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. It is narrated by Nick Carraway, who recounts the tragic story of Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, reflecting on the disillusionment and moral decay of society in that era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nick Carraway, as the unreliable narrator, often provides a skewed perspective on the events unfolding around him, creating ambiguity about truth and morality.
2. The novel contrasts the opulence of East Egg with the desolation of the Valley of Ashes, highlighting the disparity between wealth and moral decay.
3. Gatsby's lavish parties serve as a backdrop for his unattainable dream of rekindling his romance with Daisy Buchanan.
4. Fitzgerald uses first-person narration to give readers insight into Nick's thoughts and feelings, making them question his reliability throughout the narrative.
5. The ending of the novel leaves readers with a sense of unresolved tension as Gatsby's dreams collapse under the weight of reality and societal norms.

Review Questions

• How does Nick Carraway's role as an unreliable narrator affect the reader's understanding of Gatsby and his motivations?
  • Nick Carraway's position as an unreliable narrator creates a layered understanding of Jay Gatsby. His subjective observations and judgments often reflect his own biases and insecurities, leading readers to question the authenticity of what they perceive about Gatsby's wealth and romantic pursuits. This unreliability also highlights themes of illusion versus reality, making it difficult to discern true motives and emotions within the narrative.
• Discuss how Fitzgerald utilizes symbolism in The Great Gatsby to enhance themes related to social class and aspiration.
  • Fitzgerald employs powerful symbolism throughout The Great Gatsby to deepen themes of social class and aspiration. For instance, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby's unreachable dreams and desire for a future with her, while the Valley of Ashes represents the moral decay resulting from excessive wealth. These symbols reinforce the novel's critique of the American Dream and illustrate how aspiration can lead to disillusionment.
• Evaluate how Fitzgerald’s portrayal of 1920s America in The Great Gatsby reflects broader societal issues still relevant today.
  • Fitzgerald’s portrayal of 1920s America in The Great Gatsby serves as a critique of social stratification and the quest for identity through wealth. By showcasing characters like Gatsby, who represents both ambition and tragic failure, Fitzgerald highlights timeless issues such as materialism and moral decay that resonate with contemporary audiences. The contrast between appearance and reality within social classes raises questions about authenticity and success in modern society, emphasizing that the pursuit of happiness often leads to disillusionment.

Related terms

Narrative Perspective: The angle from which a story is told, significantly affecting how events and characters are presented to the reader.

Symbolism:

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, which in The Great Gatsby includes the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg.

American Dream: A cultural ideal that suggests success and prosperity can be achieved through hard work and determination, central to Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and love.