The Great Gatsby is often described as the quintessential American novel, meaning it is most reflective of America and Americans. Fitzgerald set out to write a novel that would be reflective of his time period. Original title – Under the Red, White and Blue Some ideas presented in the novel East Coast vs. Midwest Racisim Capitalistic NYC as center of the universe Ties to Jazz lifestyle

The Great Gatsby is a book of contradictions. Prohibition – the alcohol flows Quintessential novel of America – Fitzgerald wrote it as an expatriate in Europe Reserving all judgments (Nick at least says) – very judgmental language Daisy’s voice so compelling – she doesn’t say much The book is contradictory but represents America then and now! Fitzgerald’s looks at American institutions, social policy and American behaviors. He takes an iconoclastic approach. Iconoclastic - One who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional or popular ideas or institutions. He shows how things look promising from a distance, but don’t look too closely. How is the American Dream portrayed in the novel?

Setting – 1922 Post WW I Breakdown of national boundaries and identities Internationalizing of literature, art, culture Women rejecting Victorian era norms of dress and customary behavior for women Jazz age Bootleggers Immigration

Midwest vs East “When I cam back from the East last autumn I felt I wanted the world to be in uniform and ata sort of moral attention forever.” Nick’s family in Mid-west for three generations. Daisy and Tom had been in Mid-west (Chicago)