Fitzgerald, F. Scott: 1896 - 1940

The Great Gatsby, 1925 - Before Reading

Before you read the book it helps to understand the context, themes, and social backdrop.
- 1. Historical Context
  The Jazz Age & Roaring Twenties: The 1920s in the U.S. were marked by economic boom, jazz music, speakeasies, and a culture of excess. Think flappers, prohibition, and wild parties.
  Prohibition (1920–1933): Alcohol was illegal, leading to underground bars and organized crime. This influences Gatsby’s mysterious wealth. Characters speculate he might have connections to crime, like selling illegal liquor, which explains how he can afford his massive mansion, lavish cars, and extravagant parties.
  Post-WWI Society: Many characters are shaped by the optimism, disillusionment, and social upheaval following World War I.
- 2. Setting
  Long Island, New York: Divided into “East Egg” (old money, aristocratic families) and “West Egg” (new money, self-made wealth) - Gatsby lives on West Egg.
  New York City: Represents ambition, temptation, and moral corruption.
  The contrast between these places reflects social class and values.
- 3. Main Themes
  The American Dream: Gatsby’s rise from poverty to wealth symbolizes both the dream’s allure and its hollowness.
  Wealth & Class: Old money vs. new money; superficial glamour vs. moral decay.
  Love & Obsession: Romantic idealism (Gatsby’s love for Daisy) clashes with reality.
  Illusion vs. Reality: Gatsby creates an image to escape his past, showing how dreams can be deceptive.
- 4. Key Characters
  Jay Gatsby: Mysterious millionaire, driven by love and ambition.
  Nick Carraway: The narrator; observes but also participates in the events. Offers insight and judgment.
  Daisy Buchanan: Gatsby’s love interest; represents beauty, privilege, and the unattainable.
  Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s husband; embodies arrogance, entitlement, and old money values.
  Jordan Baker: Daisy’s friend; professional golfer; represents modern independence but also dishonesty.
- 5. Symbolism to Watch For
  The Green Light: At the end of Daisy’s dock—hope, dreams, and the unattainable.
  The Valley of Ashes: Poverty, moral decay, and the consequences of wealth.
  Cars & Parties: Excess, social status, and carelessness.
  Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg: Moral oversight, emptiness, or the gaze of God in a materialistic world.
- 6. Writing Style & Tone
  Lyrical, descriptive, and often ironic.
  Fitzgerald blends realism with romanticized imagery, particularly when depicting Gatsby’s world. Example: Quote: "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." The narrator, Nick, observes Gatsby in a realistic way—he notes how people actually experience moments of charm and personal magnetism. Romanticized Imagery: Fitzgerald elevates Gatsby’s smile into almost mythical territory, making it feel larger-than-life and idealized, reflecting Nick’s admiration and the dreamlike aura surrounding Gatsby.
  First-person narration by Nick creates both intimacy and subjectivity; but how reliable is he? What's your opinion?
- 7. Writing Style & Tone
  Social Critique: Beyond the romance, the novel critiques materialism, shallow social values, and the illusion of the American Dream.
  Subtle Irony: Characters often say one thing but reveal their true values through action. Example: Tom claims to value honesty and social stability. He lectures Nick about morals and propriety, positioning himself as a protector of traditional values. But he is openly having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, exhibits arrogance, aggression, and hypocrisy throughout the novel, etc.
  Historical Lens: Some social norms (gender roles, race, class) reflect 1920s America and might seem out of place today. Example: Daisy says to Gatsby about her daughter: “I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” 1920s Context: Women were often valued more for appearance and marriage prospects than for independence or ambition. The quote reflects societal norms of the Jazz Age, when opportunities for women were limited. Modern Perspective: Today, the idea that being a “fool” is an ideal for women seems outdated and even sexist, highlighting how social expectations have changed.