F. Scott Fitzgerald Born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1896, Fitzgerald became the spokes person for the “Lost Generation” of the 1920s. Highly educated in both religious and Ivy League schools, but never graduated. Lived a rather uproarious lifestyle that ended, ironically, in depression and alcoholism

F. Scott Fitzgerald In 1917, Fitzgerald entered into the war as a second lieutenant in the army. While based in Alabama for a brief spell, he met and fell in love with Zelda Sayre. Their relationship in many ways is replicated within the novel through Gatsby and Daisy.

F. Scott Fitzgerald Despite several engagement breakoffs, they finally married in the fall of Their marriage produced one daughter- Scottie, who did in By the mid 1920s, Fitzgerald and his family moved to Europe and before long, Zelda began having an affair.

F. Scott Fitzgerald After several years, Zelda battled alcoholism and was committed to an institution multiple times. Eventually in December of 1940, Fitzgerald died after a lifelong battle with alcohol and a series of heart attacks.

The Great Gatsby The novel was published in 1925 and reveals the wasted American Dream as it depicts the 1920s in America. It reveals the clash if cultures from the time period. The “carpe diem” lifestyle and vast popularity of the automobile made for a society very different from tradition.

The Great Gatsby Nick Caraway- 30 year old narrator, moralist, becomes a foil to every character, lives next door to Gatsby. Jay Gatsby- A romantic idealist, he devotes his life to gaining wealth which he believes will win him Daisy. Daisy Buchannan- Nick’s cousin, Tom’s wife, and Gatsby’s dream girl. She is incapable of love and represents idolized upper class.

The Great Gatsby Tom Buchannan- Daisy’s husband. He is incapable of feeling guilt or any other emotion, he represents brutality, the moral carelessness of the rich and racism. Jordan Baker- a friend of Daisy’s. A young dishonest professional golfer who is ironically involved with Nick.

The Great Gatsby George Wilson- proprietor of a garage in the Valley of Ashes. He represents the fate of the common working man. Myrtle Wilson- George’s wife. Her vitality attracts Tom. She wants to escape her lower class status, yet has no sense of values.

Structure of the Novel Written as a Frame Story from Nick’s POV. Because Nick is a moralist, he can be seen as a reliable narrator. The story is told through Nick’s flashbacks of his accounts of Gatsby. The motif of rags-to-riches is prominent throughout the novel.

Frame Story- A Story told within another story Flashback- a brief memory or account of a time from the past. Motif- a recurring image or plot pattern in a story

Timeline of Gatsby Age 17- Gatsby meets Dan Cody and learns about the leisure class Gatsby meets Daisy They almost marry by fall “she is gay again” June Daisy marries Tom Aug Tom has an affair April Daisy and Tom have a daughter Aug Nick comes back from War Spring Nick moves to West Egg Summer Novel plot Autumn Nick returns to the West.

Themes: Culture Clash EAST Unfair Corrupt Materialistic East Egg – Daisy and Tom – Think old money WEST Fair Innocent Unsophisticated Brought the Western Violence West Egg – Reflects man’s dreams – Think new money

Themes: American Dream Gatsby represents the American Dream and the self-made man of wealth and happiness. Despite all of this, Gatsby ends up empty handed and alone. Fitzgerald mimics the reality of the 1920s and its ideals lost behind the trappings of a class and material success.

Themes: Appearance and Reality Since there is no real love between Gatsby and Daisy, there is no real truth in Gatsby’s vision. Behind the money and parties, Gatsby is a lonely man that people only use for pleasure. Gatsby’s greatness lies in his capacity for illusion.

Themes: Moral Corruption The wealthy class is morally corrupt in The Great Gatsby. There are no spiritual values and money reigns, there is no God, and the American Dream is direly corrupted. The eyes of Dr. Eckleburg

Important Things POV- first person, Nick Caraway Setting- East and West Egg ( upper class society) The Valley of Ashes (mechanical world, industry, past life is destroyed) Satire of Rich Society and the American Dream Light/ Dark Imagery

Now let’s read!