The Great Gatsby

Definition

The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald that tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who is obsessed with a former lover, Daisy Buchanan, set in the 1920s. The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the American Dream, revealing the disillusionment and moral decay behind the glittering facade of wealth and success in America during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, who offers a first-hand perspective of the events surrounding Gatsby and the other characters.
2. The novel is set during the Roaring Twenties, a time of significant social change and economic prosperity in America following World War I.
3. Jay Gatsby's extravagant parties symbolize the excesses of wealth and the pursuit of pleasure during this era, highlighting the emptiness behind such lifestyles.
4. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire for love and acceptance.
5. Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by illustrating how wealth does not equate to happiness or fulfillment, as seen through the tragic fate of Gatsby.

Review Questions

• How does Nick Carraway’s perspective influence the reader’s understanding of Jay Gatsby's character?
  • Nick Carraway’s perspective is crucial as he provides both an insider's view and an outsider's judgment of Gatsby. His admiration for Gatsby’s hope and dreams contrasts with his recognition of Gatsby’s tragic flaws and moral ambiguity. This duality allows readers to empathize with Gatsby while also questioning the values that drive his actions throughout the novel.
• In what ways does The Great Gatsby reflect the historical context of the 1920s in America?
  • The Great Gatsby captures the essence of the 1920s, also known as the Jazz Age, by showcasing themes like excess, hedonism, and social stratification. The post-World War I economic boom led to a culture obsessed with wealth and status. Fitzgerald illustrates this through characters like Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, who embody both the allure and moral emptiness of this period. The backdrop of Prohibition further highlights the contradictions in society where legality and morality often clash.
• Evaluate how Fitzgerald uses symbolism in The Great Gatsby to critique the American Dream.
  • Fitzgerald employs various symbols to critique the American Dream, particularly through elements like the green light and the Valley of Ashes. The green light symbolizes unattainable dreams and aspirations while representing hope for a better future; however, its elusiveness reveals how such dreams often lead to despair. The Valley of Ashes serves as a stark contrast to the opulence of East Egg and West Egg, representing moral decay resulting from unchecked ambition and materialism. Through these symbols, Fitzgerald argues that the American Dream is corrupted by greed and superficiality.

Related terms

Jazz Age: A term used to describe the 1920s in America, characterized by jazz music, flapper culture, and a sense of rebellion against traditional norms.

American Dream: The national ethos of the United States, centered on the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.

Narrative Perspective: The vantage point from which a story is told, including first-person, second-person, or third-person perspectives.