Comparing 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's': Similarities in Themes and Settings

Both 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' by Truman Capote, despite their differences in plot and characters, share several striking similarities when it comes to setting and themes. This essay will explore the commonalities in the settings, the importance of New York City and its suburbs, and the themes of class status and social mobility in both works.

Similar Settings

'The Great Gatsby' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' are set in the early-to-mid 20th Century, primarily in the Northeastern United States, with New York City and its surroundings serving as the central backdrop.

Setting and Suburbs: Both stories highlight New York City and its immediate suburbs as the epicenters of society and ambition. In 'The Great Gatsby', the Long Island countryside is the primary center for society, particularly for the richer and more sophisticated groups. However, the wealthy inhabitants frequently venture into the city for various affairs, such as business and social gatherings. Similarly, in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', Manhattan is explicitly featured, with the main character, Holly Golightly, living in a small apartment in the heart of the city. Both authors emphasize the importance of these urban and suburban settings in shaping the lives and aspirations of their characters.

Characters from Other Regions

Both Fitzgerald and Capote have characters who either originate from the Midwest or the South but seek success and status in the Northeastern United States, particularly New York City. This mirrors the authors' own backgrounds.

Comparing Authors: F. Scott Fitzgerald, a native of the Midwest, became captivated by the elite social circles of the Northeast after attending Princeton University. Similarly, Truman Capote, born in the Deep South, moved to New York City in pursuit of literary fame. Both men used their experiences to create characters who, though born elsewhere, are driven to achieve status in the Northeastern societies.

Class and Social Mobility

The themes of class and social mobility are central to both novels, highlighting the arrogance of the upper-class and the struggles of those aspiring to join it.

Class Ambition: In 'The Great Gatsby', characters from outside the Northeast are depicted as social climbers and outsiders. The wealthy Jay Gatsby initially succeeds due to his ability to throw lavish parties, but his past and his inauthenticity eventually lead to his downfall. In 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', the character Holly Golightly appears to succeed, but she is ultimately revealed to be a "phony," a term she herself used to describe others. Her attempts to integrate into high society are tempered by her rootlessness and the awareness of others that she is from "nowhere." This commentary on social status and authenticity is a common thread throughout both novels.

Conclusion

While 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' tell distinct stories, their settings, themes of class and social mobility, and the characters' origins from other regions draw striking similarities. Both novels provide a rich exploration of the American Dream, the challenges of social mobility, and the often artificial nature of the upper class. These shared elements highlight the enduring relevance of these classic works in understanding the complexities of American society.