Robert Frost, a contemporary of Francis Scott Fitzgerald, once said that “poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.“ In Fitzgerald's fabulous novel The Great Gatsby, published in 1925,
this seems to be the author's intention, when in a largely poetic tone he depicts life in the so-called “Roaring Twenties“. He took life by the throat and simultaneously pointed at social injustices that were accompanying the economic prosperity of his time. Fitzgerald's masterpiece primarily deals with the American upper class in the 1920s and demonstrates some of the internal processes of “high society." In the novel representatives of the upper class are engaged in acts of egotism, self-aggrandizement, and heartlessness. Their ubiquitous lack of empathy and understanding for the concerns of others, their downright brutality and self-centeredness pervades the whole storyline and gives prove of the author's rather pessimistic view of what was then going on in contemporary America. In the center of things stands the character after whom the novel is named: Jay Gatsby. He is a rather prototypical upstart American who within a short period of time has found ways and means to make a fortune. His wealth is derived mainly from bootlegging and other criminal activities that are left concealed to the reader. At any rate, Jay Gatsby comes in touch with the seducing realm of opulence at a very early stage when aged 17 he encounters destiny for the very first time. The event that would shape his whole life and leave an imprint on his mind is a chance meeting with Dan Cody, a rich mining tycoon, who cruises across Lake Superior in his yacht Tuolomee (named after the gold fields of Northern California1) some day. From this day on Gatsby's life will never be the same: the seed of aspiration has been planted in the young man's heart together with a deep conviction that in the future he might be able to display his wealth in a similarly urbane fashion as Cody did. He is willing to model his life on Cody's and maybe even outstrip him if given the opportunity. But wealth can hardly be obtained in North Dakota, where James Gatz (who changes his name after the fateful encounter with Dan Cody) grows up. In order for people to make a fortune and turn their lives into a success story as Benjamin Franklin or Abraham Lincoln did, they have no choice but to travel east. New York City is the place to go.
Table of Contents
- The Deconstruction of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby
- East Egg versus West Egg
- Representatives of the upper class
- Tom: Brutality unleashed
- Daisy: Is she the real thing?
- Gatsby's Dream
- Idealism meets materialism
- Technology: Cold steel and cold blood
- Dismantling the American Dream
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, focusing on the deconstruction of the American Dream within the context of the Roaring Twenties. It examines the societal injustices masked by the era's economic prosperity and explores the contrasting lifestyles and ideologies of the established wealthy and the nouveau riche.
- The contrasting lifestyles and values of the old money elite (East Egg) and the newly wealthy (West Egg).
- The destructive nature of materialism and the unattainable nature of the American Dream.
- The role of social class and its impact on individual aspirations and relationships.
- The consequences of unbridled ambition and the pursuit of an idealized past.
- The disillusionment and tragedy resulting from the clash between idealism and reality.
Chapter Summaries
0. The Deconstruction of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby: This introductory section sets the stage by establishing the novel's central theme: the deconstruction of the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties. It introduces Jay Gatsby as a prototypical self-made man whose pursuit of wealth and love ultimately leads to tragedy. The section highlights the author's pessimistic view of the era's upper class, characterized by egotism, self-aggrandizement, and a lack of empathy. Gatsby's life story, beginning with his chance encounter with Dan Cody, illustrates his ambition and the allure of opulence, foreshadowing his eventual downfall.
1. East Egg versus West Egg: This chapter analyzes the geographical and ideological division between East Egg, representing the established wealthy elite, and West Egg, home to the nouveau riche. Fitzgerald uses the spatial separation to highlight the social and cultural chasm between these groups. The chapter discusses the inherent conflict between the old money aristocracy, who disdain the newly wealthy, and the ambitious upstarts who strive for social acceptance but face insurmountable barriers. The impossibility of bridging this gap contributes to the overarching theme of the novel's disillusionment and ultimately contributes to Gatsby's tragic fate.
Keywords
American Dream, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Roaring Twenties, social class, wealth, materialism, idealism, disillusionment, tragedy, East Egg, West Egg, nouveau riche, old money, ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Deep Dive into *The Great Gatsby*
What is the overall focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured overview of the work's key arguments and interpretations.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis of *The Great Gatsby*?
The core theme revolves around the deconstruction of the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties. The analysis examines the societal injustices hidden beneath the era's economic prosperity, contrasting the lifestyles and ideologies of the established wealthy (old money) and the newly rich (nouveau riche). Other key themes include materialism's destructive nature, the unattainable American Dream, the role of social class, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the clash between idealism and reality leading to disillusionment and tragedy.
How are East Egg and West Egg portrayed in the analysis?
East Egg represents the established wealthy elite, while West Egg houses the newly wealthy. The geographical distinction symbolizes a significant social and cultural divide, highlighting the conflict between the old money aristocracy and the ambitious upstarts. This division underscores the impossibility of bridging the class gap and contributes to the novel's overarching theme of disillusionment and Gatsby's tragic fate.
What is the significance of Jay Gatsby in this analysis?
Jay Gatsby is presented as a quintessential self-made man whose pursuit of wealth and love tragically fails. His story, beginning with his encounter with Dan Cody, illustrates his ambition and the allure of wealth, ultimately foreshadowing his downfall. Gatsby's character embodies the flaws and limitations inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream within the corrupt social landscape of the Roaring Twenties.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries provided?
The chapter summaries offer a concise overview of the arguments presented in the full analysis. The introductory chapter establishes the deconstruction of the American Dream as the central theme. Subsequent chapters delve into the East Egg/West Egg contrast, analyzing the social and cultural differences that contribute to Gatsby's tragic demise. The summaries emphasize the novel's pessimistic outlook on the upper class of the Roaring Twenties and the inherent disillusionment associated with the pursuit of an idealized past.
What keywords are associated with this analysis of *The Great Gatsby*?
Key terms include: American Dream, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Roaring Twenties, social class, wealth, materialism, idealism, disillusionment, tragedy, East Egg, West Egg, nouveau riche, old money, and ambition. These keywords effectively encapsulate the main themes and concepts explored in the analysis.
- Quote paper
- Tobias Rösch (Author), 2006, The deconstruction of the american dream in "The Great Gatsby", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/94327
