The Great Gatsby

Definition

The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, that captures the essence of the American Dream and the disillusionment of the 1920s. It reflects modernist characteristics through its themes of class struggle, the pursuit of wealth, and the moral decay hidden beneath the glitz of the Jazz Age. The narrative style, use of symbolism, and exploration of identity further exemplify the literary modernism movement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who offers a first-person perspective on the extravagant life of Jay Gatsby and the social dynamics of East Egg and West Egg.
2. The character of Jay Gatsby represents both the allure and corruption of wealth, as he throws lavish parties in hopes of rekindling a romance with Daisy Buchanan.
3. Fitzgerald uses vivid imagery and symbolism to critique the American Dream, showcasing how it can lead to moral decay rather than fulfillment.
4. The Great Gatsby reflects a sense of disillusionment with post-World War I America, highlighting themes of class division and the emptiness of material success.
5. The novel ends tragically with Gatsby's death, underscoring the futility of his dreams and the harsh realities of a society obsessed with wealth and status.

Review Questions

• How does F. Scott Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby to convey themes related to modernism?
  • Fitzgerald employs various symbols throughout The Great Gatsby to illustrate themes of disillusionment and the moral decay of society. For example, the green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's unreachable dream and represents the broader idea of the American Dream itself. Additionally, the valley of ashes serves as a stark contrast to the opulence of East Egg, highlighting the consequences of unchecked ambition and materialism in modern society.
• Discuss how The Great Gatsby reflects modernist characteristics in its portrayal of social class and identity.
  • The Great Gatsby embodies modernist characteristics by examining social class structures and personal identity within a rapidly changing society. Through characters like Gatsby, who rises from humble beginnings to immense wealth, Fitzgerald critiques the notion that financial success equates to happiness or acceptance. The stark divide between East Egg's aristocracy and West Egg's nouveau riche illustrates how identity is shaped not just by wealth but also by societal perceptions, revealing a complex interplay between class and self-worth.
• Analyze how The Great Gatsby's narrative style contributes to its overall impact as a modernist text.
  • The narrative style of The Great Gatsby plays a crucial role in shaping its impact as a modernist text. Nick Carraway’s first-person perspective provides an intimate yet subjective view of events, allowing readers to experience both his admiration and skepticism towards Gatsby’s world. This blend creates an unreliable narrative that invites readers to question the validity of perceptions related to wealth and success. Furthermore, Fitzgerald’s use of fragmented storytelling mirrors modernist techniques that reflect the disjointed realities faced by individuals during this era, enhancing the novel’s critique of the American Dream.

Related terms

American Dream: A national ethos that emphasizes the idea of success through hard work and determination, often critiqued in The Great Gatsby as being unattainable for many.

Symbolism:

A literary device where symbols are used to represent ideas or concepts, prevalent in The Great Gatsby with elements like the green light and the valley of ashes.

Stream of Consciousness: A narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings, used in modernist literature including aspects of Fitzgerald's writing style.