The Picture Of Dorian Gray And The Great Gatsby Analysis

How should individuals satisfy their ambitions? In The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, the theme of desires is addressed. The Great Gatsby is a novel about Jay Gatsby, a man who wants to reunion with his past lover, Daisy. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbour and friend who witnesses Gatsby’s romantic desires. Similarly, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel about the development of Dorian, from initial innocence to ultimate brutality, after he acquires the ability to stay eternally young while letting his portrait suffer the consequences of his sins. Overall, the two books are similar in nature in terms of the themes presented. Initially, the two†¦show more content†¦When Nick is describing Gatsby’s elaborate parties, he says, â€Å"People were not invited – they went there†¦ Once there they were introduced by somebody who knew Gatsby† (Fitzger ald 41). Gatsby does not care who attends his parties, rather his sole purpose is to attract people and to make himself known in the community. In contrast, when Dorian hosts dinners, he carefully selects people to attend and handpicks the decorations. Through attending, people feel that Dorian has â€Å"all the grace and distinction and perfect manner of a citizen of the world† (Wilde 130). Dorian’s hosts dinners not to gain popularity, but to strengthen the admiration that people have for him. In general, Gatsby and Dorian differ in their aspirations for personal motives and images in society. However, despite the differences in ambition, both characters act sinfully. To begin with, both characters act heartlessly. After Daisy hits Myrtle Wilson when driving Gatsby home, she escapes from the scene. Later, when Gatsby hears about Myrtle’s tragic death, he says, â€Å"I thought so; I told Daisy I thought so. It’s better that the shock should all come at once. She stood it pretty well† (Fitzgerald 143). Gatsby is completely unconcerned about the tragedy that has occurred to Myrtle, all he cares about is Daisy’s wellbeing. Also, after Dorian shows Basil the portrait that reflects all his sins, he â€Å"rushed at [Basil], and dug the knife into the great vein that is behind the ear,