The Great Gatsby - Similarities and Differences

Context of the Novel

The Great Gatsby was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald (born in 1896, 24 September) in 1924, and set in 1922, during the Jazz Era.

Throughout this time, women were finally able to vote legally and were exploring newfound freedom. There was also a significant issue facing racism, this was known as The Segregation Era, those who were Native American were segregated entirely by society, forced to sit on different areas on a bus, use separate water fountains, and in general, treated negatively. F. Scott Fitzgerald shows this through Tom's character and his racist beliefs

F. Scott Fitzgerald uses The Great Gatsby to deconstruct the idea of 'The American Dream' and reflect on the society at the time which was filled with parties, clothing and lavish lifestyles. During the 1920s, there was a prohibition of alcohol, however, this was usually ignored by the wealthy during events.

Context of the Film

The 1974 adaptation of The Great Gatsby was directed by Jack Clayton (born 1 March 1921) and was the second film adaptation of the novel. The '70s was known as a time where a lot of minority groups first begun to fight for equality and also the rise of rock music.

Due to the movie being set in the '20s, however being made in the '70s, it unintentionally led to certain aspects of the 70's being included in the film, such as some mannerisms of the actors.

The American Dream

The American Dream is defined as the ideal of many American's for wealth and a successful family. This is regardless of the persons upbringing, where they were born, or class. Instead, their aspirations, risk-taking, or sacrifices they made. This ideology has not changed throughout the past century.

How it is shown in the Novel

F. Scott Fitzgerald shows 'The American Dream' as a way to deconstruct it. Most notably with Gatsby, a classic example of rags to riches, and a key component of 'The American Dream' as well as with Daisy being the personification of his dream. Throughout the whole novel, Gatsby attempts to win over Daisy. Going to large extents of throwing parties, becoming rich, and moving across the bay from her.

Nick to Jordan: "It was a strange coincidence," I said.

"But it wasn't a coincidence at all."

"Why not?"

"Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay." pg 63

However, his goal slowly consumes him to the point where he becomes oblivious to the thought of his dream being unrealistic, leading to his death. Along with Nick exploring the reality of the live’s of people living in East Egg, and known for their wealth Fitzgerald presents the theme as a warning not blindly to follow dreams to the point of obsession, and that looks can be misleading. This is fitting given the context of the '20s, a time of great wealth where everyone was striving to achieve 'The American Dream'.

Evidence in the film

Throughout Clayton's film, there are many instances of 'The American Dream' being a central theme of the story. Through the use of the narrator, Nick, exploring the world of East and West Egg, the characters there and Gatsby with his relationship with Daisy. Gatsby, just like the novel, is a personification of the rags-to-riches, American Dream idea. In the film, Gatsby's story is split into two key parts. His rise of the dream and the fall, shown through his love for Daisy, and eventual obsession. Clayton presents this in a way to make the audience question Gatsby's motivations and opinion on what was initially an intriguing, likeable character.

Scene

An example of Gatsby's dream being impossible to reach and never enough to being satisfactory. Linking back to how 'The American Dream' is impossible to truly reach.

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Similar or Different?

Both the film adaptation and the novel use the theme of 'The American Dream' as a deconstruction of the idea. Primarily through using personifications of the dream using Daisy as Gatsby's dream and the other characters of East Egg as the general societal conception of 'The American Dream'. As well as using the same symbolism of the green light, representing Gatsby's hopes and dreams and water, representing purity/rebirth but also the free-flowing nature of the East Egg inhabitants.

In the novel, the first four chapters are at Gatsby's peak, and the rise of his dream, the chapters following are his descent, this is evident in the film as well with the decline coming after the same events.

The difference between the two, however, is through how detailed the rise was depicted. Gatsby's relationship with Daisy was featured significantly more in the movie, showing many scenes of them dancing and physical affection between the two. This caused the contrast between the fall to be a lot more significant in the film. The other difference comes from the context. Fitzgerald published his novel in the 1920s, he used to the context of the time to present 'The American Dream' as more of a warning. The 1974 movie version was more a recreation of the fall of Gatsby as a character rather than a warning to the audience, and to represent the dream as impossible to reach and never satisfactory.

Although, the main feature of 'The American Dream' was more similar than different through the film and novel with the similar techniques used to depict the theme.

Unjust Treatment of Women

The unjust treatment of women is described as the abuse, portrayal, and relationships of the female characters in the novel/film. This is either shown explicitly or subtly and a component of the novel due to the context of females at the time.

How is it shown in the Novel

The novel shows the 'unjust treatment of women' as a subtle side plot, rather than a central theme. In terms of context, this makes sense given women had only just been able to legally vote and were still commonly mistreated, especially in terms of domestic violence. Fitzgerald shows the unjust treatment of women by portraying the majority of female characters as materialistic, and one-sided. Given that the novel is set in the eyes of Nick, this is how he views the characters.

Other examples include abuse by the hands of Tom and Wilson with Myrtle. At the party in Myrtle's apartment, Tom is described to slap her over the face as she repeats the word "Daisy". Using repetition added tension to the scene and more significance to the infidelity. Wilson is later shown to hold her hostage at her own house to prevent her from leaving. These are both key examples of the theme, 'unjust treatment of women'.

Evidence in the Film

The theme is significantly more explicit with its theme of unjust treatment of women to the point where it is speculated, Tom abuses Daisy. Clayton uses the scene with Tom slapping Daisy, and makes it a lot more violent than how it was presented in the novel, showing her bleeding nose which wasn't mentioned in the novel. With the diegetic sounds in the background coming to complete silence, it puts a larger emphasis on the situation. Other situations include the lack of character development for any of the female characters, and objectification many of them face especially through Gatsby and Tom attempting to win over and "own" Daisy without any imput on her decision.

Scene

Myrtle is shown being held against her will by Wilson. Although it was in his best intentions it still shows the mistreatment and lack of free will Myrtle has.

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Similar or Different

Certain aspects of theme were portrayed similarly, the difference between the two was how they were shown.

Although both the novel and the film focused on the same events for the theme, Clayton's approach was more explicit emphasising things that were brushed over in the novel. What was described as a "short deft movement" in the novel turned into a highly anxious and violent scene featuring a bloody nose and shocked audience. There was also larger emphasis on Daisy potentially being abused by Tom, especially by the way he acts with Myrtle. There is also the idea of Daisy being isolated from everyone by Tom, which can be seen in one of the final scenes with Daisy informing Nick of her moving away. Tom pushes Daisy along to leave but the look on her face suggests she wants to stay and is filled with regret.

This changes Daisy's character from one who does not take ownership of her actions, to a character trapped in an abusive relationship.

It is through the more emphasised hints of abuse and violent portrayals that causes the main difference of the theme to the novel and movie.

What occurred in the novel, how was it described?

The scene occured in chapter two. Here Tom's mistress, Myrtle hosts a party with her sister, Catherine and a few other party goers. Nick gets drunk for the first time and Myrtle also continues to drink, becoming more obnoxious and loud as the night goes on. This procceds until she eventually has an argument with Tom and begins to talk about Daisy. Tom warns her not to but Myrtle continues until he slaps her across the face, breaking her nose.

Within chapter two the setting of 'The Valley of Ashes' is introduced. Fitzgerald using the setting as a symbolism of moral decay, something shown later on in the chapter with the argument between Myrtle and Tom, as well as the drinking.

Quote

Some time toward midnight Tom Buchanan and Mrs. Wilson stood face to face discussing, in impassioned voices, whether Mrs. Wilson had any right to mention Daisy's name.

"Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!" shouted Mrs. Wilson. "I'll say it whenever I want to! Daisy! Dai –– "

Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.

How was it shown in the Film

Within the film, the party was portrayed to be much more extravagant, there were many more characters making the party much larger than how it was described in the novel. There was loud music and chatter throughout the whole scene.

Until the camera then shoots over to Myrtle and Tom, featuring a close up on them with Myrtle shouting, "Daisy, Daisy, Daisy." Tom then slaps her in the face in a violent manner, blood immediately falls down Myrtle's nose and the diegetic sounds come to a complete stop leaving only the sound of Myrtle crying and quietly whispering, "Daisy..." once again.

Using the techniques of the camera shots, as well as the sound. Clayton adds a lot of tension to the scene. Especially through the use of Tom shown as taller than Myrtle, therefore dominant over her.

Scene

As previously described, in this scene Myrtle and Tom argue over Myrtle talking about Daisy, leading to Tom becoming physical.

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Similar or Different?

In the novel, the scene is not nearly depicted as violent or important as in the film. With the direct quote being, “a short deft movement” to describe the impact, as well as no real lead up to the argument drawing the attention of all of the party guests as seen in the film.

Clayton’s approach to the seen added more emphasis to the moral decay and characterisation of Tom and Myrtle. As well as Nick, through showing being indifferent to the situation despite Tom being married to his cousin and likely acting in a similar way towards Daisy.

Fitzgerald’s version is more to show Tom’s lack of regard for his actions and his impulsive nature. Whereas in the film, it is more portrayed as Tom having no real love for either Daisy or Myrtle and how easy it is for the characters to show their true nature.

Throughout both the novel and the film, this event is not brought up again, portraying the fickle, easily forgiving personalities of the characters, something similar in both.

Overall, the film shows the scene to be a lot more violent to highlight the abuse and shock factor, whereas the novel uses it for characterisation of Tom as impulsive and a quick event easily fixed. The similarities of the two come from the suddenness of the “fun” party to come to an end by impulsive actions, leading to more differences in the scene than similarities.

What occurred in the novel, how was it described?

After the passing of Myrtle and the blame put on Gatsby for her death. Wilson comes to a breaking point and decides to take revenge. Despite Nick’s warning to leave, Gatsby decides to stay in West Egg. Later, Wilson finds Gatsby laying in his pool waiting for Daisy, and shoots, killing Gatsby and then himself. Nick then finds Gatsby’s body.

Fitzgerald uses irony in this scene with both Nick warning Gatsby to leave but Gatsby deciding to stay, leading to his death, and Gatsby waiting for Daisy to come only for her to betray him and make him take the blame for killing Myrtle.

As well as showing symbolism through water by Gatsby dying in the pool after it was the first time swimming in it. Another example of symbolism was him literally dying waiting for Daisy, which was where his life was heading, regardless of whether he was going to be murdered or not.

Quote

A bittersweet ending to Nick and Gatsby's friendship, here Nick was able to compliment Gatsby, however, it was his last words to him.

"We shook hands and I started away. Just before I reached the hedge I remembered something and turned around.

"They're a rotten crowd," I shouted across the lawn. "You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.""

How was it shown in the film

In the film, the scene was shown to be extremely suspenseful. Gatsby slowly enters the pool with the song Daisy and Gatsby danced to slowly playing in the background as Gatsby waited for Daisy to arrive. The alternating to shots of Wilson clutching a gun as he prepared to shoot Gatsby. Gatsby calls out to who he thinks is Daisy but instead is Wilson. Wilson waits a few seconds before shooting Gatsby in the back 5 times. The song ends as Gatsby sinks into the pool, symbolising his death and the camera shoots back to Wilson, who is hidden behind a curtain as he shoots himself. The gun then falls into the pond, symbolising Wilsons death.

Clayton uses the music and slow pace of the scene to create tension for Gatsby’s murder. As well as a love song in the background as irony of Gatsby being blamed for murder by the person he loved.

Scene

Both Gatsby and Wilsons death.

Timestamp 1:11-2:00

Similar or different?

The way the novel and film depict Gatsby’s death is very similar. Both mark the end of Gatsby’s character arc and feature a suspenseful lead up to the climax of the story. The differences come from how Gatsby’s body is found. In the novel, it is Nick who finds Gatsby, whereas, in the film, Nick finds out from the police.

Both the novel and film are able to use the same techniques to create more tension, including irony, symbolism, and foreshadowing.

The irony comes from Gatsby essentially being killed by the person he loves, Daisy allows Gatsby to take the blame in both the film and the novel. In both, he waits in the pool for Daisy to arrive, yet she never does.

Symbolism is shown through the reoccurring symbol of water being for purity and rebirth. The way Gatsby’s death is described in the novel is shown in this direct quote.

“There was a faint, barely perceptible movement of the water as the fresh flow from one end urged its way toward the drain at the other...The touch of a cluster of leaves revolved around it slowly, tracing, like the leg of transit, a thin red circle in the water”

A more peaceful way of describing Gatsby being shot and ironic given the usual theme of rebirth now being included within his death. The same is shown with Gatsby sinking into the pool and the gun falling into the water in the film.

The difference, however, is seen with the music in the film, adding more emphasis on Gatsby’s love for Daisy and the irony of him now dying because of her.

The scene is one of the more similar in terms of the film and novel, given it’s significance to the story.

How she is described in the Novel

Daisy Buchanan is described as a beautiful, sophisticated and graceful through the eyes of Gatsby. In reality, she is also materialistic, shallow, and fickle. Choosing her husband based off of wealth rather than love. She is also shown as quite flirting, even going to the lengths of flirting with her cousin, Nick, who sees her as a careless person who retreats back to her money whenever things go astray. This is proven to be true when after Gatsby’s death, her and Tom move away suddenly. She is also somewhat uncaring and self-centred after she allows Gatsby to take the blame for Myrtle’s death and doesn’t bother to show up at Gatsby’s funeral.

Daisy is also portrayed as an uncaring mother who rarely thinks of her daughter who is only introduced in Chapter 7.

However, through her quote “I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool”. Fitzgerald may have purposely shown her in that way, as she pretends to be shallow and self-centred since that is the only way, she, as a woman could act back then.

Quotes

"Her dress rippling and fluttering as if he had just been blown back in after a short flight around the house."

"“She’s got an indiscreet voice,” I remarked. “It’s full of—” I hesitated.

“Her voice is full of money,” Gatsby said suddenly.

That was it. I’d never understood before. It was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it."

How she is portrayed in the film

In the film, Daisy is shown as extremely feminine with emphasis on those qualities, as well as fairly ditzy. This is seen with her extremely high pitch voice, and her relationship with her daughter, which has more emphasis in the film. There is also more hints towards her being trapped in an abusive relationship adding more complexity to her as a character. The recurring white dresses and accessories she wears, are mainly symbolic of purity along with her name being a white flower. This is ironic given her infidelity and overall impurity. However, her name being a flower is also symbolic to her fragile nature.

Scene

Daisy's infidelity shown through her kissing Gatsby

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Similar or different

Daisy as a character is portrayed extremely differently through the novel and the film. Mainly in regards to her feminine nature and how that is shown.

In the film she is shown to be more invested in her child’s life, something symbolic of femininity with raising children, as well as her voice being very high pitched, and her desire for love. Essentially, also described as a dumb-blonde archetype.

The similarities, however, come from her fickle nature, and inability to stick to her decisions, especially in regards to Gatsby. In both the film and the novel she switches between her relationship with Tom and Gatsby quite a lot. In the novel, this is just her being portrayed as materialistic and greedy. In the film, it appears to be deeper, with her desire for love, and speculated abuse in her unhappy relationship.

Overall, a lot of her features in the novel are emphasised quite a lot within the film.