The Great Gatsby

Definition

The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, that explores themes of wealth, class, love, and the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway and follows the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby as he pursues his former love, Daisy Buchanan, amid the opulence and moral decay of the era. Its rich symbolism and complex characters make it a significant work in American literature, often adapted into various films and stage productions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Gatsby was published during the Jazz Age, a time marked by economic prosperity and cultural change in America, which heavily influences its setting and themes.
2. The character of Jay Gatsby is often viewed as a tragic figure whose obsessive love for Daisy symbolizes the unattainable nature of the American Dream.
3. Fitzgerald's use of first-person narration through Nick Carraway provides a unique perspective on the events and characters, adding depth to the story's critique of society.
4. The novel features rich imagery and symbolism, including the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, representing Gatsby's hopes and dreams.
5. Although initially receiving mixed reviews, The Great Gatsby has since become a staple of American literature curricula and is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How does F. Scott Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby to enhance its themes?
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald employs various symbols throughout The Great Gatsby to deepen the exploration of themes such as aspiration and disillusionment. For example, the green light at Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's unattainable dreams, while the valley of ashes represents moral decay amid wealth. These symbols not only enhance the narrative but also provide critical insights into the American Dream's complexities and contradictions.
• In what ways does The Great Gatsby reflect modernist literary techniques and themes?
  • The Great Gatsby exemplifies modernist literature through its fragmented narrative structure and deep psychological character studies. Fitzgerald moves away from traditional storytelling by offering multiple perspectives, primarily through Nick Carraway's unreliable narration. This modernist approach highlights themes of disillusionment and existential questioning that resonate throughout the novel as characters grapple with their identities amid societal changes.
• Evaluate the impact of The Great Gatsby's portrayal of the American Dream on contemporary discussions about wealth and class in society.
  • The portrayal of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby has a lasting impact on contemporary discussions regarding wealth and class. Fitzgerald critiques this ideal by illustrating how characters like Gatsby achieve material success yet remain emotionally unfulfilled. This complexity invites readers to reconsider notions of success, privilege, and morality in today's society, where similar disparities exist. By highlighting the emptiness behind wealth, The Great Gatsby remains relevant in ongoing debates about economic inequality and social mobility.

Related terms

American Dream: A national ethos that emphasizes the possibility of achieving success and prosperity through hard work and determination, often critiqued in The Great Gatsby.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities; in The Great Gatsby, elements like the green light and the valley of ashes carry deeper meanings.

Modernism: A literary movement characterized by a break from traditional forms and an exploration of new perspectives; The Great Gatsby embodies modernist themes through its fragmented narrative style.