Character Fears

By: Jordan Roloff '21

Jay Gatsby

Throughout The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is always hopeful. So that would make me think that his fear is not being able to achieve his goals. Gatsby talks about his childhood very harshly. He says his parents were “shiftless and unsuccessful farm people” (p. 98). This makes Gatsby not want to be like his parents and be a “Mr. Nobody from Nowhere” (p. 130). So, it makes sense as to why Gatsby’s fear is not being able to achieve his goals.

Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan’s fear is actually the opposite of Gatsby’s. Tom fears having to compete with others and losing his social status. Tom feels like he has to argue himself in order to solve his problems. He feels threatened by romantics, such as Gatsby, who started as a poor no name and worked his way to be a wealthy man. I think that Tom also fears Daisy leaving him for Gatsby.

Nick Carraway

I believe that Nick’s fear is not being a good friend. It may seem like a very small fear, but it is true. For example, when Gatsby tells Nick that he wants Nick to invite Daisy over for tea, Nick is hesitant at first. Nick knows that Daisy is a married woman and shouldn’t be seeing anyone on the side, however, I believe that Nick knows about Tom having his affair.

Jordan Baker

Jordan’s fear is being overruled. Being in the upper class meant money, fame, and protection, and it also goes hand in hand with the fact that many are also conservative, meaning men ruled over women. That is why she felt she needed a weaker, more susceptible man where she can eliminate the fear of being ruled over. That is why Jordan gravitated towards Nick, who is the opposite of Tom.