The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald “…timeless in its examination of man's obsessions with and need for money, power, knowledge, and hope” (Merriman, 2007). The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
About Fitzgerald Inspired by: literature Princeton Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald Alcohol Coined the term “Jazz Age” (think Harlem Renaissance, flappers, booze, etc.) 1920s Life of the party Works drawn from personal experiences Battled alcoholism; died of a heart attack
About the 1920s WWI is over Period characterized by: Economic growth General rise in prosperity, but still the “rich and the rest” Social change Eighteenth Amendment, the Volstead Act- prohibition Nineteenth Amendment, Women’s Suffrage Breakdown in morals (scandal and corruption- Chicago Black Sox) Age of Automobiles (from 7 to 23 million) Jazz, drinking, dancing
Modernism (1900-1950) American’s were trying to adapt to changes in technology, post-war climate, etc. Believed we had the power to create our own lives, whether good or bad This led to a mix of both those who were positive and optimistic about growth and change after the wars, and those who felt despair caused from them. All believed in the importance of literature in the modern world. Included the Harlem Renaissance
Themes Outward appearances can be deceptive Attainment of a dream may be less satisfying than the pursuit of that dream Blind pursuit of an ideal is destructive The American Dream is corrupted by the desire for wealth/ the temptation of wealth Many struggle to escape the past. There is a lack of compassion and sensitivity in humanity
Nick Caraway Nick, a young Midwesterner educated at Yale, is the novel's narrator. When he moves to the West Egg area of Long Island, he joins the lavish social world of Tom, Jordan, Gatsby, and his cousin Daisy.
Jay Gatsby The handsome, mysterious Gatsby, who lives in a mansion next door to Nick's cottage, is known for his lavish parties. Loves Daisy.
Daisy Buchanan Beautiful, charming, and spoiled, Daisy is the object of Gatsby's love. Her materialism leads her to marry Tom Buchanan.
Tom Buchanan From an enormously wealthy Chicago family, Tom is a former Yale football star who sees himself at the top of an exclusive social hierarchy. He is conceited, violent, racist, and unfaithful.
Jordan Baker Daisy's friend Jordan epitomizes the modern woman of the 1920s. A liberated, competitive golfer, she is firmly established in high society.
Myrtle Wilson Myrtle dreams of belonging to a higher social class than George can offer. Vivacious and sensual, she hopes her adulterous affair will lead to a life of glamour.
George Wilson The owner of an auto garage at the edge of the valley of ashes, George finds his only happiness through his faithless wife, Myrtle.
The Valley of Ashes Poor, desolate, rotting Where industrial waste was dumped Product of the new technology, greed, industry