the great gatsby critical essay

88 Perfect Essay Topics on The Great Gatsby

Welcome to The Great Gatsby Essay Topics page prepared by our editorial team! Here you’ll find a large collection of essay ideas on the novel! Literary analysis, themes, characters, & more. Get inspired to write your own paper!

• 🔬 Literary Analysis
• 🎭 Characters
• 📊 Compare & Contrast
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🎓 References

🔬 literary analysis of the great gatsby: essay topics.

• What are the literary devices used to create the image of Jay Gatsby?
• Analyze how Fitzgerald uses imagery in The Great Gatsby.
• The Great Gatsby: analysis and feminist critique
• What do colors symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
• How does Fitzgerald use geographical setting to show the contrast between social classes in the novel?
• How does Fitzgerald convey a notion of the American Dream through metaphors and symbols?
• What does the green light in Daisy’s window represent in The Great Gatsby?
• What does the Valley of Ashes symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
• What role does Nick Carraway’s narration play in the story? If we got it through an omniscient third-person narrator, what would we gain or lose?
• Could the story have been set in other places, like Chicago or Los Angeles, or were New York City and Long Island absolutely necessary?
• Look at the novel’s opening lines. If we accept Nick’s advice when we read the story, will our views of it change? Or, in other words, does refraining from criticism promote compassion?
• Is there a hidden meaning of the title of The Great Gatsby? What is it?
• How is the color white used within the novel? When does it make a false representation of innocence? When does it truly represent innocence?
• Color symbolism in The Great Gatsby
• What is the role of a New York setting in the novel’s storyline?
• What is the real meaning of ‘great’ in the title of The Great Gatsby?
• What significance do colors have in the party’s descriptions in chapter 3?
• Why is Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby a satire?
• Elaborate on the green light as the symbol of the American dream.
• What is the meaning of the phrase “Can’t repeat the past?.. Why of course you can!” What does Gatsby really want from Daisy?
• What role do the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg play in The Great Gatsby?
• How is The Great Gatsby a satirical representation of the society?
• Are the rich in the novel really so careless as everyone believes them to be?
• Create an alternative ending for The Great Gatsby. Justify your choice.
• What is the relationship between those born rich and those who became rich in the novel?
• Fairy tale traits in The Great Gatsby

🎭 Essay Topics on The Great Gatsby’s Characters

• Discuss female characters and their significance in The Great Gatsby.
• Compare Gatsby and Wilson. In what ways are they similar?
• Gatsby & Nick in The Great Gatsby
• Who is the most responsible for Gatsby’s death? Why is it so?
• Why do Tom and Daisy stay together at the end of the novel?
• Does Gatsby’s money bring him real happiness?
• Can Jay’s feelings for Daisy in The Great Gatsby be considered love?
• How do secondary characters affect the story?
• Daisy Buchanan: quotes analysis
• Who is the real hero in The Great Gatsby?
• Can we call Jay Gatsby a romantic hero or a villain?
• What does Jay Gatsby really live for in the novel: the present or the past?
• Compare Myrtle and Daisy.
• Jay Gatsby & Tom Buchanan: compare & contrast
• What does Tom’s quarrel with Myrtle in chapter 2 tell us about his personality?
• Elaborate on how both Tom and Gatsby want to change not only the future, but the past in chapter 7.
• What was Gatsby’s power of dreaming like? Was Daisy a worth object?
• Is anyone to blame for Gatsby’s death?
• Nick as the narrator in The Great Gatsby
• Are there any moral characters in the novel?
• Can Jordan and Daisy be considered perfect role models for the upper class in America? Why or why not?
• Is Gatsby really great? In what way? How does his greatness evolve as the plot unfolds?
• How does Nick’s character change over the course of The Great Gatsby?
• Does Gatsby deserve the definition of a self-made man? Why or why not?
• What role does Daisy play in the conflict between Gatsby & Tom?

🌻 Essay Topics on The Great Gatsby’s Themes

• What are the central themes in The Great Gatsby?
• What roles do fidelity and infidelity play in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby?
• What importance does sex have in the story?
• What role does alcohol play in The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald?
• Did Fitzgerald really criticize the idea of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?
• Does love play have any importance in The Great Gatsby?
• What role does the relationship between geography and social values play in the novel?
• Francis Scott Fitzgerald & his American Dream
• What is the meaning of time in The Great Gatsby?
• How do the aristocratic East Eggers, Tom and the Sloanes, regard Gatsby in chapter 6? How is their contempt connected to the theme of social class in the novel?
• Analyze The Great Gatsby through the prism of feminist theory.
• How are the themes of kindness and compassion presented in The Great Gatsby?
• Describe how the theme of ambition is presented in the novel.
• Elaborate on how Fitzgerald contrasts education and experience in The Great Gatsby.

⌛ Essay Topics on the Context of The Great Gatsby

• Describe how F.S. Fitzgerald’s life experiences influenced The Great Gatsby.
• What are the examples of modernism in The Great Gatsby?
• How does Fitzgerald represent the society of his time in the novel? Would you like to live in the Jazz era? Why or why not?
• How is America shown in The Great Gatsby? What values do the East and the West represent?
• How does Fitzgerald provide a critical social history of Prohibition-era America in his novel?
• How is the economic boom of postwar America shown in The Great Gatsby?
• Why did The Great Gatsby was neither a critical nor commercial success just after its publication? Why did its popularity grow exponentially several decades after?
• How are racial anxieties of the time shown in the novel?

📊 The Great Gatsby: Compare & Contrast Essay Topics

• Make a critical comparison of the novel with the 2013 movie.
• Make a comparison of the novel with the 1949 movie.
• Compare The Great Gatsby movies of 1949 and 2013.
• Compare and contrast two classic American novels: The Great Gatsbyand The Grapes of Wrath.
• Female characters in The Streetcar Named Desire & The Great Gatsby .
• How are Donald Trump and The Great Gatsby’s Tom Buchanan alike?
• Compare Miller’s Death of a Salesman and The Great Gatsby.
• What other fictional or non-fictional character from a book or movie can Nick Carraway be compared to?
• Jay Gatsby & Eponine from Les Miserables .
• Make a critical comparison of The Sun Also Rises and The Great Gatsby.
• Compare The Great Gatsby with A Farewell to Arms.
• Make a comparison of Daisy from The Great Gatsby with Henrietta Bingham from Irresistible.
• Love in The Great Gatsby & The Catcher in The Rye .
• What pop stars of nowadays Daisy can be compared to?
• Macbeth vs. Jay Gatsby: make a character comparison.
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Study Guide Menu

• Short Summary
• Summary (Chapter 1)
• Summary (Chapter 2)
• Summary (Chapter 3)
• Summary (Chapter 4)
• Summary (Chapter 5)
• Summary (Chapter 6)
• Summary (Chapter 7)
• Summary (Chapter 8)
• Summary (Chapter 9)
• Symbolism & Style
• Quotes Explained
• Essay Topics
• Essay Samples
• Questions & Answers
• F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Biography
• Chicago (A-D)
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Critical essays on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The great Gatsby

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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.

Differences and Similarities Between Tom and Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby Death Scene Analysis

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"The Great Gatsby": Theme and Symbols

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The Portrayal of Female Characters in F.s. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby: pursuing the american dream, the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald: book review, representation of the american dream in the great gatsby, the unpleasant character of tom buchanan in the great gatsby, a look at the character of daisy buchanan as depicted in the great gatsby, representation of the lost generation in the great gatsby, the symbolic use of eyes in the great gatsby, the theme of materialism in the great gatsby, a novel by f. scott fitzgerald, "love conquers all": analyzing romance and relationships within the great gatsby, symbolism of the yellow color in the great gatsby, the significance of color use in the great gatsby and the grapes of wrath, criticizing the american dream as shown in the great gatsby, the great gatsby: how the american greatness has decayed, beauty and foolishness: the role of pammy buchanan in the great gatsby, how women empower themselves in the great gatsby, the american dream obsession in the great gatsby, gatsby's transformation into the tragic hero in the great gatsby, the theme of temporariness in the great gatsby, depiction of america during prohibition in the great gatsby.

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, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

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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Critical Insights: The Great Gatsby

Tags: 1 Volume 304 Pages Essays Offering Analysis by Top Literary Scholars Introductory Essay by the Editor Chronology of Author's Life Complete List of Author's Works Publication Dates of Works Detailed Bio of the Editor General Bibliography General Subject Index

This volume of criticism begins simply enough with essays that provide the reader with cultural, historical, comparative, and critical contexts for understanding Gatsby.

Additional resources include:

• Chronology of F. Scott Fitzgerald's life
• Works by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Bibliography
• About the Editor
• Contributors

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October 2010

Critical Insights: F. Scott Fitzgerald

In-depth critical discussions of his life and works - Plus complimentary, unlimited online access to the full content of this great literary reference.

Critical Insights: Crisis of Faith

Outstanding, in-depth scholarship by renowned literary critics; great starting point for students seeking an introduction to the theme and the critical discussions surrounding it.

Critical Insights: American Dream

Critical Insights: The American Dream offers thirteen original essays exploring the contexts and expressions of the dream as it is reflected in our imaginative literature.

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Character: Jay Gatsby

Gatsby’s Background

• Jay Gatsby , originally James Gatz , comes from a humble and impoverished past which he attempts to sever all links from.
• Born to poor farmers in North Dakota, he transforms himself into a millionaire, ensconced in glamour and wealth.
• Gatsby’s transformation begins when he meets Dan Cody , a copper magnate, who introduces him to wealth and luxury.

Gatsby’s Obsession with Daisy

• Gatsby’s life is primarily driven by his love and obsession for Daisy Buchanan , whom he met before going to World War I.
• He is not just smitten by Daisy, but by what she represents – wealth, social status, beauty and sophistication. In essence, she embodies the American dream .
• His extravagant lifestyle and grand parties are all elaborate attempts to attract Daisy’s attention and win her back.

Gatsby’s Flamboyant Lifestyle

• Gatsby represents excess wealth and consumerism. He throws grand parties at his mansion, theatrically displaying his wealth.
• His pink suit, giant mansion and fancy cars are all part of an illusionary image he created to woo Daisy.
• Despite living amongst the social elite of West Egg, Gatsby always remains an outsider. This objective perspective allows Fitzgerald to critique the very society that Gatsby aims to be part of.

Gatsby’s Tragic End

• Despite Gatsby’s enormous wealth, he fails in his quest to win Daisy’s heart and this eventually leads to his downfall.
• He is tragically killed over a misunderstanding of events, dying alone without achieving what he hoped for.
• Ultimately, Gatsby represents the tragic futility of the American dream , a man who has accumulated wealth and social status, yet still dies tragically, unfulfilled and alone.

Jay Gatsby is one of the most memorable characters in literature, embodying the illusions of success, wealth, and love that are at the heart of the American dream . His tragic demise punctuates F. Scott Fitzgerald’s critique of a society obsessed with wealth and social standing. Through Gatsby, the novel prompts readers to reconsider the values often associated with the American dream and explore the consequences of pursuing these illusions.

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Critical essays on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The great Gatsby

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Lit Revision

Aqa - the great gatsby critics, great critics to use for ao5.

Dear readers,

As you know, AO5 critics are vital for you to hit the higher bands. Sometimes, it’s hard to find the right critic. That’s why I’ve created this list of critics that you can use for your exams.

H. L. Mencken, 1925

“Only Gatsby himself genuinely lives and breathes. The rest are mere marionettes.”

Kenneth Eble, 1964

“Daisy moves away from actuality into an idea existing in Gatsby’s mind.”

Thomas Flanagan, 2000

“Gatsby lives in the world of romantic energies and colours.”

“Gatsby is somewhat vague. The reader’s eyes can never quite focus upon him, his outlines are dim.”

Jacqueline Lance, 2000

“Becoming Tom was Gatsby’s dream.”

Claire Stocks, 2007

“Nick wants to portray Gatsby as ‘great’ and undermines anything that might undermine that image.”

Marius Bewley

“Daisy has monstrous moral indifference and vicious emptiness.”

A. E. Dyson

“In one sense Gatsby is the apotheosis of his rootless society…He really believes in himself and his illusions.”

Judith Fetterley

“Gatsby’s romanticisation of Daisy is heroic though misguided.”

“Daisy is torn between a desire for personal freedom and the need for stability.”

Lev Grossman

“Gatsby lays bare the empty, tragic heart of the self-made man.”

Alfred Kazin

“Daisy is vulgar and inhuman.”

“Gatsby is a martyr od a materialistic society.”

K. Parkinson

“Daisy is only allowed to exist in the images of men create of her.”

Christine Ramos

“By attempting to maintain his way of life, Tom has reduced whole people to ashes without any thought of consequences.”

P. Staveley

“Gatsby, like America itself … strives to reach a place he has created in his own mind, an impossible perfect.”

If this has helped you, spread the word about this newsletter and the Lit Revision YouTube channel.

All the best,

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Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of ‘The Great Gatsby’

This essay about “The Great Gatsby” outlines the socio-historical context of its creation in 1925 and explores its thematic concerns. It discusses how the Roaring Twenties, characterized by stark social contrasts and cultural shifts, influenced F. Scott Fitzgerald during his writing process. Fitzgerald crafted a narrative steeped in the era’s opulence and moral questioning, set against the backdrop of Long Island. The essay examines key elements of the novel, including the symbolic use of the green light and the portrayal of the American Dream. Additionally, it considers the novel’s initial reception and its posthumous recognition as a cornerstone of American literature. The essay concludes by reflecting on the enduring relevance of Fitzgerald’s themes, such as identity, aspiration, and disillusionment.

How it works

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s magnum opus, “The Great Gatsby,” not only encapsulates the jazz-infused, tumultuous post-World War I era but also stands as a quintessential pillar of American literary tradition. Written in 1925, the novel offers a scintillating glimpse into the decadence, idealism, and social upheavals of the 1920s—often referred to as the Roaring Twenties. Understanding the context and the time during which Fitzgerald penned this masterpiece can enrich our appreciation of its themes and cultural commentary.

“The Great Gatsby” was conceived during a period of significant change and upheaval in American society.

The 1920s were marked by a distinctive shift towards mass consumerism, the rise of a new social elite, and a palpable disillusionment with the American Dream. Fitzgerald started the novel in 1923 after relocating to France, seeking a change of scenery to drive his inspiration. However, the bulk of his work on this novel took place in 1924, primarily at the Villa Marie in Cap d’Antibes on the French Riviera, a location that provided the necessary seclusion and ambiance for his creative processes.

The story’s setting in the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg on Long Island paints a stark contrast between the newly rich and the aristocratic old money elites. Fitzgerald meticulously crafted his characters to reflect the varied nature of the American spirit at the time, from Gatsby’s ostentatious wealth—newly acquired and shrouded in mystery—to Daisy Buchanan’s insouciant charm and Tom Buchanan’s brutish arrogance. The novel’s narrative is driven by Nick Carraway, a character often considered Fitzgerald’s alter ego, who observes and narrates with a mix of fascination and repulsion.

The writing process of “The Great Gatsby” was, for Fitzgerald, fraught with personal challenges including a turbulent marriage and financial instability. Yet, it was these personal battles that infused the novel with its depth and complexity. The themes of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of happiness through material wealth reflect not just the societal norms of his time but also Fitzgerald’s personal conundrums.

Fitzgerald’s stylistic choices in the novel—marked by lyrical prose, vivid symbolism, and a keen eye for detail—help to construct a narrative arc that is both intimate and expansive. The symbol of the green light, which Gatsby gazes at across the bay, encapsulates the elusiveness of dreams and the perpetual human quest for what lies just out of reach. This symbol, alongside the tragic arc of Gatsby’s life, critiques the very foundation of the American Dream, highlighting the disparities between reality and aspiration.

When “The Great Gatsby” was first published in April of 1925, it received mixed reviews and was relatively overlooked compared to Fitzgerald’s earlier successes. It was only posthumously that the novel was recognized as a seminal work of American literature, with its sharp critique of American life in the 1920s and its complex portrayal of human desires and follies.

Today, the novel not only serves as a historical snapshot of a bygone era but also as a timeless meditation on the complexities of human emotion and the inherent flaws in chasing superficial dreams. Fitzgerald’s work remains relevant as it addresses themes of identity, class struggle, and the disillusionment that often comes with the blind pursuit of wealth and status.

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” remains a profound narrative achievement that offers insight into the American psyche of the 1920s and the personal intricacies of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life. Written during a time of personal and societal turmoil, Fitzgerald’s masterful composition invites readers to reflect on the costs of the American Dream and the eternal nature of human aspiration and disillusionment. Understanding the historical backdrop and the personal experiences that shaped Fitzgerald’s creation of “The Great Gatsby” not only enriches our understanding of the novel but also deepens our engagement with it as a critique of our own times.

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Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of 'The Great Gatsby'. (2024, May 12). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-historical-context-and-creation-of-the-great-gatsby/

"Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of 'The Great Gatsby'." PapersOwl.com , 12 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-historical-context-and-creation-of-the-great-gatsby/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of 'The Great Gatsby' . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-historical-context-and-creation-of-the-great-gatsby/ [Accessed: 17 May. 2024]

"Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of 'The Great Gatsby'." PapersOwl.com, May 12, 2024. Accessed May 17, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-historical-context-and-creation-of-the-great-gatsby/

"Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of 'The Great Gatsby'," PapersOwl.com , 12-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-historical-context-and-creation-of-the-great-gatsby/. [Accessed: 17-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Analyzing the Historical Context and Creation of 'The Great Gatsby' . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-historical-context-and-creation-of-the-great-gatsby/ [Accessed: 17-May-2024]

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