how toxic relationships are present in the great gatsby and macbeth and how it effects the characters

Toxic Relationships in The Great Gatsby and Macbeth

Toxic relationships are present in many works of literature and can significantly impact
the plot and characters in a story. The Great Gatsby and Macbeth are two works that explore this
theme, and the characters in these stories are significantly affected by the toxic relationships in
which they are involved. In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby's demise and Daisy's corruption are both
the result of the toxic nature of his relationship with Daisy. In Macbeth, the toxic relationship
between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth fuels their ambition and ultimately leads to their tragic
downfall. Both texts demonstrate how toxic relationships can corrupt and destroy individuals.
Therefore, insights are provided herein by examining how the theme of toxic relationships is
present in The Great Gatsby and Macbeth and how it impacts the plot and characters in each
work.
The Great Gatsby
The toxic relationship between Gatsby and Daisy is a significant factor in the plot and
character development of The Great Gatsby. Gatsby is completely infatuated with Daisy and is
willing to do anything to win her back, even if it means participating in illegal activities such as
bootlegging. However, Gatsby's love for Daisy ultimately leads to his downfall, as he cannot see
that Daisy is a flawed and selfish character. "He knew that when he kissed this girl and forever
wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the
mind of God. So, he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck

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upon a star. Then he kissed her. She blossomed for him at his lips' touch like a flower and the
incarnation was complete." (Fitzgerald 143). In this quote, Gatsby describes when he finally
decides to kiss Daisy. He recognizes that this moment will mark the end of his idealized vision of
her and the beginning of a more realistic and potentially disappointing relationship. Despite this,
he is still willing to take the risk because he deeply loves Daisy. However, this love is not
necessarily healthy or selfless, as Gatsby has gone to great lengths to manipulate and deceive
Daisy to win her affection. He has created a false persona for himself and lied about his past to
seem more attractive to her. Due to his blind love for her, Gatsby is doomed to fail in the end.
The relationship between Tom and Daisy is toxic. "I've been everywhere and seen
everything and done everything. Sophisticated – God, I'm sophisticated!" (Fitzgerald 119). In
this quote, Tom brags about his wealth and experiences, showing his toxic sense of entitlement
and superiority. This toxic attitude extends to his relationship with Daisy, as he sees her as a
possession rather than a person. This toxic relationship ultimately leads to the death of both
Gatsby and Myrtle, as Tom's actions and attitudes contribute to their demise.
The quote from Tom in The Great Gatsby highlights his toxic sense of entitlement and
superiority. He brags about his wealth and experiences, indicating that he sees himself as better
than others due to his material possessions and social status. This toxic attitude extends to his
relationship with Daisy, as he sees her as a possession rather than a person. He treats her as an
object to be owned and controlled rather than as an equal partner in their relationship. The toxic
dynamic ultimately leads to the death of both Gatsby and Myrtle, as Tom's actions and attitudes
contribute to their demise. When Gatsby begins to pursue Daisy, Tom becomes jealous and
resentful, leading him to take violent and destructive actions. He is ultimately responsible for

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Gatsby's death, as his actions and behavior cause the chain of events that lead to Gatsby's
murder.
Furthermore, Tom's toxic behavior towards women is also evident in his relationship with
Myrtle. He sees her as a convenient way to satisfy his desires and interests and is willing to use
and abuse her without regard for her feelings or well-being. It ultimately leads to her death, as
Tom's actions and behavior contribute to the accident that kills her. Overall, the quote from Tom
in The Great Gatsby highlights the toxic nature of his relationship with Daisy and the destructive
consequences of his entitlement and superiority. His actions and attitudes contribute to the death
of both Gatsby and Myrtle, demonstrating the destructive power of toxic relationships.
Macbeth
The toxic relat