1. Take note of the context in which Owl Eyes makes the comparison between Gatsby and something else. Understanding the surroundings can provide insight into the meaning behind the comparison.
2. Analyze the language used by Owl Eyes when making the comparison. Do they use positive or negative words? Do they make use of metaphorical language? These details can help you understand the intention behind the comparison.
3. Consider the significance of the comparison in relation to the overall themes and motifs present in the novel. Does the comparison offer commentary on class, social status, or the American Dream?
4. Reflect on the character development of Gatsby throughout the novel. Has he changed since the beginning of the story? Does the comparison made by Owl Eyes relate to specific moments of Gatsby’s character arc?
5. Look for other instances of comparisons made by Owl Eyes. Do they consistently compare Gatsby to the same thing or is the comparison more varied? Understanding Owl Eyes’ patterns of comparison can provide further insight into the character and themes present in The Great Gatsby.
What Does Owl Eyes Compare Gatsby To?
Gatsby, the protagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, is a character shrouded in mystery and extravagance. One of the most interesting aspects of Gatsby’s character is the way that other characters view and talk about him. Owl Eyes, one of the peripheral characters who appears briefly in the novel, provides an interesting insight into Gatsby’s character. Owl Eyes is a perceptive character who notices small details about Gatsby’s life and personality, and he compares Gatsby to Belasco, a famous film director known for his real-looking sets.
Belasco: The Comparison to Gatsby
Owl Eyes compares Gatsby to David Belasco, a famous film director from the early 20th century. Belasco was known for his hyper-realistic sets and for his attention to detail. Owl Eyes believes that Gatsby is like Belasco in that he is constantly creating an illusion, a facade or an image of himself that he wants people to see. Gatsby is always putting on a show, trying to present himself in the best possible light. Like Belasco, he is obsessed with detail and with creating a convincing image.
The comparison to Belasco underscores the idea that Gatsby is not content with who he is, and that he is constantly trying to create a new identity for himself. He sees himself as a man of wealth and status, and he is always trying to fit in with the upper class. Like Belasco, he wants to create a world that is better than the one he was born into, a world that is more glamorous and exciting.
Gatsby’s Discontent with Society
Gatsby’s obsession with wealth and status is symptomatic of his deep dissatisfaction with society. He was born into a lower-class family and had to work his way up the social ladder. This has made him acutely aware of the class divisions in society, and it has fueled his desire to become rich and powerful. Gatsby is not content with his current social status, and he is always trying to climb higher.
Gatsby’s discontent underscores the alienation that many people feel within modern society, where social mobility is difficult and class divisions are rigid. Gatsby is a symbol of the American dream, the idea that anyone can rise from rags to riches if they work hard enough. However, his struggle to fit in with the upper class also shows the limitations of the American dream, and the ways that it can be co-opted by the wealthy and powerful.
The Pursuit of Wealth and Status
- Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and status is driven by his desire to fit in with the upper class
- He is not content with his current social status and is always trying to climb higher
- Gatsby’s obsession with wealth and status is symptomatic of his deep dissatisfaction with society
- Gatsby is a symbol of the American dream, but his struggle also shows the limitations of the dream and the ways that it can be co-opted by the wealthy and powerful.
The Symbolism of Owl Eyes
Owl Eyes, the character who compares Gatsby to Belasco, is a symbol of perception and observation in life. He is a character who is able to see the small details that other characters miss, and he is able to put together a more complete picture of the events that are taking place. Owl Eyes symbolizes the capacity of people to observe the events that happen to them throughout their lives, even if they do not fully understand them.
The symbolism of Owl Eyes highlights the importance of paying attention to the small details in life and of seeing the world more clearly. It encourages us to be more aware of our surroundings and to be more critical of the information that is presented to us. Like Owl Eyes, we should strive to be more perceptive and to see beyond the surface of things.
Perception and Observation in Life
- Owl Eyes is a symbol of perception and observation in life
- He is able to see the small details that other characters miss and put together a more complete picture of events
- Owl Eyes symbolizes the capacity of people to observe the events that happen to them throughout their lives, even if they do not fully understand them
- The importance of paying attention to the small details in life and of seeing the world more clearly is highlighted by the symbolism of Owl Eyes
The Illusion of Reality in Gatsby’s World
Gatsby’s obsession with illusion is also a commentary on the nature of reality in his world. Gatsby is constantly trying to create a world that is better than the one he was born into, a world that is more glamorous and exciting. However, this world is ultimately an illusion, a facade that he has created to shield himself from reality.
The illusion of reality highlights the ways that we can be misled by appearances, and the ways that we can become disconnected from what is truly important. Gatsby is a tragic figure because he has become so obsessed with his image that he has lost touch with his true self. His pursuit of wealth and status has left him feeling empty and unfulfilled.
The Importance of Detail in Creating a New Identity
- Gatsby’s obsession with illusion is a commentary on the nature of reality in his world
- Gatsby is constantly trying to create a world that is better than the one he was born into, a world that is more glamorous and exciting
- Gatsby’s pursuit of the illusion ultimately leaves him feeling empty and unfulfilled
- The illusion of reality highlights the ways that we can be misled by appearances, and the ways that we can become disconnected from what is truly important
- The importance of paying attention to detail in creating a new identity is underscored by Gatsby’s obsession with detail
- Gatsby’s attention to detail is what enables him to create an image of himself that is convincing
- This also shows the importance of introspection and self-awareness when creating a new identity
Conclusion
The comparison made by Owl Eyes between Gatsby and Belasco highlights the ways that Gatsby is constantly trying to create a new identity for himself. This is driven by his discontent with his current social status and his desire to fit in with the upper class. However, Gatsby’s obsession with illusion and his disregard for reality ultimately leads to his downfall. The symbolism of Owl Eyes underscores the importance of perception and observation in life, and shows the ways that we can become misled by appearances. Finally, Gatsby’s attention to detail underscores the importance of paying attention to the small details when creating a new identity.