7. Unbridled passion isn't always a good thing

Unbridled passion isn't always a good thing

There is a strong line between what you want to do and what you should do. In the 1920’s, this line was often blurred. Whether is was the right thing to do or not, people did what was convenient for themselves at the time. There are some great examples of this in “The Great Gatsby”. Some great examples of this are the affairs of Tom with Myrtle, and Daisy with Gatsby.

In the Great Gatsby, there are many examples of why you should always think before you act. For example, Tom and Myrtle have an affair. Tom is trying to reach the high he had when he was playing football. Myrtle is dissatisfied with her marriage to a poor man. Neither of them stop to think of the consequences of their decisions, who they could hurt along the way. They only think of themselves. Myrtle’s husband, George, eventually finds out about this affair. George is so hurt and desperate to gain his wife’s love back, he locks Myrtle in the bedroom. Myrtle is so desperate to get away, so caught up in herself, that she runs at the first sight of Tom, hoping for a rescue. This then leads to her death.

Another example of selfish thinking is the affair between Gatsby and Daisy. Jay Gatsby and Daisy fell in love before Gatsby got shipped off to war. After Gatsby leaves for war, Daisy waits for him, but then falls for in love with a new man, Tom Buchannan. After five years, Gatsby and Daisy finally meet again. They fall in love again, and Daisy plans to leave Tom. They never stopped to think of the consequences of their actions, or how this might make Tom feel. Daisy is distraught over her confrontation with Tom, leading to her hitting Myrtle with his car. This then leads to Gatsby’s death.

In the 1920’s everyone assumed there was no consequence for their actions. They disregarded anyone elses feelings, and only did what convenient at the time. These characters are great examples of why you need to think of the consequences before you act.