In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare and in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the objective is to disseminate the quintessence of humanity. Although the protagonists of both literary works go on drastically different journeys that lead to climactic endings, the use of plot serves to demonstrate that the essence of humanity is ultimately a tragedy if great care is not taken. Both Hamlet and Jay Gatsby are unable to focus on the reality of the situation, and rather waste precious time simply focusing on the appearance of things. However, Hamlet is a character completely consumed by desperation and ultimately believes that life is futile. In contrast, Gatsby is a character who is rather obsessive about achieving the American dream and winning Daisy's love, and is far too anticipatory. Hamlet and Gatsby are remarkably similar in that they focus on what appears to be something, rather than the truth. Hamlet's introduction reveals that he is the melancholy prince of Denmark and the grieving son of the recently deceased king. His constant overanalysis is the product of an explicitly contemplative mind and a difficult situation. Before revealing that his father's death is not an accident, Hamlet jokes with his mother that he "does not know that he does not seem" (Shakespeare 1.2.76), as he does not understand what she means by seems. He further elaborates with “But I don't have what the show goes through; / These are but the ornaments and garments of misfortune” (1.2.85-86). Now, he seems to tell his mother, without many words, that he doesn't show his emotions blatantly on his face but instead hides them inside. He is telling her that there is more pain inside him than can ever be seen on the surface, and that “his ward… middle of paper… against the infinite anxieties of life. The existential and substantial meaning of life is general and constantly falls victim to his questions as he ponders: Dying, sleeping, sleeping: maybe dreaming: yes, that's the problem Because in that sleep of death what dreams can come, When have we got rid of this mortal coils It must make us think (3.1.65-69). His use of “we” indicates that he does not apply this question only to his own existence, but to that of all humanity. This is his question about the essence of life. It is only when he finally declares "This is I, / Hamlet the Dane!" (5.1.250-251) who finally decides to shape his own existence by taking on the existential responsibility of avenging his father's death. Works Cited The Great Gatsby. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1950. Print.Shakespeare, William, Marilyn Eisenstat and Ken Roy. Hamlet. Toronto: Harcourt Canada, 2003. Print.