How far do you agree with the view that Fitzgerald presents Gatsby's life as pitiful rather than inspiring?

Within his novel 'The Great Gatsby', Fitzgerald presents Gatsby as an elusive character who is left a victim to the materlialist and fast-paced world of the 1920s, meaning that his life is moreover depicted as pitiful rather than inspiring. The idea of Gatsby being a pitiful character could be seen to arise from the fact that Fitzgerald's own life was somewhat pitiful due to his alcohol problems and turbulent relationships. Notably, several characters within the novel, such as Jordan Baker, are able to break free from societies restraints and live an inspiring life. Comparably, Gatsby is personified as a character who falls victim to a new type of society, and cannot break free from the social boundaries which restrain him. Thus it may be said that Fitzgerald's decision to present Gatsby's life as pitiful is a way for him to critique the 1920s society and its restraints.

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Answered by Hannah G. English Literature tutor

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