Psychoanalytical Reading

       Tyson's psychoanalytical reading of The Great Gatsby was persuasive and legitimate in some areas, yet a far stretch in others. When Tyson begins by discussing Tom and Daisy's relationship, she draws a valid conclusion of their fear of intimacy. For example, Tyson says, "obviously based on fear of intimacy: Tom Buchanan's chronic extramarital affairs." Tom is clearly avoiding intimacy by taking part in two relationships. Daisy, who is high-class and "represents social superiority", is Tom's reassurance that he is an important man. Myrtle, who is "smoldering" and "sensuous" reinforces Toms sense of masculinity. Tom's need to emphasize his superiority over other men also proves an insecurity and lack of self-confidence that effects his interpersonal relationships. Next, Tyson discusses Daisy's fear of intimacy. She starts by writing, " Its obvious that Daisy didn't love Tom when she married him." This statement is true, and supported well by her follow up saying, "...married Tom to keep herself from loving Gatsby, whom she had gotten too attached to for her own comfort." Once Daisy realized Gatsby was not in her social-class, she couldn't bear be with him. Daisy not accepting Gatsby's social class is evidence of Daisy's insecurities, similar to Tom's. Daisy uses Gatsby as a distraction to her failing romantic relationship with Tom. The Buchanan's relationship is based of off fear of intimacy and lack of self-confidence, thus, it is not a successful romantic relationship.
       Next, Tyson attempts to psychoanalyze Nick's romantic relationships, and does not do so successfully. She talks about Nick's past relationships before Jordan and says, "Clearly, this relationship was more serious than he cares to acknowledge." Although, this 'relationship' was discussed very briefly in the novel, and does not play an important role in Nick's character. Tyson stretches to find a true connection between Nick and fear of intimacy. Nick becomes very close with Gatsby; proving he does not fear intimacy like Daisy and Tom do. Tyson's psychoanalytic reading of The Great Gatsby was accurate with a select group of characters such as the Buchanans but gives the impression of being forced upon other characters, such as Nick.