Macbeth vs. Gatsby

Macbeth vs. Gatsby

* The most obvious comparison of Gatsby and Macbeth is that they both were obsessed and consumed with a goal. Because they were so focused, it was the only thing that was significant in their lives. Macbeth’s goal was to achieve greatness in becoming King. However, someone else planted the idea into his mind that motivated him to become king. Gatsby had already achieved greatness in becoming rich, but it was still not enough for him. His main overall goal was love; he invested all of his hope into Daisy and would not be content until he had her. Neither was satisfied with what they had, it was never enough for them.

* They were both ‘famous’ and well known, but for the wrong reasons. Since people don’t really know much about them, they are a source of many rumors and much suspicion. Macbeth became well known by honor of winning the war. When he becomes king however, the respect is only for his position not himself. Since no one knew Gatsby, he was only famous because of his class and parties, no one is sure who he is or where he came from.

* Both characters are very dishonest. They tell lies to appear as someone different.

* They are both killed. But do they both deserve it? Macbeth commits brutal crimes and revenge is expected. It is foreseen that eventually these murders will catch up with him and someone will end his life. Gatsby however did not deserve to die (in my opinion). Sure he manipulated Nick and may have been a little dishonest in the way he built is wealth, but he died because of the mess the Buchanan’s left. Quote “they were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made…” and “they’re a rotten crowd, you’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” 3 areas to explore on whether they deserved their death: they made conscious...