Gatsby-Natural Comparison

Brian Gold

The Natural- The Great Gatsby

English 11/ DiTullio

6/8/08

The Gatsby-esqueness of The Natural

In literature, many texts share similar details and themes that show a deep connection between the two works of art. Many texts that have been written show a Gatsby-esque type of connection. By saying something is Gatsby-esque it means that the form of media demonstrates a connection between itself and the themes or issues present in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Of the many works that show this correlation, the film “The Natural,” directed by Barry Levinson, depicts a strong relationship with the novel through its similar themes. Through its relationship with issues concerning reinventing the past and the corrupting power of wealth we can visualize the Gatsby-esque feature of “The Natural.”

Nick Carroway, the narrator, leaves his wealthy midwestern family to learn about life on the island of New York City. He soon gets a first person view of the lifestyles of the rich through contact with his rich, spoiled cousin Daisy and her husband Tom Buchanan. During his time with them he visits their friends and gets introduced to new people. He also attends parties hosted by his neighbor to whom he knows nothing about, Jay Gatsby. After finally meeting the man he learns of the connection between him and his cousin, along with his cousin’s true feelings. Also he tries to solve the mystery of Mr. Gatsby himself. After becoming close friends with Gatsby, Nick agrees to establish a planned reunion between Daisy and Gatsby. Gatsby has been obsessively trying to win back Daisy for as long as they have been separated. His sole purpose of acquiring a fortune was simply to impress Daisy and become of equal status. Gatsby is convinced that he can reinvent their past love and return things to the way they were before they were separated. After an uncomfortable confrontation between Gatsby and Tom, Daisy dangerously drives Gatsby’s car back to Long Island. During this ride, she runs over and kills Myrtle, Tom's mistress. George, Myrtle's husband, is notified of Myrtles death and becomes overwhelmed with grief. He hunts down Tom in anger and forces him to reveal the owner of the car that killed his wife. Tom explains to him that it was Gatsby’s car but fails to hint that it was not Gatsby’s doing. George, believing that Gatsby murdered his wife rushes to Gatsby’s mansion and shoots him dead. Gatsby fails in his quest to reclaim his true love. He dies alone, deserted even by the hundreds of "friends" that had once flocked to his parties. Nick sickened by the empty, careless, lives of the rich, returns to the Midwest.

The Story of Roy Hobbs in “The Natural” shows similar theme connections to Fitzgerald’s classic novel. As a boy Hobbs goes through a rough upbringing and even loses his father. He fights