Friendship is an essential theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. The story revolves around the bond between the narrator, Nick Carraway, and his wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's lavish parties attract many guests, but he finds solace in Nick's company. Their friendship is sincere, and Nick is one of the few people who know Gatsby's true identity.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Importance of Friendship in The Great Gatsby
Friendship is an essential theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. The story revolves around the bond between the narrator, Nick Carraway, and his wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's lavish parties attract many guests, but he finds solace in Nick's company. Their friendship is sincere, and Nick is one of the few people who know Gatsby's true identity.
The novel also explores the relationships between other characters and their friends. Tom Buchanan has his old college buddy, Klipspringer, who plays the piano at Gatsby's parties. Daisy Buchanan has Jordan Baker, a fellow socialite who becomes Nick's love interest. Even the minor characters, like Owl Eyes, form connections with others at Gatsby's parties.
What Can We Learn About Friendship from The Great Gatsby?
The Great Gatsby teaches us that true friends are hard to find, and when we do, we should cherish them. The characters in the novel have many acquaintances, but only a few real friends. Gatsby's parties are full of people, but he still feels lonely without Nick's friendship.
Friendship also requires honesty and trust. Nick is loyal to Gatsby, but he also tells him the truth about his past. Gatsby's other acquaintances, like Meyer Wolfsheim, are not as trustworthy. Wolfsheim is involved in illegal activities and is not a true friend to Gatsby.
What are Some Memorable Friendship Quotes from The Great Gatsby?
"I hope she'll be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." - Daisy Buchanan
"Can't repeat the past? Why, of course, you can!" - Jay Gatsby
"I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties, there isn't any privacy." - Jordan Baker
"I am still a little afraid of missing something if I forget that, as my father snobbishly suggested, and I snobbishly repeat, a sense of the fundamental decencies is parceled out unequally at birth." - Nick Carraway
How to Apply Friendship Quotes from The Great Gatsby in Your Life
Here are some ways you can apply the lessons from The Great Gatsby in your own friendships:
Be Honest and Trustworthy
Like Nick, be honest with your friends and earn their trust. Share your thoughts and feelings openly and listen when they do the same.
Cherish Your True Friends
Just like Gatsby valued his friendship with Nick, cherish the friends who are there for you through thick and thin. Make time for them and let them know how much they mean to you.
Don't Judge Others
As Daisy said, being a "beautiful little fool" can be an advantage in life. Don't judge others for their choices or mistakes. Instead, offer support and understanding.
Throw a Party
While large parties may not be everyone's cup of tea, hosting a gathering can bring people together and create new friendships. Whether it's a dinner party or a game night, bring people together and enjoy each other's company.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby reminds us that friendship is an essential part of life. We should value our true friends, be honest with them, and not judge others. By applying these lessons, we can create meaningful connections and lead a happier life.
