The Great Gatsby - Fatalism

Fatalism in The Great Gatsby.

Within The Great Gatsby there is a pervading sense of foreshadowing that dictates the conclusion of the novel. The sense of inevitability is driven by the by what the reader understands through the ideology present in the book.

Jay Gatsby is symbol of the rags to riches of the American Dream, he has achieved wealth, prosperity and social consequence displayed through his lavish parities. However the very fact that the novel takes place after Gatsby's rise in fortune indicates unresolved elements in his life. This implication of Gatsby's unfulfilled life, alludes to a character flaw of always wanting more, and this hubris is traditionally a narrative technique that supports the fatalistic demise of a character.

This is evident also in the character of Myrtle, a character that desperately strives to escape her inferior social status. Myrtle's pursuit of wealth and significance brought her into the company of Tom Buchanan, an event that again took place before the start of the book. Having seemingly secured the life she so desperately sought, Myrtle proceeds to reap its benefits whilst at the same time clung to it with a borderline manic devotion. As a consequence of her status, background and character Myrtle's death is an inevitability within the narrative as she is unable to take the place of Daisy as she wishes. Her character cannot be accepted as either the mistress or wife of Tom and only prospect is to remain Wilson's wife, a fate that becomes impossible to return as a result of her actions.

Daisy's character is another example of fatalism within Gatsby. Whilst she rekindles her romance with Gatsby and has desires to run away with him society would not have accepted this relationship; society would have ostracised herself and Gatsby. The indications of character the reader is shown indicate that Daisy hasn't the strength of will to abandon her husband, child and wealth, this then foreshadows her future with Tom and symbolises Gatsby's fate as he has devoted himself to her, and without Daisy he has only one fate.