the great gatsby essay prompt

prompt 3 - How does Fitzgerald’s characterization create a tone around the theme of happiness?  What is Fitzgerald’s attitude toward happiness?  Does it depend on love, on external markers such as wealth, on repairing or atoning for the past, or on something that is unattainable?

    Fitzgerald's characterization creates a tone around the theme of happiness through the actions, decisions, and word play used by  the characters. The main characters often play a facade to mask their true feelings and prove that they aren't true. This is shown when Gatsby tells Tom about the affair. He seems almost suave and carefree but we can infer that he was offended when Daisy left with Tom because Gatsby stood outside Toms house keeping an eye on Daisy.
    Another event that occurs can also prove happiness was that involving Mr. Wilson. Out of desperation, Mr. Wilson guns down Gatsby as he assumed Gatsby killed Myrtle Wilson and killed himself as a result. Again, we can infer that Mr. Wilson's love for Myrtle caused him to take drastic measures to avenge his loved one.