Though vastly different in genre and context, both The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning grapple with the theme of faith, albeit in contrasting ways.
In The Great Gatsby:
* Faith in the American Dream: The novel portrays a disillusioned perspective on the American Dream. Gatsby's unwavering belief in his ability to recreate the past and win Daisy back represents a blind faith in the power of wealth and material possessions. However, his tragic downfall reveals the futility of this faith, highlighting the unattainable nature of the American Dream.
* Faith in love: Gatsby's love for Daisy is driven by an almost religious devotion. He believes their love is destined to be, even when faced with the harsh realities of their circumstances. This faith ultimately leads to his demise, as he sacrifices his integrity and even his life for the idealized version of Daisy in his mind.
* Loss of Faith: The characters in Gatsby, particularly Nick Carraway, experience a loss of faith in humanity. Nick's initial optimism and belief in Gatsby's redemptive potential eventually turn into disillusionment. He recognizes the emptiness and moral decay surrounding him, questioning the values of the Roaring Twenties and the hollowness of the upper class.
In Sonnets from the Portuguese:
* Faith in love: Unlike Gatsby's idealized faith, Browning's faith in love is deeply personal and grounded in a profound emotional connection. Her sonnets explore the complexities of love, from doubt and uncertainty to unwavering devotion. She expresses faith in the transformative power of love, believing it can overcome obstacles and challenges.
* Faith in God: While not explicitly stated, Browning's faith in God is implied in her sonnets, often expressed through metaphors and religious imagery. She views love as a divine force, guiding her and sustaining her through the trials of their relationship.
* Faith in the future: Browning's sonnets express a hopeful outlook on the future of their love. She has faith in their ability to build a life together, overcoming the challenges of societal expectations and their own personal vulnerabilities.
Comparison:
* Context: Gatsby reflects the disillusionment of the post-war era, questioning the American Dream and the values of its era. Sonnets from the Portuguese, on the other hand, offers a personal and romantic perspective on faith, rooted in a Victorian context that emphasized sentimentality and the power of love.
* Nature of Faith: Gatsby explores the dangers of blind faith and misplaced trust, while Browning's faith is deeply personal, introspective, and anchored in her emotional connection with her beloved.
* Outcome of Faith: In Gatsby, faith ultimately leads to tragedy, highlighting the destructive nature of illusions and unattainable dreams. In Sonnets from the Portuguese, faith serves as a source of strength and hope, offering solace and a belief in a brighter future.
Conclusion:
While both Gatsby and Sonnets from the Portuguese explore themes of faith, they do so in contrasting ways. Gatsby showcases the perils of blind faith and the disillusionment of a lost era, while Browning's sonnets celebrate the transformative power of love and express a hopeful outlook on the future. These contrasting perspectives offer a nuanced and insightful exploration of the multifaceted nature of faith in human relationships.