Character Analysis Novel Vs Film The Great Gatsby
Introduction
The Great Gatsby is a classic novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald that was first published in 1925. The novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws extravagant parties in the hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel has been adapted into several films, the most recent of which was released in 2013. This article will explore the differences between the characters in the novel and the film adaptation.
Jay Gatsby
In the novel, Jay Gatsby is portrayed as a mysterious and elusive figure, with little known about his past. He is obsessed with Daisy Buchanan and will do anything to win her back, even if it means risking everything he has. In the film, Gatsby is played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his character is given a more sympathetic portrayal. He is shown to be a romantic figure who genuinely loves Daisy, rather than simply being obsessed with her.
Daisy Buchanan
In the novel, Daisy Buchanan is portrayed as a shallow and selfish character who is more concerned with her own happiness than anyone else's. She is torn between her love for Gatsby and her loyalty to her husband, Tom. In the film, Daisy is played by Carey Mulligan, and her character is given a more sympathetic portrayal. She is shown to be a victim of the men in her life, rather than simply being a selfish character.
Nick Carraway
In the novel, Nick Carraway is the narrator of the story, and he is portrayed as a neutral observer of the events that unfold around him. He is a moral character who is disgusted by the excesses of the wealthy elite. In the film, Nick is played by Tobey Maguire, and his character is given a more active role in the story. He is shown to be more emotionally invested in the lives of the other characters, and his own moral code is called into question.
Tom Buchanan
In the novel, Tom Buchanan is portrayed as a brutish and selfish character who is more concerned with his own pleasure than anyone else's. He is a racist and a misogynist, and he uses his wealth and power to control those around him. In the film, Tom is played by Joel Edgerton, and his character is given a more sympathetic portrayal. He is shown to be a victim of his own insecurity and jealousy, rather than simply being a villainous character.
Myrtle Wilson
In the novel, Myrtle Wilson is portrayed as a vulgar and desperate character who is looking to escape her life as a poor mechanic's wife. She has an affair with Tom Buchanan and is ultimately killed in a car accident. In the film, Myrtle is played by Isla Fisher, and her character is given a more sympathetic portrayal. She is shown to be a victim of Tom's cruelty, rather than simply being a desperate woman.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic that has been adapted into several films over the years. While the characters in the novel and the film adaptations are similar, there are some differences in the way they are portrayed. The novel portrays the characters as more morally ambiguous, while the films tend to give them more sympathetic portrayals. Overall, whether you prefer the novel or the film adaptation will depend on your personal preferences and tastes.