In this article, we’re going to explore F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, The Great Gatsby. Even though it’s a short book, it’s packed with complex themes and ideas. One big question we need to consider is: Is Gatsby truly great?
Unlike the likable characters in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the people in The Great Gatsby are often hard to like. This makes it tough for readers to connect with the story. However, Fitzgerald uses beautiful language to draw us in. The opening line, for example, is memorable: “In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.”
Fitzgerald’s writing isn’t just about telling a story; it’s about creating art. His descriptions of people and places are vivid and poetic. For instance, Daisy’s voice is described as “full of money,” which adds a layer of richness to the narrative. This kind of language makes Gatsby’s life feel larger than life, suggesting a greatness that goes beyond right and wrong.
According to critic Matthew J. Bruccoli, Gatsby’s greatness comes from his dedication to his dreams. He represents the self-made man, but there’s irony in his ambitions. Gatsby is like a showman, with his extravagant lifestyle and flashy yellow car, which is compared to a “circus wagon.” This highlights the superficial nature of his world and complicates the idea of his greatness.
Both The Great Gatsby and Romeo and Juliet explore the theme of trying to control time. Gatsby wants to recreate the past with Daisy, showing he doesn’t understand that time moves forward. His belief that he can “repeat the past” is a tragic mistake, as he ignores the reality of their situation.
Gatsby’s story represents the American Dream, which is about achieving success and happiness on your own terms. However, his downfall shows the darker side of this dream. He lives in a society that praises wealth but looks down on those who achieve it through questionable means, like bootlegging. This hypocrisy is a critique of American society in the novel.
The characters who survive—Daisy, Tom Buchanan, and Jordan Baker—are part of a careless elite who don’t face the consequences of their actions. Fitzgerald criticizes their indifference, suggesting that their lack of empathy is worse than outright cruelty. This carelessness leads to the destruction of lives, including Gatsby’s.
While some might see The Great Gatsby as a sad story, it warns us about the dangers of chasing unworthy dreams. Gatsby’s greatness isn’t in what he achieves but in his tragic pursuit of an impossible ideal. In the end, Jay Gatsby was a great man, but his story reminds us to be careful about what we choose to idolize.
As we think about Gatsby’s journey, we learn that the tragedy isn’t in dreaming itself, but in pursuing dreams that can never come true.
Engage in a debate with your classmates about the complexity of characters in The Great Gatsby. Choose a character and argue whether they are likable or not, using evidence from the text to support your position. This will help you understand the depth of Fitzgerald’s characters and their roles in the story.
Explore Fitzgerald’s use of language by rewriting a passage from the novel in your own words. Focus on maintaining the vivid imagery and poetic style. Share your version with the class and discuss how language shapes our perception of the story and its themes.
In groups, create a short skit that illustrates Gatsby’s attempt to recreate the past with Daisy. Highlight the irony in his belief that he can “repeat the past.” Perform your skit for the class and discuss how this theme contributes to the novel’s tragic elements.
Research the concept of the American Dream during the 1920s and compare it to today’s interpretation. Create a presentation that examines how Gatsby’s story reflects the American Dream and its discontents. Consider how societal values have changed or remained the same.
Participate in a class discussion about the carelessness of the elite characters in the novel. Reflect on how their actions impact others and relate this to modern examples of social indifference. Discuss ways to foster empathy and responsibility in today’s society.
Gatsby – A fictional character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” representing the theme of the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and status. – In “The Great Gatsby,” Gatsby’s lavish parties symbolize his desire to be accepted by the elite society of East Egg.
Dreams – In literature, dreams often symbolize aspirations, desires, or the subconscious mind of characters, reflecting their innermost thoughts and conflicts. – In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Shakespeare explores the whimsical and unpredictable nature of dreams and their impact on reality.
Language – The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way, often used in literature to convey themes, emotions, and character development. – The poetic language in Emily Dickinson’s poems often conveys deep emotions and complex themes with simplicity and elegance.
Characters – The individuals who participate in the action of a literary work, often used to explore themes, conflicts, and human nature. – The characters in “To Kill a Mockingbird” each represent different aspects of morality and justice in society.
Irony – A literary device where the intended meaning of words is different from their actual meaning, often used to create humor or emphasize a point. – In “Romeo and Juliet,” dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo does not, leading to tragic consequences.
Time – A concept often explored in literature to examine the progression of events, the impact of the past on the present, or the fleeting nature of life. – In “The Sound and the Fury,” Faulkner uses a non-linear narrative to depict the complexities of time and memory.
Society – A community of individuals living together, often explored in literature to critique social norms, values, and structures. – In “Pride and Prejudice,” Jane Austen critiques the rigid class structure and societal expectations of 19th-century England.
Elite – A group of people considered to be the best in a particular society or category, often due to wealth, power, or privilege, frequently examined in literature to highlight social inequalities. – In “The Great Gatsby,” the elite class is portrayed as both glamorous and morally corrupt.
Tragedy – A genre of literature that involves serious themes and often ends in disaster for the main characters, used to evoke pity and fear. – Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” is a classic tragedy that explores themes of revenge, madness, and the consequences of indecision.
American – Relating to the United States or its culture, often used in literature to explore themes of identity, freedom, and the American Dream. – In “The Grapes of Wrath,” Steinbeck portrays the struggles of American families during the Great Depression.
