F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
About the Author Born-September 24, 1896 Born-September 24, 1896 Died-December 21, 1940 Died-December 21, 1940 Married Zelda Sayre Married Zelda Sayre Had one daughter Had one daughter Zelda was hospitalized for mental illness. Zelda was hospitalized for mental illness. Famous works include: Famous works include: The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby The Beautiful and the Damned The Beautiful and the Damned Tender is the Night Tender is the Night “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Fitzgerald’s Impact on Society Fitzgerald named the 1920s “The Jazz Age”. Fitzgerald named the 1920s “The Jazz Age”. Wrote screenplays for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Wrote screenplays for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer The Great Gatsby is said to be the most accurate description of the 1920s. The Great Gatsby is said to be the most accurate description of the 1920s.
World War I Ended in 1918 Ended in 1918 Many disillusioned because of the war Many disillusioned because of the war The generation that fought and survived has come to be called “the lost generation.” The generation that fought and survived has come to be called “the lost generation.” Fitzgerald a lieutenant in army but was never deployed into battle Fitzgerald a lieutenant in army but was never deployed into battle Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway both served in battle in the novel; Tom Buchanan did not. Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway both served in battle in the novel; Tom Buchanan did not.
The Jazz Age Prohibition was in effect Prohibition was in effect Dances such as the Charleston were popular Dances such as the Charleston were popular Popular sayings included “23 Skidoo” and “Bee’s Knees” Popular sayings included “23 Skidoo” and “Bee’s Knees” A rude man was called a “mook.” A rude man was called a “mook.” Economy was in a “Boom” Economy was in a “Boom” Illegal gambling Illegal gambling 1919 World Series was fixed by mobster Arnold Rothstein 1919 World Series was fixed by mobster Arnold Rothstein In novel, Rothstein is portrayed as Meyer Wolfsheim In novel, Rothstein is portrayed as Meyer Wolfsheim
Flappers Women who rebelled against the fashion and social norms of the early 1900s. Women who rebelled against the fashion and social norms of the early 1900s. Married at a later age and drank and smoked in public Married at a later age and drank and smoked in public Known for their carefree lifestyles. Known for their carefree lifestyles.
Flapper Fashion Flappers dressed in shapeless dresses that came to the knee. Flappers dressed in shapeless dresses that came to the knee. Dresses were made to look “boy-like”. Dresses were made to look “boy-like”. Women would try to make themselves look more man-like by cutting their hair in bobs. Women would try to make themselves look more man-like by cutting their hair in bobs.
Settings in The Great Gatsby West Egg- where Nick and Gatsby live West Egg- where Nick and Gatsby live represents new money represents new money East Egg- where Daisy lives East Egg- where Daisy lives the more fashionable area the more fashionable area represents old money represents old money Combined Combined Conflict b/w old and new Conflict b/w old and new
Manhattan, New York City Manhattan, New York City where the characters escape to for work and play where the characters escape to for work and play The Valley of Ashes The Valley of Ashes Queens, NY Queens, NY between Manhattan and West Egg between Manhattan and West Egg where Wilson’s gas station is where Wilson’s gas station is
Manhattan, 1922
The Valley of the Ashes & Wilson’s Garage
Symbols in The Great Gatsby Green Light - at the end of Daisy’s dock and visible from Gatsby’s mansion. Green Light - at the end of Daisy’s dock and visible from Gatsby’s mansion. Represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams about Daisy Represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams about Daisy
The Valley of Ashes – The Valley of Ashes – An area in Queens between West Egg and New York City An area in Queens between West Egg and New York City desolate area filled with industrial waste. desolate area filled with industrial waste. Represents the social and moral decay of society during the 1920s Represents the social and moral decay of society during the 1920s Also shows the negative effects of greed Also shows the negative effects of greed
The Eyes of Dr. T. J. Ekleburg - A decaying billboard in the Valley of Ashes with eyes advertising an optometrist. The Eyes of Dr. T. J. Ekleburg - A decaying billboard in the Valley of Ashes with eyes advertising an optometrist. Represent God’s moral judgment on society. Represent God’s moral judgment on society.
The American Dream Jay Gatsby represents an idealized image of one who has achieved the American Dream. Jay Gatsby represents an idealized image of one who has achieved the American Dream. However: However: Achieved through illegal methods Achieved through illegal methods Gatsby is not accepted in Daisy’s world. Gatsby is not accepted in Daisy’s world. George Wilson Despite a boom on Wall Street, cannot get ahead Represents the exploited working class Example: Tom sleeps with his wife Myrtle, yet smiles in George’s face and pretends that he’ll sell George his car.
Old Money Versus New Money New Money: New Money: Jay Gatsby Jay Gatsby Someone who has achieved the American Dream Someone who has achieved the American Dream Not as respected in the 1920s Not as respected in the 1920s Old Money Tom Buchanan Money from inherited family wealth Not earned through work Respected above all in the 1920s
“Show me a hero and I'll write you a tragedy.” ~~ Fitzgerald
" 'Can't repeat the past?' he cried incredulously. 'Why of course you can!' " ~~ Jay Gatsby
Major Themes No matter hard some may work, the American Dream is not obtainable for some. No matter hard some may work, the American Dream is not obtainable for some. One’s perception may not equal the reality of a situation. One’s perception may not equal the reality of a situation. The establishment will retaliate against those who disturb or rebel against it. The establishment will retaliate against those who disturb or rebel against it. Wealth does not make a person moral. Wealth does not make a person moral.