“Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy”-F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Question

Although this quote is actually from another one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels, it rings true for many of the characters in The Great Gatsby. Using this quote as your starting point, address the following in your original discussion.

Part One (2-3 Sentences): Explain what this quote means on a deeper level.
“Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy”-F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Part Two (3-5 Sentences): Below you will see a list of characters from The Great Gatsby. Based off of your last name, you have been assigned a character to analyze. Explain how this quote is representative of the character so far in the novel, be sure to use textual evidence to support your analysis.
A-G- Jay Gatsby
H-N- Daisy Buchanan
O-U- Nick Carraway
V-Z- George Wilson

Part Three (3-5 Sentences): Below you will see a list of areas of society in today's world. Based on your last name, you have been assigned an aspect to analyze.Think about this quote with regard to our society today. Where have you seen this quote ringing true and what has been the impact?
A-G- Politics
H-N- Religion
O-U- Movies/Music/Television
V-Z- Sports

Last name: Rowe

Answer 1

Part One:
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s quote, “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy,” suggests that the very qualities that make someone heroic—ambition, desire, and vulnerability—often lead to their downfall. It implies that greatness is intertwined with suffering and loss, depicting the complex nature of human existence where the pursuit of ideals can result in tragic consequences.

Part Two:
Jay Gatsby epitomizes the tragedy inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream. Initially perceived as a wealthy and enigmatic figure, Gatsby’s intense desire for Daisy Buchanan ultimately leads to his ruin. He embodies the hero archetype through his relentless determination and hope, but this same hope blinds him to the reality of his situation. As Fitzgerald writes, Gatsby believes he can “repeat the past,” but this naive conviction only sets the stage for his tragic end, highlighting how his aspirations ultimately lead to his demise.

Part Three:
In today’s world, the realm of politics often reflects the tragedy embedded in the heroism outlined in Fitzgerald's quote. Political figures are frequently celebrated as heroes for their vision and leadership, yet many also fall victim to the very systems they seek to change. From scandals to public distrust, the intense pressure and idealism associated with political leadership can lead to personal and public tragedies. This cycle not only affects the individual politician but also influences the political landscape, eroding trust and contributing to a sense of disillusionment among the electorate.