1. The best American novel… Or at least in the Top Ten!

2. Fitzgerald’s Background
Born in the Midwest to a moderately wealthy family
Begins writing to build status…wrote for money and prestige which affects relationships

3. Zelda– The Muse Came from money Loved to go to parties
Refused Scott’s marriage proposal until he found success
Traces of her mental instability… .

4. The Fitzgerald Woman Cruel & Shallow Irresponsible Beautiful &
Charming
Uses men for $

5. Not a happy ending
Scott dies a drunk, and Zelda dies in an insane asylum.
Although Zelda was Scott’s true love, a happy ending eluded the Fitzgeralds.

6. How do we define the American Dream today?

7. 500,000 people owned 50% of the wealth
1920s Wealth Distribution
Total
Population
1920
71%
50%
(.004%)
106,021,537
$2,500 per year
Minimum decent
wage
500,000 people owned 50% of the wealth

8. Credit Culture- 1920s and Now
Economy was strong due heavy stock trading.
Buy on credit!
Post-War Attitudes
Had just finished the war to end all wars…

9. American Dream 2010
As of February 2010

10. Fitzgerald’s View
A.) The American Dream revolves around the pursuit of wealth.
B.) Wealth without responsibility= destruction
C.) Americans need to be part of the “popular crowd.” Wealth is a way in.
D.) The American Dream can drive people to corruption.

11. CLASS DEFINED
Your class can depend on a variety of factors: income, education level, net worth, and occupation
Class is not static; one can move up or down over the course of a lifetime.

12. According to researchers…
Ruby Payne has suggested that there are “rules” to class that can be learned.
The workplace and public schools work from the rules of the middle class.
People born into a class know the rule instinctively…People who move up/ down must learn them to survive well.

13. Which class are you?
Find out the Class that You're In...

14. Fitzgerald’s Views of Class
Fitzgerald shows interactions between each of the classes.
The tension between the American Dream and the unspoken rules of class drive the novel.

15. Symbols and How They Work
Defined: A concrete object that represents an abstract idea.
Readers react, often on a gut level, to an author’s use of symbol. We associate certain ideas with certain objects.

16. Gatsby Symbolism
PICTURE A
PICTURE B

17. Big City versus Midwest
PICTURE A
PICTURE B

18. What words come to mind?
PICTURE A
PICTURE B

19. Motif
motif (moh-TEEF): a recurring object, concept, or structure in a work of literature. A motif may also be two contrasting elements in a work, such as good and evil.

20. Imagery
Imagery is the descriptive language in literature to re-create sensory experiences. It enriches writing by making it more vivid, setting a tone, suggesting emotions, and guiding the reader.

21. Targets for The Great Gatsby
Interpret imagery, symbolism and motif in The Great Gatsby.
Analyze Fitzgerald’s presentation of class in The Great Gatsby.
Use critical analysis to
understand deeper implications
of novel and the American Dream.