Ibrahim Gardner
Students studying F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby should pay attention to the novel's exploration of the American Dream and the social class dynamics of the 1920s. The novel critiques the notion that wealth and social status are the ultimate measures of success, and students can benefit from discussing their interpretations of these themes. Additionally, Fitzgerald's use of structural elements such as foreshadowing and dramatic irony contributes to the overall effect of the novel and warrants closer examination. The characterizations of Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom are also essential, as they embody the complexities of wealth, class, and personal relationships. Students can further enhance their understanding by comparing the novel to other works from the Harlem Renaissance and analyzing its color symbolism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Literary elements | Quotes, theme, voice, analysis evidence |
| Color symbolism | Art Deco style book covers from the Harlem Renaissance |
| Structural elements | Foreshadowing, omission, ambiguity, dramatic irony |
| Characterization | Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, Jordan Baker |
| Secret society | Class, wealth, status, codes of conduct |
| Historical context | The Roaring Twenties, the American Dream |
| Symbolism | New money, old money |
| Style | Fitzgerald's word flex |
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The American Dream
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a novel that explores the American Dream through the lens of the lavish 1920s. The American Dream, as defined by Barone, is the idea that "anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, [could] attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone". This dream is characterised by ideals such as freedom and the possibility of upward social mobility through hard work.
In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald critiques the notion of the American Dream, presenting it as both an unattainable and unwise goal. The character of Jay Gatsby serves as a clear example of this. Gatsby's single-minded pursuit of wealth is driven by his obsession with Daisy, which he believes will bridge the social gap between his "new money" status and the "old money" of the Buchanans. However, despite his success in accumulating wealth, Gatsby is never truly accepted by the upper class, and his dream remains unfulfilled. This failure to attain the American Dream suggests that it is not simply about the "culmination of wealth", as Pumphrey notes.
Fitzgerald's own life and experiences shaped his perspective on the American Dream. His father's business failures and his attendance at Princeton exposed him to the "old money" world, which he would later critique in his novel. The Great Gatsby serves as a reminder that true success and lasting joy may not lie in the accumulation of wealth, but in something deeper and more meaningful.
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Characterisation
Firstly, students should consider the role of the narrator, Nick Carraway. Nick's "within and without" perspective is an important aspect of the novel, as he is both a participant in the events and an observer. His unique viewpoint shapes the reader's understanding of the other characters and the themes of the novel. Students can discuss whether Nick is a reliable narrator and how his perspective influences the portrayal of other characters, particularly Gatsby.
Next, students should examine the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby is a clear example of a character obsessed with the past, particularly due to his unrequited love for Daisy. Students can explore how Gatsby's pursuit of wealth is driven by his desire to attain a certain social status and win Daisy's love. They can discuss whether Gatsby's wealth brings him true happiness and how his failure to attain the American Dream reflects on the novel's themes.
Additionally, students can analyse the other characters in relation to the theme of the American Dream. For instance, the contrast between "old money" and "new money" is embodied by the Buchanans and Gatsby, respectively. Students can discuss how the different characters' perceptions of wealth and social status affect their interactions and the overall narrative.
The character of Tom Buchanan can be examined as a representative of the "old money" establishment. His description in Chapter 1, with his "hard mouth and supercilious manner", sets the tone for the reader's perception of him. Students can discuss how Tom's social status and privileged background influence his behaviour and his relationship with Daisy.
Finally, students can explore the concept of a secret society within the novel. Daisy and Tom's privileged social circle can be analysed in terms of class, wealth, and status. Students can invent a credo for this secret society, considering the selection criteria and guidelines for behaviour. This activity can deepen their understanding of the complex social dynamics and power structures within the novel.
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Historical context
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was published in 1925 but is set in 1922, during the Jazz Age. This was a period of economic prosperity and cultural vigour, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties. It was a transformative period in American history, marked by a shift towards mass consumerism, the emergence of a new social elite, and a palpable sense of disillusionment with the American Dream.
The novel is steeped in the opulence and moral complexities of the era. It reflects the social and political environment of the time, including the aftermath of World War I, the rise of Prohibition, and the societal changes brought about by industrialization and machine technology. The setting of Long Island, with its prosperous economy, serves as a backdrop for exploring themes such as social class, inherited versus self-made wealth, gender expectations, race, and environmentalism.
The character of Jay Gatsby himself embodies the "latest America", with his obscure origins and indeterminate class status. This reflects the historical context of immigration and displacement, where the influx of Southern and Eastern European immigrants challenged the sense of national identity and raised questions about who constituted a "real American". The novel also explores the difficulties of achieving the American Dream, with Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy Buchanan serving as a symbol of his unrealizable goal to attain the American ideal.
Fitzgerald's personal experiences influenced the historical context of the novel. Having struggled to fit into high society due to his "new money" background, he drew on his own life for the characters of Nick Carraway and Gatsby. Additionally, Fitzgerald's time in France during the bulk of the novel's writing may have influenced his critique of American society and its values.
Understanding the historical context of The Great Gatsby is crucial for a deeper engagement with the novel. It allows readers to reflect on the costs and complexities of the American Dream and the aspirations and disillusionments of the Jazz Age. By connecting the novel to its historical backdrop, students can gain a richer understanding of Fitzgerald's critique of society and its relevance to our own times.
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Symbolism
The Green Light
The green light at the end of Daisy's East Egg dock, visible from Gatsby's West Egg lawn, is a pivotal symbol in the novel. It represents Gatsby's hopes, dreams, and yearning for a future with Daisy. The colour green is significant, as it represents the "new money" that Gatsby has acquired, which he believes will help him attain Daisy's love. The light also symbolises the unbridgeable distance between Gatsby and Daisy due to their differing social statuses.
The Valley of Ashes
The Valley of Ashes, situated between West Egg and New York City, is a desolate, grey place covered in industrial ashes. It symbolises the moral and social decay resulting from the unrestrained pursuit of wealth. The ash that covers everything and everyone in this valley represents the harsh conditions of the working class and the lack of joy or hope in their lives. It also symbolises the plight of the poor, who suffer as a result of the indulgences of the rich.
The Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg
The fading, bespectacled eyes painted on an old advertising billboard overlooking the Valley of Ashes are another important symbol. To Nick Carraway, they symbolise the haunting waste of the past. To George Wilson, they may represent God judging American society as a moral wasteland. The eyes also symbolise the arbitrariness of the mental process by which people invest objects with meaning.
Weather and Nature
Weather events and natural elements play a significant role in the novel and often symbolise the characters' emotions. For example, the downpour during Gatsby and Daisy's reunion symbolises suffering and dishonour, while tense confrontations are made more excruciating by unrelenting heat.
Gatsby's Mansion
Gatsby's enormous mansion, purchased with his newfound wealth, symbolises the extravagance of the Jazz Age. While Gatsby hopes that the mansion will impress Daisy and help him win her love, it ultimately fails to provide him with acceptance into high society or Daisy's affection. The mansion also symbolises the grandness and emptiness of the 1920s boom, as Gatsby fills it with celebrated people to justify living there alone.
The Clock
The clock in Nick's house symbolises the passage of time. When Gatsby and Daisy meet after five years, the clock emphasises the time that has passed and Gatsby's hope that he now has what it takes to win Daisy back.
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Secret societies
The concept of a "secret society" is a notable theme in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. This theme is particularly evident in the dynamics between the characters Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan.
During an evening at the Buchanans', Nick observes Daisy's "absolute smirk" that seems to assert her and Tom's membership in a "rather distinguished secret society". This secret society is implied to be comprised of the ultra-rich, with Daisy and Tom's wealth and status setting them apart from Nick.
Students can explore the characteristics of this secret society, considering the criteria for membership and the behaviour expected of its members. They can also reflect on the tensions surrounding wealth and status in the novel, and how these tensions influence Nick Carraway's struggle to belong.
A creative task for students could be to write a "credo" or set of beliefs for this secret society, drawing on the text for evidence. They might also analyse how Fitzgerald's personal experiences with wealth, including his father's business failures, influenced his portrayal of the ultra-rich in the novel.
Additionally, students can discuss the concept of class struggle in America as portrayed in the novel. They can explore how concerns about wealth, race, and geographical origins affect the perception of social status, and whether these factors contribute to the formation of secret societies or exclusive groups within the narrative.
Overall, the theme of secret societies in The Great Gatsby provides an opportunity to delve into the complexities of social class, wealth, and the personal struggles associated with these themes in the context of the Jazz Age.
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Frequently asked questions
Colour symbolism is important in *The Great Gatsby*. Students can look at the original cover of the novel and predict what it might be about based on the colours used. They can also examine other Art Deco-style book covers from the Harlem Renaissance to understand the artistic style of the time.
Nick Carraway is both within and without the world of the novel. He is a participant in the events but also a commentator on them. Students can discuss his perspective and how reliable or trustworthy he is as a narrator.
The novel is set in the 1920s, a time of economic inequality, prohibition, and the rise of organised crime. Students can learn about the historical context to better understand the novel's themes and the author's intentions.
The geographical setting of East Egg and West Egg symbolises the divide between the "old money" aristocracy and the "new money" self-made rich. Students can explore how this setting reflects the themes of social class and the American Dream.
The primary theme of the novel is the pursuit and critique of the American Dream. Students can discuss whether the American Dream is attainable and how it relates to the characters' desires for wealth, status, and happiness.
