The following essay shall examine the representation of the American Dream and modernity through the images of the visual culture in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Therefor, a historical and cultural background is of necessity to fully understand the literary work. Also the relation between the novel and its time will be discussed. In order to elaborate on modernist writing techniques and the use of symbols, a close reading is given in chapter three. Finally, the reception in film shall be discussed with regard to portrayal of visual images.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby (1925) is without any controversy a classic of its time and still finds reception in scholarships and films. Due to current issues like class inequality or the pursuit of wealth, “Fitzgerald´s masterpiece has never been more relevant” (The Guardian). Written during the Golden 20s, the novel is set in a time in which social and political norms were transformed drastically. On the one hand this generation celebrated wealth and economic success, but on the other the loss of norms and traditions stamped this time. The majority of people moved to the modernized city, driven by the Dream of Success.The Jazz Age embodies the social and cultural changes associated with the modernism movement, which counts any literary production from the interwar period that discusses the issues of modernity (Baym). A society that experienced the breakdown of norms and beliefs wanted to anticipated from former rules also in writing and focused “realist expression[s]” (Le Fustec) of their environment. Likewise, modernity and inventions, as well as the belief in the American Dream are mirrored critically in literature of that time. As a result of inventions, the visual culture, i.e. culture expressed through images, became increasingly established. This also shows up in contemporaneous literary production through the agglomerated use of symbols. The belief in the great American Dream encouraged generations of Americans to pursue their hopes and go further, despite race or social standards. Though, the experience of failure likewise affected people´s dreams. As a matter of historical and cultural criticism, The Great Gatsby perfectly captures the contradictions of that time, when it tells the story of a young male who believes in the Self-Made Man and enters upper class just to reacquire his early love Daisy. [...]
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The Era of Modernism
1.1 The Golden 20s and Modernity
1.2 Modernism Movement
1.3 The Rise of the American Dream
1.4 The Great Gatsby in front of its Time
2. Case Study
2.1 Symbols of Visual Culture in The Great Gatsby
2.2 Close Reading
2.3 Narrative Situation: Nick as Narrator
2.4 Narrative Situation: Style and Content
3. The Great Gatsby´s reception in film
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines how F. Scott Fitzgerald uses visual culture and modernist literary techniques to represent the intersection of the American Dream and the rapid societal changes during the 1920s, ultimately questioning the attainability of success and the reliability of the narrative perspective.
- Analysis of the historical and cultural context of the Jazz Age and the Modernism movement.
- Exploration of visual culture and symbol usage as defining characteristics of modernist narrative style.
- Critical investigation into the representation and failure of the American Dream through key characters.
- Evaluation of narrative reliability and the influence of visual imagery in both the novel and its cinematic adaptations.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Close Reading
The influence of the American Dream and modernity, just as the modernist use of symbols shall be examined more closely in the following. Therefor two selected excerpts that mark the beginning and end of the novel are used. Those two quotes frame the story line of The Great Gatsby and both deal with the issue of dreams and hopes, yet from different perspectives. The paragraph from chapter one foreshadows the novel, whilst the last words show resolution. Nick comes back to the place where he saw Gatsby in the very beginning and met him the first time, only this time the character is already dead. Thus, one can notice a considerably change of mood. How the American Dream and modernity is referenced here through visual images shall be examined in the following.
But I didn't call to him for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone - he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and far as I was from him I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward -and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock. (Fitzgerald 16)
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: The introduction outlines the relevance of Fitzgerald's classic work in the context of class inequality and the American Dream, while setting the stage for an analysis of the novel's modernist techniques.
1. The Era of Modernism: This chapter contextualizes the novel within the historical framework of the Jazz Age, discussing the transition of societal norms and the emergence of modernism in literature and art.
1.1 The Golden 20s and Modernity: It explores the transformation of the social and political landscape during the 1920s, highlighting the tension between newfound prosperity and the loss of traditional values.
1.2 Modernism Movement: This section details the rise of the modernist movement, focusing on non-linear writing styles and the critical reflection of modernity in literary works.
1.3 The Rise of the American Dream: This part investigates the societal belief in the American Dream, contrasting the ideal of success with the reality of failure and social barriers.
1.4 The Great Gatsby in front of its Time: The chapter connects the novel to the contradictions of the 1920s, arguing that the work serves as a critical reflection of contemporary values.
2. Case Study: This chapter provides an in-depth analytical application of the previously established theoretical framework to specific elements of the novel.
2.1 Symbols of Visual Culture in The Great Gatsby: It analyzes how technology and visual symbols, such as cars and telephones, are utilized to mirror societal criticism.
2.2 Close Reading: Through a textual analysis of the beginning and end of the novel, this section illustrates the shift in the perception of the American Dream.
2.3 Narrative Situation: Nick as Narrator: This part examines the role and reliability of Nick Carraway as a first-person narrator and his function as a stylistic tool.
2.4 Narrative Situation: Style and Content: The chapter explores the rhetorical concept of style and content, focusing on how the novel communicates its meaning without providing clear moral resolutions.
3. The Great Gatsby´s reception in film: This final analytical chapter discusses how the visual imagery of the novel is interpreted and adapted in modern film, specifically looking at the 2013 version.
Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main findings, emphasizing that the novel remains a classic for its timeless critique of the American identity and its innovative modernist form.
Keywords
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Modernism, American Dream, Visual Culture, Jazz Age, Narrative Perspective, Symbolism, Modernity, Social Critique, Film Adaptation, Nick Carraway, Materialism, Intermediality, Literary Criticism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper explores how F. Scott Fitzgerald represents the American Dream and modernity in "The Great Gatsby" by focusing on the use of visual imagery and modernist narrative techniques.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the breakdown of social norms in the 1920s, the failure of the American Dream, the impact of rapid technological advancement, and the role of materialism in shaping societal relationships.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The primary goal is to analyze how the novel uses symbols of visual culture to critically engage with the time period and to evaluate how the narrative structure supports these thematic critiques.
Which scientific methods are employed in this analysis?
The research utilizes literary and cultural criticism, including close reading of textual excerpts, analysis of narrative reliability, and a comparative study between the novel and its filmic reception.
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the historical context of the Jazz Age, the influence of the modernism movement, the role of visual symbolism, the narrative structure with Nick Carraway as a mediator, and the intermedial reception of the story in film.
What are the defining keywords of this paper?
Key terms include "The Great Gatsby," "Modernism," "American Dream," "Visual Culture," "Narrative Perspective," and "Social Critique."
How does the paper interpret the "green light"?
The green light is interpreted as a symbol for hope, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the unreachable nature of the past, representing both the potential for success and the ultimate failure to grasp it.
Why is Nick Carraway's role as narrator considered significant?
Nick's role is significant because his status as a first-person narrator allows him to shape the story subjectively, raising questions about the reliability of the narrative and the influence of his own social standing on the reader's perception.
How does the 2013 film adaptation reflect the novel's themes?
The adaptation uses cinematic techniques like fast-paced visuals and dramatic music to embody the rush of the Jazz Age and visualizes social inequality by contrasting the luxury of East Egg with the desolation of the Valley of Ashes.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2019, The Representation of American Dream and Modernity through the Images of Visual Culture in Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1032008
