Comparing Protagonists: Troy Maxson and Jay Gatsby

The protagonists of "Fences" and "The Great Gatsby", Troy Maxson and Jay Gatsby respectively, share intriguing similarities despite their different backgrounds. Both characters are complex, often displaying traits that blur the line between protagonist and antagonist.

Troy Maxson, the central character in "Fences", is a former Negro League baseball player now working as a garbage collector. His character is shaped by his difficult past and unfulfilled dreams. Troy's relationship with his son Cory is particularly strained, revealing the complexity of his character.

Quote: "It's my job, it's my responsibility! You understand that? A man got to take care of his family. You live in my house, sleep on my bedclothes, fill your belly up on my food... cause you my son. You my flesh and blood. Not cause I like you! Cause it's my duty to take care of you. I owe a responsibility to you!"

This quote demonstrates Troy's harsh approach to parenting, which stems from his own experiences and disappointments. His actions, including cheating on his wife Rose, further complicate his role as a protagonist.

Jay Gatsby, while generally portrayed as charming and well-mannered, also exhibits morally ambiguous behavior. His reaction to Myrtle's death reveals a single-minded focus on Daisy that borders on callousness.

Quote: "Did you see any trouble on the road?" he asked after a minute. "Yes." He hesitated. "Was she killed?" "Yes." "I thought so; I told Daisy I thought so. It's better that the shock should all come at once. She stood it pretty well."

This exchange highlights Gatsby's obsession with Daisy, showing how his pursuit of love can overshadow moral considerations.

Highlight: Both Troy Maxson and Jay Gatsby are complex characters whose actions often challenge the reader's perception of them as traditional protagonists.

The Impact of Deferred Dreams

A central theme in both "Fences" and "The Great Gatsby" is the profound impact of unfulfilled dreams on the characters' lives. This theme is particularly evident in the stories of Troy Maxson and Jay Gatsby.

Troy Maxson's character analysis reveals a man deeply affected by his unrealized dream of becoming a professional baseball player. The racial segregation and discrimination of his era prevented Troy from achieving his potential in the sport. This disappointment leads to resentment and influences his relationship with his son Cory, as Troy refuses to support Cory's football aspirations.

Highlight: Troy's unfulfilled dream of baseball success creates a cycle of resentment that affects his relationship with his son Cory.

Jay Gatsby's dream is centered on reclaiming his past relationship with Daisy. Born into poverty, Gatsby reinvents himself as a wealthy man in an attempt to win Daisy's love. His obsession with the past is evident in his conversation with Nick:

Quote: "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"

This quote underscores Gatsby's belief that his wealth can erase the years and allow him to start anew with Daisy. However, like Troy's dream, Gatsby's aspiration remains unfulfilled, ending tragically with his death.

Vocabulary: Deferred dreams - aspirations or goals that are postponed or remain unrealized, often due to external circumstances or societal barriers.

The theme of deferred dreams in both novels highlights how unfulfilled aspirations can shape a character's motivations, actions, and relationships, often leading to conflict and tragedy.