The Great Gatsby

Definition

The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, which tells the story of Jay Gatsby and his unrelenting love for Daisy Buchanan amidst the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. This work reflects themes of aspiration, wealth, and the American Dream, serving as a critical social commentary on the moral decay of society during the 1920s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby during a time when America was experiencing significant social changes, including jazz music, flapper culture, and a shift in gender roles.
2. The narrative is primarily told from the perspective of Nick Carraway, who serves as both a participant and observer in the events surrounding Gatsby's life.
3. Symbolism is prevalent throughout the novel, with key symbols such as the green light representing Gatsby's unreachable dreams and the valley of ashes symbolizing moral decay.
4. The character of Jay Gatsby represents the archetype of a self-made man, driven by his desire for wealth and status to win back Daisy Buchanan, who embodies his unattainable dream.
5. The Great Gatsby critiques the idea of the American Dream by illustrating how wealth and social status can lead to disillusionment and tragedy rather than fulfillment.

Review Questions

• How does Fitzgerald use Nick Carraway's perspective to shape the reader's understanding of Gatsby's character?
  • Fitzgerald employs Nick Carraway as both narrator and character to provide a layered understanding of Gatsby. Nick's initial admiration for Gatsby evolves into a critical perspective as he witnesses the complexities of wealth, love, and disillusionment. Through Nick's observations and judgments, readers gain insight into Gatsby's tragic flaws and the societal pressures that shape his actions.
• Discuss the role of symbolism in The Great Gatsby and how it contributes to the themes of aspiration and disillusionment.
  • Symbolism is central to The Great Gatsby, with elements like the green light symbolizing Gatsby's hopes for a future with Daisy, while also highlighting the unattainable nature of dreams. The valley of ashes serves as a stark contrast to the glittering world of East Egg, representing moral decay beneath the surface of wealth. These symbols reinforce themes of aspiration intertwined with disillusionment, illustrating how dreams can become corrupted in pursuit of wealth.
• Evaluate how The Great Gatsby critiques the American Dream through its portrayal of characters' relationships with wealth and social status.
  • The Great Gatsby provides a critical examination of the American Dream by showcasing how characters' pursuits of wealth often lead to moral decay and personal tragedy. Through Jay Gatsby's rise from poverty to immense wealth, Fitzgerald illustrates that material success does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. The relationships among characters are strained by their social standings; for instance, Daisy's choice between love and wealth demonstrates how societal expectations can distort genuine connections. Ultimately, Fitzgerald suggests that the American Dream is not only elusive but also fraught with disillusionment.

Related terms

American Dream: A national ethos of the United States that emphasizes the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.

Roaring Twenties: A decade characterized by economic prosperity, cultural change, and a break from traditional values in the United States, often depicted in literature and art.

Social Class: A division of society based on social and economic status, which plays a significant role in the interactions and conflicts among characters in The Great Gatsby.