5 Antagonists In The Great Gatsby And Their Impact On The Story

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby, the complexity of human relationships is brought to life through various characters that shape the narrative and the protagonist's journey. While the central character, Jay Gatsby, embodies the dreams and aspirations of the American Dream, several antagonists serve to challenge and ultimately define his quest. This article delves into five key antagonists in The Great Gatsby and examines their impact on the story.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=5%20Antagonists%20In%20The%20Great%20Gatsby%20And%20Their%20Impact%20On%20The%20Story" alt="The Great Gatsby Antagonists"/> </div>

Tom Buchanan: The Face of Old Money

Tom Buchanan, the embodiment of old wealth, is one of the most prominent antagonists in the story. His character represents the moral decay and entitlement of the elite class in the 1920s. Tom's oppressive and domineering nature is evident in his treatment of others, particularly his wife, Daisy, and Gatsby.

Impact on the Story:

• Tom's arrogance and blatant racism expose the underlying themes of class struggle and social inequality.
• He actively works to thwart Gatsby's attempts to rekindle his romance with Daisy. Tom's confrontational stance ultimately leads to Gatsby's downfall, as he orchestrates a pivotal confrontation that reveals Gatsby's background and the lengths he goes to attain wealth and acceptance.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Tom%20Buchanan%20Antagonist%20Great%20Gatsby" alt="Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby"/> </div>

Daisy Buchanan: The Object of Desire

While Daisy Buchanan may not fit the conventional mold of an antagonist, her actions and indecisiveness contribute significantly to the story's conflict. She represents Gatsby's unattainable dream and serves as a catalyst for many of the events that unfold.

Impact on the Story:

• Daisy's inability to commit to Gatsby, despite her love for him, creates a profound sense of disillusionment for Gatsby and highlights the theme of the elusive nature of the American Dream.
• Her choice to remain with Tom, even after Gatsby's attempts to win her back, leads to tragic consequences, ultimately culminating in Gatsby's demise.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Daisy%20Buchanan%20Antagonist%20Great%20Gatsby" alt="Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby"/> </div>

George Wilson: The Tragic Victim

George Wilson, the owner of a garage in the "valley of ashes," is another significant antagonist, albeit an indirect one. His life is marked by tragedy, and his quest for justice ultimately turns him into a misguided agent of revenge.

Impact on the Story:

• After the death of his wife, Myrtle, who is killed in a hit-and-run involving Gatsby's car, George's descent into madness leads him to seek out Gatsby.
• This tragic turn of events underscores the moral consequences of the characters' actions and reflects the novel's critique of the American Dream, which often leads to ruin rather than fulfillment.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=George%20Wilson%20Antagonist%20Great%20Gatsby" alt="George Wilson in The Great Gatsby"/> </div>

Meyer Wolfsheim: The Criminal Underworld

Meyer Wolfsheim is a shadowy figure associated with organized crime and represents the corrupt side of the American Dream. As Gatsby's business associate, Wolfsheim's character highlights the moral ambiguity of wealth acquisition during the Jazz Age.

Impact on the Story:

• Wolfsheim's connections to the criminal underworld further taint Gatsby's image, leading to skepticism about his rise to wealth.
• His presence emphasizes the theme of corruption that pervades the novel, illustrating how the pursuit of wealth can often lead individuals into morally questionable territories.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Meyer%20Wolfsheim%20Antagonist%20Great%20Gatsby" alt="Meyer Wolfsheim in The Great Gatsby"/> </div>

Jordan Baker: The Deceptive Friend

Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and friend of Daisy's, plays a dual role in the narrative as both a confidante and a deceiver. While not an antagonist in the traditional sense, her morally ambiguous actions complicate the dynamics between the main characters.

Impact on the Story:

• Jordan's dishonesty and cynical attitude towards life contribute to the novel's themes of illusion and disillusionment.
• Her relationship with Nick Carraway serves to illuminate the complexities of the social elite and the ways in which personal ambitions can lead to betrayal.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Jordan%20Baker%20Antagonist%20Great%20Gatsby" alt="Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby"/> </div>

Conclusion

In The Great Gatsby, the antagonists serve vital roles in shaping the narrative and the protagonist's journey. Tom Buchanan's arrogance, Daisy's indecision, George Wilson's tragedy, Meyer Wolfsheim's corruption, and Jordan Baker's duplicity collectively illustrate the themes of disillusionment and the corrupting influence of wealth. As the characters navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and morality, the reader is left to ponder the true cost of the American Dream and the fragility of human connections in a world driven by ambition and status.

Through these antagonists, Fitzgerald expertly critiques the societal norms of the 1920s, making The Great Gatsby a timeless exploration of the human condition.