The Great Gatsby

Definition

The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, that explores themes of decadence, idealism, and social change during the Jazz Age in America. It reflects the disillusionment of the American Dream through the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws extravagant parties in hopes of rekindling a romance with his former love, Daisy Buchanan. The narrative provides insight into the cultural climate of the 1920s and the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, as well as the moral decay that accompanied rapid economic growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Gatsby is often considered a critique of the American Dream, showing how it can lead to moral corruption and disillusionment.
2. The novel is set in the summer of 1922, amidst the backdrop of economic prosperity but also deep social stratification.
3. Fitzgerald uses symbolism throughout the novel, notably the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, representing Gatsby's unattainable dreams.
4. The characters in The Great Gatsby represent various aspects of society during the Roaring Twenties, with distinct differences in their social class and values.
5. Fitzgerald's work gained significant recognition posthumously, becoming a defining text of American literature that continues to be studied for its themes and historical context.

Review Questions

• How does The Great Gatsby reflect the themes of wealth and social class during the 1920s?
  • The Great Gatsby highlights the stark contrasts between different social classes through its characters and settings. Jay Gatsby's opulent lifestyle represents the new money class striving for acceptance among old money elites like Tom Buchanan. The novel illustrates how wealth does not guarantee happiness or moral integrity, as seen in the hollow lives of characters like Tom and Daisy. This commentary on class distinctions mirrors the societal shifts occurring during the 1920s.
• Discuss the significance of symbolism in The Great Gatsby, particularly focusing on the green light and other key symbols.
  • Symbolism plays a crucial role in conveying deeper meanings within The Great Gatsby. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams for a future with her, embodying his unattainable desires. Other symbols, such as the Valley of Ashes representing moral decay and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg serving as a metaphor for judgment, contribute to Fitzgerald's critique of American society. Together, these symbols enrich the narrative and emphasize its themes of aspiration and disillusionment.
• Evaluate how F. Scott Fitzgerald uses his characters to illustrate the moral decay associated with the pursuit of wealth in The Great Gatsby.
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald crafts characters like Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan to showcase the moral decay linked to their pursuit of wealth. Gatsby embodies ambition and hope but ultimately falls victim to his idealism as he seeks to reclaim a lost love through material success. In contrast, Tom represents entitlement and brutality inherent in old money, showcasing how wealth breeds corruption. Through these characters’ experiences and choices, Fitzgerald reveals that the relentless chase for wealth often leads to emptiness and moral compromise.

Related terms

American Dream: A national ethos in the United States that emphasizes the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and determination.

Jazz Age: The period in the 1920s characterized by a cultural revolution in music, fashion, and social norms, reflecting a time of prosperity and excess in American society.

Prohibition: A nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. from 1920 to 1933, which fueled underground speakeasies and organized crime.