’s wisdom, reminding us that the path to wealth—whether emotional, spiritual, or financial—is complex and requires more than mere desire for prosperity; it demands virtue, truth, and proactive endeavor.
Reference
Luhrmann, B. (2013). The Great Gatsby. Warner Bros. Pictures.