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Choose any two characters studied in this semester and compare them to one another. The characters that you choose may be characters in a story or the narrators of poetry or nonfiction. How are these characters similar? How are they different? How do you think these characters might interact if they had the opportunity? How do you think they would act if suddenly transplanted to the twenty-first century? Be sure to include direct references to the traits of the characters learned through the stories.
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In studying the characters of Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and Okonkwo from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart," it is evident that both characters share a desire for success and a fear of failure. However, Okonkwo's drive stems from a desire to prove himself to his village and live up to the expectations of his father, while Gatsby's motivation is rooted in his love for Daisy and his desire to win her back. Despite this similarity, Okonkwo's strict adherence to the traditions and values of his Igbo culture contrasts with Gatsby's willingness to bend the rules to achieve his goals. If given the opportunity to interact, Okonkwo's stoic demeanor and traditional beliefs would likely clash with Gatsby's flashy lifestyle and superficiality. If suddenly transplanted to the twenty-first century, Okonkwo's strict sense of honor and duty would likely clash with the more individualistic and materialistic culture of Gatsby's world. Ultimately, these characters serve as polar opposites in terms of their values and motivations, making for an intriguing comparison.