The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is often considered a classic “Great American Novel.” While The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn tackles themes like slavery and inequality, The Great Gatsby explores the American Dream and the limits of opportunity in a society that resembles an aristocracy.
Nick Carraway is the narrator of the story, giving us a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy. He moves from the Midwest to West Egg, New York, where he gets involved with his rich neighbors. Nick’s family is wealthy, not because they worked hard, but because of a family legacy that helped them avoid the struggles of the Civil War. This irony highlights the theme of unequal opportunity in the novel.
Gatsby is a mysterious character known for his “extraordinary gift for hope.” He represents the romantic idea that achieving one’s desires, often symbolized by a woman, will bring happiness. This raises questions about objectification and the true nature of love.
Daisy Buchanan, Nick’s cousin, represents the complexities of wealth and privilege. She is married to Tom Buchanan, a former football player who is quite arrogant. Daisy symbolizes the allure and emptiness of the upper class. Her famous wish for her daughter to be a “beautiful little fool” highlights the limitations faced by women in her social circle.
The Great Gatsby critiques the American Dream, showing its darker side. The novel starts with a dinner party that reveals the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy. Tom Buchanan’s racist comments and Daisy’s indifference toward her daughter reflect a society that values status over substance.
Fitzgerald shows how wealth affects both the rich and the poor. The characters are obsessed with status, leading to moral corruption and disappointment. Gatsby’s lavish parties, while glamorous, are just a cover for his deeper longing for Daisy, revealing the emptiness of his wealth.
One of the most important symbols in the novel is the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, representing Gatsby’s unreachable dreams. Nick calls it an “enchanted object,” symbolizing how our aspirations often remain just out of reach. This symbol resonates with readers, as we all have our own “enchanted objects” that represent our desires.
Fitzgerald uses the color yellow to show the dual nature of wealth and decay. While yellow often stands for prosperity, in The Great Gatsby, it also signifies death and moral corruption. The yellow of Gatsby’s car, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and Myrtle Wilson’s house all contribute to a narrative that critiques the idea of wealth as inherently good.
The Great Gatsby is a powerful exploration of the American Dream, revealing its contradictions. Gatsby’s tragic pursuit of Daisy and the societal pressures that drive him highlight the futility of chasing an ideal that often leads to disappointment. As Nick reflects on the characters’ ambitions, he suggests that the desire for more—whether it be wealth, love, or status—is a universal human experience.
In the end, Fitzgerald’s novel invites readers to think about the complexities of ambition and the societal structures that shape our dreams. The Great Gatsby remains a timeless commentary on the pursuit of happiness in a world where the lines between guilt and innocence are often blurred.
Choose a character from The Great Gatsby and prepare a short role-play that highlights their motivations and conflicts. Focus on how their actions reflect the themes of the American Dream and societal expectations. Present your role-play to the class and discuss how your character’s journey contributes to the overall message of the novel.
Create an art piece that represents one of the key symbols in the novel, such as the green light or the color yellow. Use different materials and colors to convey the deeper meanings behind these symbols. Present your artwork to the class and explain how it captures the themes of aspiration and moral decay in the story.
Participate in a class debate on whether the American Dream is achievable or a myth, using examples from The Great Gatsby to support your arguments. Consider the characters’ successes and failures, and how societal structures influence their pursuits. Reflect on how these themes are still relevant today.
Write an alternate ending to The Great Gatsby that changes the fate of one or more characters. Consider how different choices could alter the novel’s message about the American Dream and societal expectations. Share your ending with the class and discuss how it impacts the story’s themes.
Watch a film adaptation of The Great Gatsby and analyze how the director interprets the novel’s themes and symbols. Compare the film’s portrayal of characters and events to the book, focusing on how visual elements enhance or alter the story’s message. Present your analysis to the class, highlighting key differences and their significance.
Novel – A long narrative work of fiction, typically published as a book. – In English class, we analyzed the themes and motifs in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.
Characters – The individuals who participate in the action of a literary work. – The characters in “Pride and Prejudice” are vividly portrayed, each with distinct personalities and motivations.
Dream – A series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep, or a cherished aspiration or ambition. – In “The Great Gatsby,” the American Dream is a central theme that drives the characters’ actions and desires.
Wealth – An abundance of valuable possessions or money. – The novel explores how wealth can influence social dynamics and personal relationships.
Opportunity – A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. – The protagonist seized the opportunity to travel abroad, which became a turning point in the story.
Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature. – The green light in “The Great Gatsby” is a powerful example of symbolism, representing Gatsby’s unattainable dreams.
Society – A community of people living together and interacting within a shared environment. – The novel critiques the rigid class structures of Victorian society.
Ambition – A strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. – Macbeth’s unchecked ambition leads to his tragic downfall in Shakespeare’s play.
Status – The relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something. – The characters’ obsession with status and reputation drives much of the conflict in “The Great Gatsby.”
Decay – The process of declining in quality, power, or vigor. – The decaying mansion in “The Fall of the House of Usher” symbolizes the deterioration of the Usher family.
