The Influence of Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' on F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby has been the subject of extensive literary analysis, with many scholars attributing various influences to his writing. One of the most prominent comparisons is the influence of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. Both novels share notable thematic and structural similarities, leading to debates among critics and enthusiasts alike.

Structural Parallelisms

One of the most significant parallels between The Great Gatsby and Heart of Darkness is the narrative structure. Both novels use a first-person narrator who unfolds the story through a series of reflections and observations, often not in a strict chronological order. In Heart of Darkness, the narrator Marlow pieces together the story of the enigmatic Kurtz, while in The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway serves as both a participant and observer of the events, piecing together the story of Jay Gatsby as he learns more about the protagonist.

This narrative technique, known as the unreliable narrator, adds layers of complexity and ambiguity to both stories. It has been extensively analyzed by critics, with James E. Miller's The Fictional Technique of Scott Fitzgerald (1957) offering a detailed exploration of these narrative elements.

Thematic Analysis

Both novels delve into themes of corruption, the destructive nature of ambition, and the clash between idealism and reality. The portrayal of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby is similarly bleak to the portrayal of European civilization in Heart of Darkness. Both protagonists, Gatsby and Kurtz, embody this dream and face devastating consequences when their illusions are shattered.

Sara Antonelli's work in F Scott Fitzgerald Review 13 (2015) provides a detailed examination of the tragic heroes in both novels. Gatsby, like Kurtz, is a tragic figure whose pursuit of his idealized vision leads to his downfall. This parallel in the conception of the tragic hero highlights the thematic similarities between the two works.

Disagreement and Controversy

Despite these similarities, there is a significant body of scholarly work and public opinion that does not recognize a direct influence of Heart of Darkness on The Great Gatsby. In a recent conversation, an individual with extensive experience in teaching these novels stated that they had never heard of any connection between the two stories, even after teaching them for decades. This suggests a divergence in scholarly interpretation.

Further, another expert in the field of literature, who wrote their Master's thesis on The Great Gatsby, also expressed a lack of recognition of any significant connection between the two novels. Their position is based on their deep understanding of the literary context and their long-standing experience with these texts.

It is important to note that the absence of direct influence does not diminish the value or significance of either novel. Each work stands alone as a profound exploration of human nature and societal issues.

Conclusion

While there are thematic and structural similarities between Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, a consensus on a direct and undeniable influence remains elusive. The debate continues, reflecting the ongoing interest in these classic works and their ability to inspire and challenge readers and critics alike.