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Most Important Themes in Great Gatsby, Analyzed

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Need to write about a theme for a Great Gatsby assignment or just curious about what exactly a theme is? Not sure where to start? Learn here what a theme is, what the main themes in The Great Gatsby are, and what the best tips for writing about themes for your English/Language Arts class essays are.

We will also link to our specific articles on each theme so you can learn even more in-depth about themes central to Gatsby .

What Is a Theme? Why Should You Care?

First things first: what exactly is a theme? In literature, a theme is a central topic a book deals with. This central topic is revealed through plot events, the actions and dialogue of the characters, and even the narrator's tone. Themes can be very broad, like love, money, or death, or more specific, like people versus technology, racial discrimination, or the American Dream.

In short, a book's theme can usually answer the question, "what's the point of this book?". They're the "so what?" of literary analysis. Also, note that books can definitely have more than one major theme —in Gatsby we identify seven!

Knowing a book's major theme(s) is crucial to writing essays, since many assignments want you to connect your argument to a book's theme. For example, you might be asked to write an essay about a prompt like this: "How does the life of Jay Gatsby exemplify (or deconstruct) the idea of the American Dream?" This prompt has you connect specific details in Jay Gatsby's life to the larger theme of the American Dream. This is why many teachers love theme essays: because they encourage you to connect small details to big ideas!

Furthermore, the AP English Literature test always has an essay question that has you analyze some aspect of a book and then "compare it to the theme of the work as a whole." (If you want specific examples you can access the last 15 years of AP English Literature free response questions here , using your College Board account.) So this skill won't just help you in your English classes, it will also help you pass the AP English Literature test if you're taking it!

So keep reading to learn about the major themes in Gatsby and how they are revealed in the book, and also to get links to our in-depth articles about each theme.

Overview of Key Themes in The Great Gatsby

Before we introduce our seven main themes, we'll briefly describe how the story and characters suggest the major Great Gatsby themes. Remember that the story is set in the 1920s, a period when America's economy was booming, and takes place in New York: specifically the wealthy Long Island towns of West Egg and East Egg, as well as Manhattan and Queens.

As you should know from the book ( check out our summary if you're still hazy on the details!), The Great Gatsby tells the story of James Gatz , a poor farm boy who manages to reinvent himself as the fabulously rich Jay Gatsby, only to be killed after an attempt to win over his old love Daisy Buchanan . Daisy is married to Tom Buchanan , and they're both from old money, causing them to look down Gatsby's newly rich crowd (and for Tom to look down at Gatsby himself).

Meanwhile, Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson , the wife of mechanic George Wilson . Through the Wilsons, we see the struggles of the working class in dismal Queens , NY. As if they didn't already have it hard enough, Myrtle is killed in a hit-and-run accident (caused by Daisy Buchanan), and George, who's manipulated by Tom to believe that Jay Gatsby was both his wife's lover and her murderer, ends up shooting Gatsby and then himself.

The whole story is told by Nick Carraway , a second cousin of Daisy's and classmate of Tom's who moves in next to Gatsby's mansion and eventually befriends Jay -- and then comes to deeply admire him, despite or perhaps because of Jay's fervent desire to repeat his past with Daisy. The tragic chain of events at the novel's climax, along with the fact that both the Buchanans can easily retreat from the damage they caused, causes Nick to become disillusioned with life in New York and retreat back to his hometown in the Midwest.

Aside from having a very unhappy ending, the novel might just ruin swimming pools for you as well.

The fact that the major characters come from three distinct class backgrounds (working class, newly rich, and old money) suggests that class is a major theme. But the rampant materialism and the sheer amount of money spent by Gatsby himself is a huge issue and its own theme. Related to money and class, the fact that both Gatsby and the Wilsons strive to improve their positions in American society, only to end up dead, also suggests that the American Dream -- and specifically its hollowness -- is a key theme in the book as well.

But there are other themes at play here, too. Every major character is involved in at least one romantic relationship , revealing that they are all driven by love, sex, and desire -- a major theme. Also, the rampant bad behavior (crime, cheating, and finally murder) and lack of real justice makes ethics and morality a key theme. Death also looms large over the novel's plot, alongside the threat of failure.

And finally, a strong undercurrent to all of these themes is identity itself: can James Gatz really become Jay Gatsby, or was he doomed from the start? Can someone who is not from old money ever blend in with that crowd? Could Gatsby really aspire to repeat his past with Daisy, or is that past self gone forever?

In short, just by looking at the novel's plot, characters, and ending, we can already get a strong sense of Gatsby's major themes. Let's now look at each of those themes one by one (and be sure to check out the links to our full theme breakdowns!).

The 7 Major Great Gatsby Themes

Money and Materialism : Everyone in the novel is money-obsessed, whether they were born with money (Tom, Daisy, Jordan, and Nick to a lesser extent), whether they made a fortune (Gatsby), or whether they're eager for more (Myrtle and George). So why are the characters so materialistic? How does their materialism affect their choices? Get a guide to each of the characters' material motivations and how they shape the novel.

Society and Class: Building on the money and materialism theme, the novel draws clear distinctions between the kind of money you have: old money (inherited) or new money (earned). And there is also a clear difference between the lifestyles of the wealthy, who live on Long Island and commute freely to Manhattan, and the working class people stuck in between, mired in Queens. By the end of the novel, our main characters who are not old money (Gatsby, Myrtle, and George) are all dead, while the inherited-money club is still alive. What does this say about class in Gatsby? Why is their society so rigidly classist? Learn more about the various social classes in Gatsby and how they affect the novel's outcome.

The American Dream : The American Dream is the idea anyone can make it in America (e.g. gain fame, fortune, and success) through enough hard work and determination. So is Jay Gatsby an example of the dream? Or does his involvement in crime suggest the Dream isn't actually real? And where does this leave the Wilsons, who are also eager to improve their lot in life but don't make it out of the novel alive? Finally, do the closing pages of the novel endorse the American Dream or write it off as a fantasy? Learn what the American Dream is and how the novel sometimes believes in it, and sometimes sees it as a reckless fantasy.

Love, Desire, and Relationships : All of the major characters are driven by love, desire, or both, but only Tom and Daisy's marriage lasts out of the novel's five major relationships and affairs. So is love an inherently unstable force? Or do the characters just experience it in the wrong way? Get an in-depth guide to each of Gatsby's major relationships.

Death and Failure: Nick narrates Gatsby two years after the events in question, and since he's obviously aware of the tragedy awaiting not only Gatsby but Myrtle and George as well, the novel has a sad, reflective, even mournful tone. Is the novel saying that ambition is inherently dangerous (especially in a classist society like 1920s America), or is it more concerned with the danger of Gatsby's intense desire to reclaim the past? Explore those questions here.

Morality and Ethics: The novel is full of bad behavior: lying, cheating, physical abuse, crime, and finally murder. Yet none of the characters ever answer to the law, and God is only mentioned as an exclamation, or briefly projected onto an advertisement . Does the novel push for the need to fix this lack of morality, or does it accept it as the normal state of affairs in the "wild, wild East"?

The Mutability of Identity: Mutability just means "subject to change," so this theme is about how changeable (or not!) personal identity is. Do people really change? Or are our past selves always with us? And how would this shape our desire to reclaim parts of our past? Gatsby wants to have it both ways: to change himself from James Gatz into the sophisticated, wealthy Jay Gatsby, but also to preserve his past with Daisy. Does he fail because it's impossible to change? Because it's impossible to repeat the past? Or both?

How to Write About The Great Gatsby Themes

So now that you know about the major themes of The Great Gatsby , how can you go about writing about them? First up: look closely at your prompt.

Sometimes an essay prompt will come right out and ask you to write about a theme , for example "is The American Dream in Gatsby alive or dead?" or "Write about the relationships in Gatsby. What is the novel saying about the nature of love and desire?" For those essays, you will obviously be writing about one of the novel's major themes. But even though those prompts have big-picture questions, make sure to find small supporting details to help make your argument.

For example, if you're discussing the American Dream and arguing it's dead in the novel, don't just make that claim and be done with it. Instead, you can explore Gatsby's past as James Gatz, George Wilson's exhausted complacency, and Myrtle's treatment at the hands of Tom as examples of how the American Dream is treated in the novel. Obviously those examples are far from exhaustive, but hopefully you get the idea: find smaller details to support the larger argument.

On the other hand, many essay prompts about Gatsby will look like a question about something specific, like a character or symbol:

• Explore Tom and Daisy as people who 'retreat into their money.'
• What does the green light at the end of Daisy's dock represent? How does its meaning change throughout the novel?
• Show how Fitzgerald uses clothing (and the changing of costumes) to tell the reader more about the characters and/or express theme(s).

These prompts are actually a chance for you to take that detailed analysis and connect it to one of the larger themes—in other words, even though the prompt doesn't state it explicitly, you should still be connecting those more focused topics to one of the big-picture themes.

For example, if you talk about Tom and Daisy Buchanan, you will definitely end up talking about society and class. If you talk about the green light, you will end up talking about dreams and goals, specifically the American Dream. And if you discuss clothing to talk about the characters, you will definitely touch on money and materialism, as well as society and class (like how Gatsby's pink suit makes him stand out as new money to Tom Buchanan, or how Myrtle adopts a different dress to play at being wealthy and sophisticated).

In short, for these more specific prompts, you start from the ground (small details and observations) and build up to discussing the larger themes, even if the prompt doesn't say to do so explicitly!

What's Next?

Now you're an expert on themes, but what about symbols? If you need to write about the important symbols in The Great Gatsby, check out our symbols overview for a complete guide.

Want a full analysis of Jay Gatsby and his backstory? Not sure how his story connects with the American Dream? Get the details here .

Want to go back to square one? Get started with Chapter 1 of our Great Gatsby plot summary.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — The Great Gatsby

Essays on The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby essay topic examples.

Whether you want to analyze the American Dream, compare and contrast characters, vividly describe settings and characters, persuade readers with your viewpoints, or share personal experiences related to the story, these essay ideas provide a diverse perspective on the themes and complexities within the book.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the novel. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Argue whether the American Dream is achievable or illusory, as depicted in The Great Gatsby .
• 2. Analyze the moral ambiguity of Jay Gatsby and the consequences of his relentless pursuit of the American Dream.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a tale of ambition, decadence, and the elusive American Dream. This essay delves into the complex theme of the American Dream, exploring whether it remains attainable or has transformed into a tantalizing illusion, luring individuals like Jay Gatsby into its enigmatic embrace.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby invites us to reevaluate our perceptions of success and fulfillment. As we contemplate the fate of Jay Gatsby and the characters entangled in his world, we are challenged to define our own version of the American Dream and the sacrifices it may entail.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the novel or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, exploring their contrasting worldviews and motivations.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the portrayal of the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby and Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises .

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters and settings in The Great Gatsby and other literary works offer a rich tapestry for comparison and contrast. This essay embarks on a journey to compare and contrast the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and the brash Tom Buchanan, delving into their contrasting values, aspirations, and roles within the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan illuminate the divergent paths individuals can take in pursuit of their desires. As we consider the consequences of their choices, we are prompted to reflect on the complexities of ambition and morality.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the novel. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the opulent parties at Gatsby's mansion, emphasizing the decadence and extravagance of the Jazz Age.
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Daisy Buchanan, focusing on her beauty, charm, and the allure she holds for Gatsby.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The Great Gatsby immerses readers in the lavish world of the Roaring Twenties. This essay embarks on a descriptive exploration of the extravagant parties at Gatsby's mansion, capturing the opulence and hedonism of the era, as well as the illusions they create.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of Gatsby's parties serves as a vivid snapshot of the Jazz Age's excesses and the fleeting nature of indulgence. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the allure and transience of the materialistic pursuits that captivated the characters of the novel.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the novel. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Nick Carraway is the moral compass of the story, serving as the voice of reason and morality.
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that Gatsby's love for Daisy is genuine and selfless, despite his questionable methods.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: The Great Gatsby presents a tapestry of characters with complex moral dilemmas. This persuasive essay asserts that Nick Carraway emerges as the moral compass of the story, guiding readers through the labyrinth of decadence and disillusionment in the Jazz Age.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument regarding Nick Carraway's role as the moral compass underscores the importance of ethical navigation in a world characterized by excess and moral ambiguity. As we reflect on his influence, we are compelled to consider the enduring value of integrity and virtue.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of the novel. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you encountered the allure of materialism and extravagance, similar to the characters in The Great Gatsby .
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in the Jazz Age and recount your interactions with Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: The themes of The Great Gatsby resonate with the allure of a bygone era. This narrative essay delves into a personal encounter with the seductive pull of materialism and extravagance, drawing parallels to the characters' experiences in the novel.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal encounter with the allure of materialism reminds us of the timeless nature of the themes in The Great Gatsby . As we navigate our own desires and ambitions, we are encouraged to contemplate the balance between aspiration and morality.

Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"

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The Theme of Money in The Great Gatsby

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Representation of The American Dream in The Great Gatsby

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April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Novel; Fiction, Tragedy

Jay Gatsby , Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, Jordan Baker, Meyer Wolfsheim, George B. Wilson, Trimalchio, Mr. Gatz

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" with multiple motivations in mind. Firstly, he sought to critique the materialistic excesses and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, a period of post-World War I prosperity. Fitzgerald aimed to expose the disillusionment and hollowness behind the glittering facade of the American Dream. Additionally, he drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the wealthy elite and their decadent lifestyles. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald explored themes of unrequited love, longing, and the pursuit of an unattainable ideal. Ultimately, Fitzgerald's intent was to capture the essence of an era and offer a profound commentary on the human condition.

The story revolves around Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a married woman with whom he had a romantic past. Narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest, the novel delves into the opulent and extravagant lives of the wealthy elite in Long Island. As Gatsby throws lavish parties in the hope of rekindling his relationship with Daisy, the narrative explores themes of love, wealth, illusion, and the disillusionment that comes with the pursuit of the American Dream.

The American Dream , decadence, idealism, resistance to changes, social excess, caution.

The influence of "The Great Gatsby" extends far beyond its initial publication in 1925. F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel has become a literary classic, revered for its exploration of themes such as wealth, love, and the elusive American Dream. It remains relevant due to its timeless portrayal of human desires, societal decadence, and the consequences of relentless pursuit. The book's vivid characters and atmospheric prose have inspired countless writers and artists, shaping the landscape of American literature. With its commentary on the dark underbelly of the Jazz Age, "The Great Gatsby" continues to captivate readers, serving as a cautionary tale and a poignant reflection of the human condition.

1. During F. Scott Fitzgerald's lifetime, approximately 25,000 copies of the book were sold. However, since then, it has gained immense popularity, selling over 25 million copies and establishing itself as one of the most renowned American novels. 2. The Great Gatsby did not have its original title as the author considered various options, ranging from "Under the Red, White and Blue" to "The High-Bouncing Lover." These alternative titles were potentially revealing too much about the content prematurely. 3. In 1926, just a year after its publication, the book was adapted into a film, demonstrating its quick transition from page to screen. 4. Fitzgerald's cause of death is believed to have been tuberculosis rather than a heart attack. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 44. 5. The price of this famous novel at the time of its publication in 1925 was $2, representing its value in that era. 6. The Great Gatsby did not immediately receive critical acclaim upon release. However, it has since garnered recognition and praise, becoming a significant literary work.

"The Great Gatsby" has made a significant impact on various forms of media, captivating audiences across generations. The novel has been adapted into several films, with notable versions including the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford and the 2013 adaptation featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. These cinematic interpretations have brought the story to life visually, further immersing audiences in the opulent world of Jay Gatsby. Additionally, the novel has been referenced and alluded to in countless songs, television shows, and even video games, solidifying its cultural significance. Its themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream continue to resonate and inspire creative works in popular culture.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.’” “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” “So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.” “I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Studying "The Great Gatsby" holds great importance due to its enduring relevance and literary significance. The novel offers profound insights into themes such as wealth, love, social class, and the corruption of the American Dream. Its exploration of the Jazz Age exposes the allure and emptiness of a materialistic society, making it a compelling study of human desires and societal decay. F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterful prose and symbolic imagery provide rich material for analyzing character development, narrative techniques, and social commentary. Moreover, delving into the novel's historical context allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal shifts of the 1920s.

The inclusion of "The Great Gatsby" as an essay topic for college students stems from its exploration of themes like the American Dream, the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth, and the destructive allure of corruption. The character of Gatsby embodies the American spirit and can be paralleled to contemporary individuals fixated on materialism and fame as measures of romantic success. Furthermore, this literary masterpiece holds a significant place in American literature, as F. Scott Fitzgerald skillfully weaves socio-cultural elements into each sentence, providing a timeless portrayal of American life that resonates across generations. The choice to analyze and write about "The Great Gatsby" allows students to delve into these thought-provoking themes and examine their relevance to society.

1. Stallman, R. W. (1955). Conrad and The Great Gatsby. Twentieth Century Literature, 1(1), 5–12. (https://doi.org/10.2307/441023) 2. John Jerrim, Lindsey Macmillan, (2015). Income Inequality, Intergenerational Mobility, and the Great Gatsby Curve: Is Education the Key?, Social Forces, Volume 94, Issue 2. (https://academic.oup.com/sf/article/94/2/505/2583794) 3. Robert C. Hauhart (2013) Religious Language and Symbolism in The Great Gatsby’s Valley of Ashes, ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews, 26:3 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0895769X.2013.798233) 4. Burnam, T. (1952). The Eyes of Dr. Eckleburg: A Re-Examination of “The Great Gatsby.” College English, 14(1), 7–12. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/371821) 5. Tom Phillips (2018) Passing for White in THE GREAT GATSBY: A Spectroscopic Analysis of Jordan Baker, The Explicator, 76:3. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00144940.2018.1489769?scroll=top&needAccess=true&role=tab) 6. Matterson, S. (1990). The Great Gatsby and Social Class. In: The Great Gatsby. The Critics Debate. Palgrave, London. (https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-349-20768-8_9) 7. Licence, A. (2008). Jay Gatsby: martyr of a materialistic society: Amy Licence considers religious elements in The Great Gatsby. The English Review, 18(3), 24+. (https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA173676222&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=09558950&p=LitRC&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7E5a84816e) 8. Khodamoradpour, Marjan and Anushiravani, Alireza, (2017) Playing the Old Tunes: A Fiskean Analysis of Baz Luhrmann's 2013 Cinematic Adaptation of the Great Gatsby. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, Volume 71. (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3020752) 9. Anderson, H. (1968). THE RICH BUNCH IN" THE GREAT GATSBY". Southern Quarterly, 6(2), 163. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/6a9e704a476d873aada2d2529821b95a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2029886)

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The Great Gatsby

F. scott fitzgerald.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Great Gatsby: Introduction

The great gatsby: plot summary, the great gatsby: detailed summary & analysis, the great gatsby: themes, the great gatsby: quotes, the great gatsby: characters, the great gatsby: symbols, the great gatsby: literary devices, the great gatsby: quizzes, the great gatsby: theme wheel, brief biography of f. scott fitzgerald.

Historical Context of The Great Gatsby

Other books related to the great gatsby.

• Full Title: The Great Gatsby
• Where Written: Paris and the US, in 1924
• When Published: 1925
• Literary Period: Modernism
• Genre: Novel
• Setting: Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan, New York in the summer of 1922
• Climax: The showdown between Gatsby and Tom over Daisy
• Point of View: First person

Extra Credit for The Great Gatsby

Puttin' on the Fitz. Fitzgerald spent most of his adult life in debt, often relying on loans from his publisher, and even his editor, Maxwell Perkins, in order to pay the bills. The money he made from his novels could not support the high-flying cosmopolitan life his wife desired, so Fitzgerald turned to more lucrative short story writing for magazines like Esquire. Fitzgerald spent his final three years writing screenplays in Hollywood.

Another Failed Screenwriter. Fitzgerald was an alcoholic and his wife Zelda suffered from serious mental illness. In the final years of their marriage as their debts piled up, Zelda stayed in a series of mental institutions on the East coast while Fitzgerald tried, and largely failed, to make money writing movie scripts in Hollywood.

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Essay Guides , Literature Review

The great gatsby essay examples.

• By Amelia W.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a famous American novel that explores the highs and lows of the American Dream during the Jazz Age . This collection of The Great Gatsby essay examples examines different aspects of the book, like its characters, settings, and important themes. Each essay helps us understand how the story reflects on topics like wealth, love, and the pursuit of dreams. Through these essays, we can see how The Great Gatsby still has relevance today, raising questions about ambition, morality, and the consequences of our desires.

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The Role of Social Class in “The Great Gatsby”

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel “The Great Gatsby,” social class plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative, characters, and themes. Through his vivid portrayal of 1920s America, Fitzgerald presents a stark critique of the American Dream and exposes the rigid class structure that underpins society. This essay will examine how social class influences the characters’ motivations, relationships, and ultimate fates, demonstrating that class distinction is not merely a backdrop but a driving force in the novel.

The novel’s setting immediately establishes the importance of social class. Fitzgerald strategically divides his fictional world into distinct areas that represent different social strata. East Egg, home to old money families like the Buchanans, stands in sharp contrast to West Egg, where the nouveau riche like Gatsby reside. This geographical division serves as a physical manifestation of the class barriers that the characters must navigate. The Valley of Ashes, situated between these wealthy enclaves and New York City, represents the struggling working class, further emphasizing the vast inequality present in society.

Gatsby’s rise from poverty to extreme wealth is central to the novel’s exploration of class. His transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby is driven by his desire to win over Daisy, a goal inextricably linked to achieving high social status. Fitzgerald writes, “He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God” (110). This poetic description reveals how Gatsby conflates love with social ascension, viewing Daisy as both a romantic interest and a symbol of the upper class he aspires to join.

However, Gatsby’s newly acquired wealth cannot fully bridge the gap between old and new money. Tom Buchanan, secure in his inherited wealth and social position, dismisses Gatsby as an upstart. He scathingly remarks, “I’ll be damned if I see how you got within a mile of her unless you brought the groceries to the back door” (132). This cutting comment underscores the entrenched nature of class distinctions and the disdain with which the established elite view social climbers like Gatsby.

The character of Myrtle Wilson further illustrates the power of class in shaping aspirations and behavior. Trapped in the working-class Valley of Ashes, Myrtle desperately clings to her affair with Tom as a means of accessing a higher social sphere. Her attempts to adopt the mannerisms and lifestyle of the upper class are both tragic and comical, highlighting the performative nature of class identity. When Nick observes her transformation at the apartment in New York, he notes, “With the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change.

The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur” (30). This description emphasizes how deeply Myrtle associates class status with personal worth and identity.

The rigid class structure in “The Great Gatsby” proves to be destructive. The characters’ obsession with wealth and status leads to moral decay, broken relationships, and even death. Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy, fundamentally a pursuit of a higher social standing, leads to his downfall. The fact that only Nick Carraway attends Gatsby’s funeral serves as a damning indictment of the shallow, class-obsessed society Fitzgerald portrays.

In conclusion, social class is not merely a theme in “The Great Gatsby,” but the very foundation upon which the story is built. Through his detailed portrayal of characters from different social backgrounds, Fitzgerald exposes the hollowness of the American Dream and the destructive power of class distinctions. The novel serves as a powerful critique of a society where worth is measured by wealth, and where the pursuit of status comes at the cost of genuine human connection and moral integrity.

The American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”

The elusive american dream: illusion and disillusionment in “the great gatsby”.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” offers a scathing critique of the American Dream, presenting it as a beautiful yet ultimately unattainable illusion. Through the experiences of Jay Gatsby and other characters, Fitzgerald exposes the hollowness of materialistic pursuits and the corruption of the idealistic notion that anyone can achieve prosperity and happiness through hard work and determination. This essay will examine how the novel deconstructs the American Dream, revealing its flaws and the disillusionment that follows its pursuit.

The character of Jay Gatsby embodies both the allure and the tragedy of the American Dream. His transformation from the poor James Gatz to the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby seems, at first glance, to be a realization of the dream. Fitzgerald writes, “The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself” (98). This line underscores how Gatsby has reinvented himself, seemingly achieving the self-made success that the American Dream promises.

However, Gatsby’s wealth is built on illegal activities, suggesting that the dream is not achievable through honest means. His obsessive pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, whom he sees as the pinnacle of success, reveals the emptiness at the heart of his achievements. Nick observes, “He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it” (180). This poignant description highlights how the American Dream remains perpetually out of reach, even for those who seem to have attained it.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock serves as a powerful symbol of the American Dream’s illusory nature. Gatsby’s yearning for this light represents the universal desire for something just out of reach. Fitzgerald writes, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (180). This passage encapsulates the eternal optimism that fuels the American Dream, as well as its ultimately unattainable nature.

The Valley of Ashes, contrasted with the opulence of East and West Egg, provides a stark reminder of the reality that underlies the dream of universal prosperity. The description of this desolate area, where the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg look down from a faded billboard, serves as a critique of the idea that the American Dream is accessible to all. Fitzgerald writes, “This is a valley of ashes—a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens” (23). This vivid imagery suggests that for many, the American Dream yields only dust and disappointment.

The character of Myrtle Wilson further illustrates the destructive nature of pursuing the American Dream. Her affair with Tom Buchanan is driven by her desire to escape her working-class life and access the world of the wealthy. Her tragic death, violently struck down by Gatsby’s car, symbolizes the crushing of dreams by the very objects of desire they pursue.

Even the narrator, Nick Carraway, is not immune to disillusionment. His initial fascination with the glamorous lives of the wealthy gives way to disgust and moral revulsion. By the end of the novel, he reflects, “I see now that this has been a story of the West, after all—Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life” (176). This realization suggests that the American Dream, as pursued in the novel, is fundamentally at odds with traditional American values.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” presents the American Dream as a destructive force that leads to moral decay and personal tragedy. Fitzgerald’s characters, in their pursuit of wealth, status, and happiness, ultimately find themselves disillusioned and morally bankrupt. The novel suggests that the dream itself is flawed, built on materialism and empty promises. Through Gatsby’s tragic story, Fitzgerald warns readers about the dangers of placing too much faith in the idea that wealth and status can bring fulfillment, urging instead a reevaluation of what truly constitutes the American Dream.

The Corruption of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” presents a scathing critique of the American Dream, portraying it as a noble ideal corrupted by the excesses of the Roaring Twenties. Through the novel’s characters and their pursuits, Fitzgerald illustrates how the dream of prosperity and self-made success becomes twisted into a nightmare of materialism, moral decay, and ultimately, disillusionment. This essay will examine how the novel deconstructs the American Dream, revealing its corruption through the experiences of Jay Gatsby and the other characters.

At its core, the American Dream promises that anyone, regardless of their origins, can achieve success through hard work and determination. Jay Gatsby initially appears to be the embodiment of this ideal. Nick Carraway describes Gatsby’s extraordinary gift for hope, stating, “If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him” (2). This description suggests Gatsby’s unwavering belief in his ability to shape his own destiny, a cornerstone of the American Dream.

However, Fitzgerald quickly reveals the corrupt foundation of Gatsby’s success. His wealth is built on illegal activities, primarily bootlegging. This detail is crucial, as it suggests that the American Dream is no longer achievable through honest means. Gatsby’s criminal background is hinted at throughout the novel, with characters like Tom Buchanan dismissively referring to his “drug-stores” (124). This corruption of Gatsby’s means to achieve the dream foreshadows its ultimate hollowness.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock serves as a powerful symbol of the American Dream’s allure and unattainability. Gatsby’s yearning for this light represents not just his love for Daisy, but his broader aspirations. Fitzgerald writes:

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (180).

This passage encapsulates both the eternal optimism that fuels the American Dream and its ultimately illusory nature. The dream always remains just out of reach, prompting endless pursuit but never true fulfillment.

The contrast between the opulent settings of East and West Egg and the desolate Valley of Ashes further underscores the corruption of the American Dream. While the wealthy indulge in lavish parties and careless behavior, the working class struggles in poverty. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, looking down from a faded billboard, seem to pass judgment on this inequity. Fitzgerald writes, “But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg” (23). This imagery suggests that the promise of universal prosperity in the American Dream is a facade, hiding a stark reality of inequality and moral decay.

The character of Myrtle Wilson further illustrates the destructive nature of pursuing the corrupted American Dream. Her affair with Tom Buchanan is driven by her desire to escape her working-class life. Her tragic death, violently struck down by Gatsby’s car, symbolizes how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to destruction. Fitzgerald describes the aftermath: “The mouth was wide open and ripped at the corners, as though she had choked a little in giving up the tremendous vitality she had stored so long” (137). This vivid imagery underscores the violent end to Myrtle’s dreams of ascending the social ladder.

Even the narrator, Nick Carraway, is not immune to the disillusionment that comes from witnessing the corruption of the American Dream. His initial fascination with the glamorous lives of the wealthy gives way to disgust. By the end of the novel, he reflects, “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness” (179). This realization suggests that the pursuit of wealth and status has stripped the characters of their moral responsibility and human empathy.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” presents the American Dream as a once-noble ideal that has been corrupted by greed and materialism. Fitzgerald’s characters, in their pursuit of wealth and status, lose sight of the dream’s original promise of self-improvement and fulfillment. Instead, they find themselves morally bankrupt and ultimately unfulfilled. Through Gatsby’s tragic story, Fitzgerald warns readers about the dangers of equating the American Dream with mere wealth and social status, urging instead a return to more fundamental values of personal growth and genuine human connection.

The Deconstruction of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” offers a profound exploration of the American Dream, presenting it as a beautiful yet ultimately destructive illusion. Through the novel’s complicated narrative and complex characters, Fitzgerald deconstructs the idea that prosperity, happiness, and social mobility are achievable for all, revealing instead a society marred by class divisions, moral corruption, and unfulfilled aspirations. This essay will examine how the novel systematically dismantles the concept of the American Dream, exposing its flaws and the disillusionment that follows its pursuit.

The character of Jay Gatsby serves as the primary vehicle through which Fitzgerald explores and ultimately critiques the American Dream. Gatsby’s transformation from the poor James Gatz to the wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby initially appears to be a realization of the dream. Nick Carraway observes, “The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself” (98). This reinvention embodies the self-made man ideal central to the American Dream.

However, Fitzgerald gradually reveals the hollowness of Gatsby’s achievement. His wealth, built on illegal activities, suggests that the dream is unattainable through honest means. Gatsby’s obsessive pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, whom he sees as the culmination of his aspirations, further underscores the emptiness of his success. Nick reflects:

“He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night” (180).

This poignant observation highlights the elusive nature of the American Dream, always seeming within reach yet ultimately unattainable.

The novel’s setting plays a crucial role in illustrating the class divisions that undermine the promise of the American Dream. The contrast between the opulent East and West Egg and the desolate Valley of Ashes serves as a stark reminder of the reality that underlies the dream of universal prosperity. Fitzgerald writes:

“This is a valley of ashes—a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air” (23).

This vivid imagery suggests that for many, the American Dream yields only dust and disappointment, a far cry from the promised land of opportunity.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock emerges as a powerful symbol of the American Dream’s illusory nature. Gatsby’s yearning for this light represents the universal desire for something just out of reach. In the novel’s final passages, Fitzgerald writes:

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther….” (180).

This passage encapsulates both the eternal optimism that fuels the American Dream and its ultimately unattainable nature, forever receding into the future.

The character of Myrtle Wilson provides another lens through which to view the destructive nature of pursuing the American Dream. Her affair with Tom Buchanan is driven by her desire to escape her working-class life and access the world of the wealthy. Her tragic death, violently struck down by Gatsby’s car, symbolizes the crushing of dreams by the very objects of desire they pursue. Fitzgerald describes the aftermath with haunting detail:

“The mouth was wide open and ripped at the corners, as though she had choked a little in giving up the tremendous vitality she had stored so long.” (137) This graphic description serves as a metaphor for the violent death of Myrtle’s aspirations and, by extension, the American Dream itself.

Even the narrator, Nick Carraway, undergoes a journey of disillusionment that mirrors the novel’s deconstruction of the American Dream. His initial fascination with the glamorous lives of the wealthy gives way to moral disgust. By the novel’s end, he reflects: “I see now that this has been a story of the West, after all—Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life” (176). This realization suggests that the American Dream, as pursued in the novel, is fundamentally at odds with traditional American values, leading not to fulfillment but to moral decay.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” serves as a powerful critique of the American Dream, revealing it to be a destructive force that leads to moral compromise and personal tragedy. Through the experiences of Gatsby, Myrtle, and others, Fitzgerald exposes the dream’s empty promises and the disillusionment that inevitably follows its pursuit. The novel ultimately suggests that the American Dream, as conceived in the materialistic 1920s, is deeply flawed, urging readers to reconsider what truly constitutes success and fulfillment in American society.

The Use of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is renowned for its rich symbolism, which serves to deepen the novel’s themes and critique of the American Dream. Through carefully crafted symbols, Fitzgerald illuminates the characters’ aspirations, the era’s decadence, and the ultimate hollowness of materialistic pursuits. This essay will explore how Fitzgerald uses key symbols to underscore the novel’s central ideas and enhance its commentary on 1920s American society.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock is perhaps the most iconic symbol in the novel. It represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, particularly his desire for Daisy and the life she represents. Fitzgerald writes: “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (180). This passage encapsulates not only Gatsby’s personal yearning but also the broader concept of the American Dream—always tantalizingly close yet ultimately unattainable. The color green itself evokes ideas of spring, renewal, and money, further tying the symbol to the novel’s exploration of wealth and ambition.

The Valley of Ashes, a desolate area between West Egg and New York City, serves as a powerful symbol of the underside of the American Dream. Fitzgerald describes it vividly: “This is a valley of ashes—a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air” (23).

This bleak imagery symbolizes the poverty and decay that exist alongside great wealth, highlighting the stark inequalities of 1920s America. The Valley of Ashes stands in stark contrast to the opulence of East and West Egg, serving as a reminder of the human cost of the era’s excesses.

Within the Valley of Ashes, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg on a faded billboard take on symbolic significance. These eyes, “blue and gigantic—their retinas are one yard high,” seem to watch over the desolate landscape. For characters like George Wilson, they come to represent the eyes of God, watching and judging (23). This symbol underscores the moral decay of the era and the characters’ sense of being watched or judged for their actions.

Gatsby’s lavish mansion and the extravagant parties he throws symbolize the excessive materialism and empty pursuit of pleasure characteristic of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald describes these gatherings in sensory detail: “The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher” (40). The mansion and parties symbolize Gatsby’s attempt to win Daisy through displays of wealth, but they also represent the hollowness of such pursuits. Despite the grandeur, Gatsby remains isolated and unfulfilled.

The weather in the novel often serves as a symbol of the characters’ emotions or the tone of events. For instance, the oppressive heat during the confrontation between Gatsby and Tom in the hotel room mirrors the rising tensions: “The room was large and stifling, and, though it was already four o’clock, opening the windows admitted only a gust of hot shrubbery from the Park” (119). This use of weather as a symbolic backdrop enhances the reader’s understanding of the characters’ internal states and the overall mood of key scenes.

Finally, the symbolism of East and West Egg themselves cannot be overlooked. These two areas, separated by a body of water, represent old money (East Egg) and new money (West Egg). This geographical divide symbolizes the larger social divide in American society, with Gatsby (in West Egg) forever trying to reach Daisy (in East Egg). The fact that they are separated by water suggests the difficulty, perhaps impossibility, of crossing this social divide.

In conclusion, Fitzgerald’s masterful use of symbolism in “The Great Gatsby” adds depth and richness to the novel’s exploration of the American Dream. From the iconic green light to the desolate Valley of Ashes, these symbols serve to illuminate the characters’ aspirations, the era’s excesses, and the ultimate emptiness of purely materialistic pursuits. By interweaving these symbolic elements throughout the narrative, Fitzgerald creates a work that resonates beyond its specific time and place, offering a timeless commentary on the nature of ambition, wealth, and the human condition.

The Character of Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby, the titular character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” stands as one of the most complex and enigmatic figures in American literature. A self-made man shrouded in mystery, Gatsby embodies both the allure and the tragedy of the American Dream. This essay will explore the complicated character of Jay Gatsby, examining his origins, motivations, and the symbolic role he plays in Fitzgerald’s critique of 1920s American society.

Gatsby’s background is revealed gradually throughout the novel, adding to his mystique. Born James Gatz to a poor farming family in North Dakota, he reinvents himself as Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious figure. Fitzgerald writes:

“The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God – a phrase which, if it means anything, means just that – and he must be about His Father’s business, the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty” (98).

This passage underscores Gatsby’s self-creation and his almost religious devotion to his own idealized self-image. His transformation embodies the self-made man ideal central to the American Dream, yet Fitzgerald imbues this transformation with a sense of artifice and illusion.

Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth is inextricably linked to his love for Daisy Buchanan. Their brief romance before Gatsby went to war becomes the defining moment of his life, and everything he does afterward is in service of winning her back. Nick Carraway observes:

“He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy. His life had been confused and disordered since then, but if he could once return to a certain starting place and go over it all slowly, he could find out what that thing was…” (110).

This obsession with the past and his idealized memory of Daisy reveals Gatsby’s romantic nature, but also his inability to face reality. His wealth and lavish parties are all part of an elaborate performance designed to attract Daisy’s attention.

The source of Gatsby’s wealth – bootlegging and other illegal activities – adds another layer to his character. While he projects an image of refinement and old money, the truth of his criminal connections underscores the corruption at the heart of his version of the American Dream. This aspect of Gatsby’s character serves as a critique of the notion that wealth and success are always achieved through honest means.

Despite his criminal activities, Gatsby maintains a certain innocence and idealism that sets him apart from the other characters. Nick reflects:

“Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men” (2).

This assessment suggests that Gatsby’s true tragedy lies not in his own moral failings, but in the corrupt society that ultimately destroys him.

Gatsby’s famous smile is another key element of his character. Fitzgerald describes it as having “a quality of eternal reassurance in it” (48). This smile represents Gatsby’s charisma and his ability to make others believe in his carefully constructed persona. However, it also symbolizes the illusion at the heart of Gatsby’s character – a dazzling exterior hiding a more complex and troubled interior.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, which Gatsby watches longingly, becomes a powerful symbol of his character and his dreams. Fitzgerald writes:

This passage encapsulates Gatsby’s eternal optimism and his refusal to relinquish his dreams, even as they prove impossible to achieve. It’s this quality that makes Gatsby a tragic figure – his unwavering belief in the possibility of recreating the past and achieving his perfect future.

In conclusion, Jay Gatsby is a character of contradictions – a self-made man built on illusions, a criminal with an almost childlike idealism, a figure of immense wealth who is ultimately alone. Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald explores the American Dream, presenting it as both alluring and destructive. Gatsby’s tragic fate serves as a warning about the dangers of becoming too enamored with wealth, status, and the idea of a perfect future. Ultimately, Gatsby’s character remains an enigma, a shimmering mirage of the American Dream that dissipates under scrutiny, leaving behind a poignant commentary on ambition, love, and the nature of success in America.

The Role of Women in “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” offers a complex and often troubling portrayal of women in 1920s American society. Through the characters of Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Myrtle Wilson, Fitzgerald explores the limitations, expectations, and struggles faced by women during this era. This essay will examine how these female characters reflect and challenge the societal norms of their time, and how their roles contribute to the novel’s broader themes.

Daisy Buchanan, the object of Gatsby’s desire, is perhaps the most prominent female character in the novel. She embodies the ideal of the “golden girl” of the 1920s – beautiful, charming, and wealthy. However, Fitzgerald quickly reveals the hollowness behind this facade. Nick Carraway describes her voice as “full of money,” noting:

“That was it. I’d never understood before. It was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it…” (120).

This description suggests that Daisy’s allure is inextricably linked to her social status and wealth, reducing her to a commodity rather than a fully realized individual.

Daisy’s actions throughout the novel reveal her entrapment within societal expectations. Despite her apparent love for Gatsby, she ultimately chooses the security and status of her marriage to Tom Buchanan. Her statement, “I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool” is particularly telling (17). It exposes her cynical view of a woman’s place in society and suggests her own disillusionment with the limited options available to her.

Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and Daisy’s friend, presents a different model of womanhood. She is more independent and career-oriented, embodying the emerging “new woman” of the 1920s. Fitzgerald describes her as “incurably dishonest” (58), suggesting that her success comes at the cost of her integrity. Jordan’s character highlights the challenges faced by women who sought to break free from traditional roles, implying that such independence often came with a price.

Myrtle Wilson, Tom Buchanan’s mistress, represents women from a lower social class striving for upward mobility. Her affair with Tom is driven by her desperate desire to escape her working-class life. Fitzgerald describes her transformation when she’s with Tom:

“With the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change. The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur” (30).

This passage underscores how Myrtle sees adopting the trappings of wealth as a means of changing her identity and social status. Her tragic death, violently struck down by Gatsby’s car, symbolizes the crushing of her aspirations and the dangers faced by women who attempt to transgress social boundaries.

The novel’s treatment of female sexuality is also noteworthy. While the male characters engage in extramarital affairs with relative impunity, women face harsher judgement for similar behavior. Tom’s casual infidelity is treated as almost expected, while Myrtle pays the ultimate price for her affair. This double standard reflects the societal norms of the time and highlights the unequal treatment of men and women.

It’s important to note that all three main female characters are primarily defined by their relationships with men. Daisy is torn between Gatsby and Tom, Jordan is a potential romantic interest for Nick, and Myrtle is Tom’s mistress. This relational definition of women’s identities underscores their lack of autonomy in the society Fitzgerald portrays.

The absence of strong mother figures in the novel is also significant. Daisy’s relationship with her daughter is distant, and the child is largely absent from the narrative. This lack of emphasis on motherhood suggests a broader societal shift away from traditional family values in the hedonistic 1920s.

In conclusion, the portrayal of women in “The Great Gatsby” reflects the complex and often contradictory expectations placed on women in 1920s America. While the era brought new freedoms and opportunities, women remained constrained by societal norms and expectations. Through Daisy, Jordan, and Myrtle, Fitzgerald explores themes of objectification, limited choices, and the struggle for independence. Their stories serve as a critique of a society that values women primarily for their beauty and status, offering little room for genuine self-realization. Ultimately, the women in “The Great Gatsby” are as much victims of the American Dream as they are participants in it, trapped in a gilded cage of societal expectations and limited opportunities.

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Morality and Ethics in “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” presents a scathing critique of the moral decay in 1920s American society. Through its cast of characters and their actions, the novel explores themes of ethical compromise, corruption, and the erosion of moral values in pursuit of wealth and status. This essay will examine how Fitzgerald uses his characters and plot to illuminate the ethical challenges of the era and comment on the moral implications of the American Dream.

At the heart of the novel’s moral landscape is Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth through illegal means (bootlegging and other criminal activities) raises immediate ethical questions. Nick Carraway, the narrator, reflects on Gatsby’s character:

This passage suggests that while Gatsby’s methods may be questionable, Nick sees him as morally superior to the other characters due to the purity of his dream and his capacity for hope. Fitzgerald thus presents a complex moral picture, where traditional notions of right and wrong are blurred.

In contrast, Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent the moral bankruptcy of the old money elite. Their actions throughout the novel – Tom’s casual infidelity, Daisy’s carelessness, and their final desertion of the chaos they’ve created – exemplify a lack of ethical consideration. Nick’s final judgment of them is damning:

“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made…” (179).

This assessment highlights how wealth and privilege can insulate individuals from the moral consequences of their actions, leading to a kind of ethical negligence.

The character of Meyer Wolfsheim, Gatsby’s business associate, serves to underscore the corruption inherent in the pursuit of wealth. His involvement in fixing the 1919 World Series represents a cynical exploitation of America’s pastimes for personal gain. Fitzgerald uses Wolfsheim to suggest that the accumulation of wealth often involves moral compromise and the corruption of societal institutions.

The valley of ashes, with the watchful eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg overlooking it, serves as a powerful symbol of moral decay. Fitzgerald describes it as:

“a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air” (23).

This desolate landscape, juxtaposed with the opulence of East and West Egg, represents the moral and spiritual wasteland that underlies the glittering surface of 1920s society.

The treatment of women in the novel also raises ethical questions. The casual infidelity of Tom Buchanan, the objectification of Daisy, and the violent death of Myrtle Wilson all point to a society that devalues and commodifies women. This misogyny is presented as another symptom of the era’s moral decline.

Even Nick Carraway, who initially positions himself as a moral observer, becomes complicit in the ethical compromises around him. His involvement in Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy and his initial admiration for the wealthy lifestyle implicate him in the moral ambiguity of the world he’s observing. His final disillusionment and retreat to the Midwest can be seen as an acknowledgment of the corrupting influence of this society.

The novel’s climax, with Gatsby taking responsibility for Myrtle’s death to protect Daisy, presents a complex moral scenario. Gatsby’s willingness to sacrifice himself for Daisy could be seen as noble, but it also enables Daisy and Tom to escape the consequences of their actions, perpetuating a cycle of moral irresponsibility.

Fitzgerald uses the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock as a symbol not just of Gatsby’s dream, but of the broader American Dream. The ultimate unattainability of this light suggests that the pursuit of this dream often leads to moral compromise:

This passage implies that the relentless pursuit of wealth and status can lead to a continual deferral of ethical considerations.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” presents a society in which traditional moral values have been eroded by the pursuit of wealth and status. Through his characters and their actions, Fitzgerald explores how the American Dream, when reduced to material success, can lead to ethical compromises and moral decay. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of prioritizing wealth and social status over moral integrity. Ultimately, Fitzgerald suggests that a society built on such shaky ethical foundations is unsustainable, foreshadowing the economic and social collapse that would follow in the Great Depression.

The Significance of the Setting in “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is deeply rooted in its setting, with the novel’s locations serving as powerful symbols that reinforce its themes. The distinct areas of New York and Long Island in the 1920s become characters in themselves, each representing different aspects of the American Dream and the social stratification of the era. This essay will explore how Fitzgerald uses setting to enhance the novel’s commentary on wealth, class, and the corrupting influence of materialism.

The novel’s primary settings can be divided into three main areas: East Egg, West Egg, and the Valley of Ashes, each with its own symbolic significance.

East Egg represents old money and established social privilege. It’s where Tom and Daisy Buchanan reside, in a house Nick describes as:

“a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, overlooking the bay. The lawn started at the beach and ran toward the front door for a quarter of a mile, jumping over sun-dials and brick walks and burning gardens…” (6).

This description emphasizes the effortless grandeur of old money, with its sense of permanence and entitlement. East Egg symbolizes the unreachable upper echelon of society, secure in its position and indifferent to the struggles of others.

In contrast, West Egg represents new money. It’s where Gatsby and Nick reside, with Gatsby’s mansion described in ostentatious terms:

“The one on my right was a colossal affair by any standard… with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool, and more than forty acres of lawn and garden” (5).

The extravagance of Gatsby’s home reflects the need of the nouveau riche to display their wealth conspicuously. West Egg symbolizes the aspirational aspect of the American Dream, the belief that anyone can rise to the top through hard work (or, in Gatsby’s case, through less scrupulous means).

The contrast between East and West Egg is crucial. Despite Gatsby’s enormous wealth, he remains an outsider to the old money set, separated from Daisy not just by the physical bay between their homes, but by an unbridgeable social divide. This geographical separation becomes a powerful metaphor for the rigid class distinctions of 1920s America.

Between Long Island and New York City lies the Valley of Ashes, perhaps the most symbolically loaded setting in the novel. Fitzgerald describes it vividly:

This desolate industrial wasteland represents the underside of the American Dream, the forgotten people and places left behind in the pursuit of wealth. It’s where Tom’s mistress Myrtle lives, symbolizing her position trapped between the world of the wealthy and her own working-class roots.

Overlooking the Valley of Ashes is the billboard of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, with its enormous, faded eyes. This serves as a symbolic stand-in for God in this moral wasteland, watching but not intervening, much like the way the wealthy observe but do not assist those struggling in the Valley of Ashes.

New York City plays a significant role as well, representing a space of possibility and moral ambiguity. It’s where Tom keeps his apartment for trysts with Myrtle, where Gatsby’s business associate Meyer Wolfsheim operates, and where the climactic confrontation between Gatsby and Tom takes place. The city embodies the excitement and danger of the Roaring Twenties, a place where identities can be remade but also where moral boundaries blur.

Gatsby’s mansion, with its lavish parties, serves as a microcosm of the era’s excess and aspirational ethos. Fitzgerald writes:

“There was music from my neighbor’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars” (39).

These parties, open to all yet ultimately hollow, symbolize the superficiality of the new wealth and the futility of Gatsby’s attempt to buy his way into high society.

Even the weather in the novel takes on symbolic significance. The oppressive heat during the novel’s climax mirrors the rising tensions and impending violence:

“The next day was broiling, almost the last, certainly the warmest, of the summer” (114).

This use of weather reinforces the emotional intensity of key scenes and contributes to the overall atmosphere of impending doom.

In conclusion, the settings in “The Great Gatsby” are far more than mere backdrops to the action. They are elaboratively woven into the narrative, serving as physical manifestations of the novel’s themes. From the ostentatious wealth of the Eggs to the desolation of the Valley of Ashes, each location contributes to Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream and the society that pursues it.

The geographical divisions mirror the social divisions, and the decay beneath the glittering surface of 1920s New York becomes a powerful metaphor for the moral decay at the heart of the era’s pursuit of wealth and status. Through his masterful use of setting, Fitzgerald creates a rich, symbolic landscape that continues to resonate with readers nearly a century after its creation.

The Influence of Wealth on Relationships in “The Great Gatsby”

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” offers a piercing examination of how wealth shapes, distorts, and often corrupts human relationships. Through the interactions of its characters, the novel explores how money influences love, friendship, and social connections in 1920s America. This essay will analyze how wealth impacts various relationships in the novel, revealing Fitzgerald’s critique of a society where human connections are increasingly commodified.

The central relationship in the novel, between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan, is fundamentally shaped by wealth. Their initial romance years before the novel’s events is cut short due to Gatsby’s lack of financial status. Gatsby’s subsequent pursuit of wealth is entirely motivated by his desire to win Daisy back. As Jordan Baker explains to Nick:

“Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (78).

This revelation underscores how Gatsby views wealth as a means to bridge the gap between himself and Daisy. His lavish parties and ostentatious displays of wealth are all part of an elaborate performance designed to attract Daisy’s attention and prove his worth.

However, Fitzgerald reveals the hollowness of this wealth-based pursuit. When Gatsby and Daisy reunite, their interaction is awkward and falls short of Gatsby’s romantic ideals. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, which Gatsby has long yearned for, loses its enchantment once attained:

“Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever…. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one” (93).

This passage suggests that the pursuit of wealth as a means to love is ultimately unfulfilling, stripping romance of its mystery and reducing it to a transaction.

The marriage of Tom and Daisy Buchanan presents another perspective on how wealth influences relationships. Their union is described as one of social convenience rather than love. Nick observes:

“They moved with a fast crowd, all of them young and rich and wild, but she came out with an absolutely perfect reputation. Perhaps because she doesn’t drink. It’s a great advantage not to drink among hard-drinking people” (77).

This description implies that their relationship is more about maintaining social status than emotional connection. Their wealth allows them to weather marital problems that would destroy less affluent couples, but it also insulates them from the consequences of their actions, leading to a kind of moral bankruptcy.

The relationship between Tom Buchanan and his mistress, Myrtle Wilson, illustrates how wealth can create power imbalances in relationships. Tom’s wealth allows him to keep Myrtle as a mistress, treating her as a commodity he can buy with gifts and the promise of status. Myrtle, in turn, sees the affair as a means of escaping her working-class life. This dynamic is evident when Tom casually breaks Myrtle’s nose after she mentions Daisy:

“Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand” (37).

This act of violence, quickly glossed over, demonstrates how Tom’s wealth allows him to treat Myrtle with impunity, highlighting the vulnerability of those without financial power.

Even friendships in the novel are colored by considerations of wealth. Nick Carraway’s relationships with both Gatsby and the Buchanans are influenced by their financial status. His initial fascination with their lifestyle is evident:

“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life” (35).

This ambivalence reflects the seductive power of wealth to influence even platonic relationships. Nick’s eventual disillusionment with the wealthy set reveals Fitzgerald’s critique of how money can corrupt genuine human connections.

The novel also explores how the pursuit of wealth can lead to the commodification of human relationships. This is perhaps best exemplified by Meyer Wolfsheim, Gatsby’s business associate, who boasts of his ability to profit from human connections:

“I raised him up out of nothing, right out of the gutter. I saw right away he was a fine-appearing, gentlemanly young man, and when he told me he was an Oggsford I knew I could use him good” (171).

Wolfsheim’s view of relationships as opportunities for profit represents the extreme end of wealth’s corrupting influence on human connections.

Gatsby’s lavish parties serve as a microcosm for how wealth impacts social relationships. The partygoers, most of whom don’t even know Gatsby, use these events for social climbing and networking. Their shallow interactions and gossip about their mysterious host highlight how wealth can create a facade of social connection without genuine human bonds.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” presents a sobering picture of how wealth influences relationships in 1920s America. From romantic pursuits to marriages, affairs, and friendships, money shapes every connection in the novel. Fitzgerald suggests that while wealth can facilitate social interactions and even help achieve romantic goals in the short term, it ultimately corrupts genuine human connections. The characters who are most defined by their wealth – Tom, Daisy, and even Gatsby – are ultimately the most isolated and unfulfilled. Through these portrayals, Fitzgerald critiques a society where human relationships are increasingly viewed through the lens of financial status, leading to a moral and emotional impoverishment that no amount of money can rectify.

The Role of Nick Carraway as the Narrator

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s choice of Nick Carraway as the narrator in “The Great Gatsby” is pivotal to the novel’s structure, themes, and overall impact. As both an observer and a participant in the events of the story, Nick provides a unique perspective that allows readers to simultaneously be immersed in and distanced from the decadent world of the novel. This essay will explore Nick’s role as narrator, examining how his character shapes the narrative and influences the reader’s interpretation of events.

Nick introduces himself at the beginning of the novel, establishing his credibility and positioning as an observer:

“In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores” (1).

This self-characterization as a non-judgmental listener sets Nick up as a reliable narrator, one whom other characters trust with their confidences. It also establishes a sense of intimacy with the reader, as if we are being let in on secrets.

However, Nick’s claim of being non-judgmental is quickly revealed to be not entirely accurate. His descriptions of other characters are often laced with subtle judgments:

This passage demonstrates Nick’s ability to provide insightful, critical observations of the characters around him, belying his initial claim of reserving judgment.

Nick’s outsider status is crucial to his narrative role. As a Midwesterner newly arrived in New York, he provides a fresh perspective on the excesses and moral decay of East and West Egg. His background allows him to be simultaneously fascinated and repulsed by the lifestyle he observes:

“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” (35)

This duality in Nick’s position – being both insider and outsider – allows Fitzgerald to provide a detailed critique of the society he depicts.

Nick’s relationship with Gatsby is central to the narrative. His initial skepticism about Gatsby gives way to admiration, providing readers with a evolving perspective on the titular character:

“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life” (48).

Through Nick’s eyes, we see Gatsby’s charm and mystery, as well as his flaws and delusions. This complex portrayal adds depth to Gatsby’s character and complicates the reader’s response to him.

As the narrator, Nick also serves as a moral compass in a world of moral ambiguity. His growing disillusionment with the wealthy elite of New York provides a counterpoint to their excesses:

“I couldn’t forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money…” (179).

Nick’s final judgment of the Buchanans encapsulates the novel’s critique of the wealthy class, giving voice to the moral center of the story.

Nick’s narrative style, which often jumps between past and present and includes his personal reflections, adds complexity to the storytelling. For example:

“Reading over what I have written so far, I see I have given the impression that the events of three nights several weeks apart were all that absorbed me. On the contrary, they were merely casual events in a crowded summer…” (56).

This self-reflexive narration reminds readers that we are getting a curated version of events, filtered through Nick’s memory and perspective.

Importantly, Nick’s role as narrator allows Fitzgerald to maintain an air of mystery around Gatsby. By presenting Gatsby through Nick’s limited perspective, the author can preserve Gatsby’s enigmatic quality:

This famous closing passage, with its shift from the personal “he” to the collective “us,” demonstrates how Nick’s narration moves from the specific story of Gatsby to broader reflections on the American Dream.

In conclusion, Nick Carraway’s role as narrator is essential to the power and complexity of “The Great Gatsby.” His position as both insider and outsider, participant and observer, allows Fitzgerald to present a complex critique of 1920s American society. Through Nick’s eyes, we witness the allure and the danger of the American Dream, the moral bankruptcy of the wealthy elite, and the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition. Nick’s evolving perspective and moral judgments guide the reader’s own journey through the novel, making him not just a narrator, but a crucial lens through which the themes and characters of the story are refracted and understood.

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FAQs on The Great Gatsby Essay Examples

What are some common themes in the great gatsby .

Some common themes include the American Dream, class conflict, love and relationships, wealth and materialism, and the pursuit of happiness.

How can I start my essay on The Great Gatsby ?

Start with an engaging hook that captures the reader’s interest. You can use a quote from the novel, a provocative question, or a brief anecdote related to the themes. Follow this with some background information on the novel and end the introduction with your thesis statement.

What is a good thesis statement for an essay on The Great Gatsby ?

Important symbols include the green light, the Valley of Ashes, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and Gatsby’s mansion. Each of these symbols carries significant meaning related to the themes and characters.

How can I incorporate quotes from the novel into The Great Gatsby essay?

Incorporate quotes by integrating them smoothly into your sentences, providing context, and explaining their relevance to your argument. Always analyze the quotes rather than just inserting them.

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