1. The Great Gatsby Overview PPT

2. Background to The Great Gatsby

3. World War I

4. Post WWI Standard of living increased for mostStandard of living increased for most Americans abandoned small towns in exchange for urban livingAmericans abandoned small towns in exchange for urban living Economy prospered as Americans tried to forget troubles of warEconomy prospered as Americans tried to forget troubles of war - frivolous spending - illegal liquor - immorality

5. The 1920s: Nicknames The Roaring ‘20sThe Roaring ‘20s The Jazz AgeThe Jazz Age The Flapper EraThe Flapper Era The Aspirin AgeThe Aspirin Age The Age of Wonderful NonsenseThe Age of Wonderful Nonsense

6. 1920’s Context WWI made Americans question traditional ideals. Literature and art denied foundations of the past and went for the new. The philosophy of the Jazz Age was called “modernism."

7. Modernism Modernism was an artistic trend that sought to find new ways to communicateModernism was an artistic trend that sought to find new ways to communicate Writers stripped away descriptions of characters and setting and avoided direct statements of themes and resolutionsWriters stripped away descriptions of characters and setting and avoided direct statements of themes and resolutions This “fragmented” style of writing enabled the reader to choose meaning for himself, believing life had no meaning.This “fragmented” style of writing enabled the reader to choose meaning for himself, believing life had no meaning.

8. The Jazz Age / Roaring Twenties 1918-1929: the years after the end of World War I, continuing through the Roaring Twenties and ending with the rise of the Great Depression.1918-1929: the years after the end of World War I, continuing through the Roaring Twenties and ending with the rise of the Great Depression. The age takes its name from jazz, which saw a tremendous surge in popularity among many segments of society.The age takes its name from jazz, which saw a tremendous surge in popularity among many segments of society. Jazz music set exalted standards – Louis Armstrong & Duke EllingtonJazz music set exalted standards – Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington This was a period of pleasure seeking & reckless exuberanceThis was a period of pleasure seeking & reckless exuberance Most of Fitzgerald’s stories provide a picture of youthful hedonism and the antics of the liberated young women known as “flappers”, affronting conventional values with short skirts, short hair and make-up.Most of Fitzgerald’s stories provide a picture of youthful hedonism and the antics of the liberated young women known as “flappers”, affronting conventional values with short skirts, short hair and make-up.

9. Prohibition 18th Amendment to Constitution prohibited manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages18th Amendment to Constitution prohibited manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages Thousands turned to bootleggingThousands turned to bootlegging Mob activity increased to supply the demand for what was once legalMob activity increased to supply the demand for what was once legal

10. More 1920’s This period has been referred to as “The Lost Generation”.This period has been referred to as “The Lost Generation”. Hemingway, in his novel “The Sun Also Rises” depicts a group of expatriate Americans, wandering aimlessly through Europe, sensing that they are powerless and that life is pointless in the aftermath of the Great War.Hemingway, in his novel “The Sun Also Rises” depicts a group of expatriate Americans, wandering aimlessly through Europe, sensing that they are powerless and that life is pointless in the aftermath of the Great War. “The Great Gatsby” can be seen to encapsulate this perception of life without purpose, of restlessness, dissatisfaction and drifting. It was published in the middle of the decade and reveals a mindless quest for pleasure and a loss of direction in life.“The Great Gatsby” can be seen to encapsulate this perception of life without purpose, of restlessness, dissatisfaction and drifting. It was published in the middle of the decade and reveals a mindless quest for pleasure and a loss of direction in life.

11. Historical Connections F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote and set The Great Gatsby in the United States in the 1920s.F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote and set The Great Gatsby in the United States in the 1920s. The novel chronicles an era that Fitzgerald himself dubbed the " Jazz Age." Following the shock and chaos of World War I, American society enjoyed unprecedented levels of prosperity during the " roaring " 1920s as the economy soared.The novel chronicles an era that Fitzgerald himself dubbed the " Jazz Age." Following the shock and chaos of World War I, American society enjoyed unprecedented levels of prosperity during the " roaring " 1920s as the economy soared. At the same time, Prohibition, the ban on the sale and manufacture of alcohol made millionaires out of bootleggers and led to an increase in organized crime.At the same time, Prohibition, the ban on the sale and manufacture of alcohol made millionaires out of bootleggers and led to an increase in organized crime. Although Fitzgerald, like Nick Carraway in his novel, idolized the riches and glamor of the age, he was uncomfortable with the unrestrained materialism and the lack of morality that went with it.Although Fitzgerald, like Nick Carraway in his novel, idolized the riches and glamor of the age, he was uncomfortable with the unrestrained materialism and the lack of morality that went with it.

12. Conspicuous Consumption This term was originally coined to refer to the rise & power of extremely rich businessmen, who displayed their wealth in ostentatious houses & extravagant behaviour.This term was originally coined to refer to the rise & power of extremely rich businessmen, who displayed their wealth in ostentatious houses & extravagant behaviour. This was invariably wasteful & implied increasing poverty among the lower classes in society.This was invariably wasteful & implied increasing poverty among the lower classes in society.

13. Advertising & the mass market By the time “The Great Gatsby” was published, the American population had almost doubled.By the time “The Great Gatsby” was published, the American population had almost doubled. solution = mass production. solution = mass production. Led to technological development - cars, air travel and the telephone - as well as new modernist trends in social behaviour, the arts, and culture. Central developments included Art Deco design and architecture.Led to technological development - cars, air travel and the telephone - as well as new modernist trends in social behaviour, the arts, and culture. Central developments included Art Deco design and architecture. This growth in commodities led to standardisation, where all citizens might have the right to buy items that were available to all.This growth in commodities led to standardisation, where all citizens might have the right to buy items that were available to all. The early years saw a corresponding change in advertising – products were given brand names as a sign of reliability. But new advertising also sought to create the desire for commodities & packaging became more importantThe early years saw a corresponding change in advertising – products were given brand names as a sign of reliability. But new advertising also sought to create the desire for commodities & packaging became more important

14. F. Scott Fitzgerald Born in Minnesota in 1896Born in Minnesota in 1896 Started writing in school - finished his first play in 1911Started writing in school - finished his first play in 1911 In 1914 he met and fell in love with a girl who rejected him because he was not rich enough.In 1914 he met and fell in love with a girl who rejected him because he was not rich enough. In 1917 he received a commission as an infantry second lieutenant.In 1917 he received a commission as an infantry second lieutenant. In 1918 he reported to Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, Alabama, where he met Zelda Sayre, who later became his wife.In 1918 he reported to Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, Alabama, where he met Zelda Sayre, who later became his wife.

15. The Great Gatsby After the birth of their child, the Fitzgeralds moved to Great Neck, Long Island in October 1922, appropriating Great Neck as the setting for The Great Gatsby.After the birth of their child, the Fitzgeralds moved to Great Neck, Long Island in October 1922, appropriating Great Neck as the setting for The Great Gatsby.Great NeckLong IslandGreat NeckLong Island Fitzgerald's neighbours included newly wealthy New Yorkers. Great Neck, on the shores of Long Island Sound, sat across a bay from Manhasset Neck or Cow Neck Peninsula, and was home to many of New York's wealthiest established families. In his novel, Great Neck became the new-money peninsula of "West Egg" and Manhasset Neck the old-money peninsula of "East Egg.”Fitzgerald's neighbours included newly wealthy New Yorkers. Great Neck, on the shores of Long Island Sound, sat across a bay from Manhasset Neck or Cow Neck Peninsula, and was home to many of New York's wealthiest established families. In his novel, Great Neck became the new-money peninsula of "West Egg" and Manhasset Neck the old-money peninsula of "East Egg.”Long Island SoundLong Island Sound

16. F. Scott Fitzgerald His death in 1940, was not unlike Gatsby’s. Despite having once been the golden boy of the Jazz Age, upon his death, many of his obituaries were condescending, capitalizing on his personal hardships. Not one of his books remained in print and every indication suggested he was on his way into obscurity.His death in 1940, was not unlike Gatsby’s. Despite having once been the golden boy of the Jazz Age, upon his death, many of his obituaries were condescending, capitalizing on his personal hardships. Not one of his books remained in print and every indication suggested he was on his way into obscurity. However, after World War II, interest in his work began to grow and by the 1960s, he had begun to secure a place among the great twentieth century American authors.However, after World War II, interest in his work began to grow and by the 1960s, he had begun to secure a place among the great twentieth century American authors. His works provide a valuable voice for exploring themes of ambition, justice, equity, and the American dream—themes that are still current—affording him with a well-deserved place in the American literary canonHis works provide a valuable voice for exploring themes of ambition, justice, equity, and the American dream—themes that are still current—affording him with a well-deserved place in the American literary canon

17. Characters of The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby- The self-made wealthy man who lives next door to Nick Carraway and loves Daisy BuchananJay Gatsby- The self-made wealthy man who lives next door to Nick Carraway and loves Daisy Buchanan

18. Characters of The Great Gatsby Nick Carraway- the narrator, Daisy’s cousin, Gatsby’s neighborNick Carraway- the narrator, Daisy’s cousin, Gatsby’s neighbor

19. Characters in The Great Gatsby Daisy Buchanan- married to Tom, Gatsby’s love interest before the war, socialiteDaisy Buchanan- married to Tom, Gatsby’s love interest before the war, socialite

20. Characters in The Great Gatsby Tom Buchanan- Daisy’s husband, has an affair with MyrtleTom Buchanan- Daisy’s husband, has an affair with Myrtle Myrtle Wilson- Tom’s woman in the city, married to GeorgeMyrtle Wilson- Tom’s woman in the city, married to George George Wilson- owns the gas stationGeorge Wilson- owns the gas station Jordan Baker- Daisy’s friend, professional golferJordan Baker- Daisy’s friend, professional golfer

21. Old Money Vs. New Money New Money:New Money: Someone who has achieved the American DreamSomeone who has achieved the American Dream Not as respected in the 1920’sNot as respected in the 1920’s Old MoneyOld Money Money from family wealthMoney from family wealth Born richBorn rich Not earned through work done by yourselfNot earned through work done by yourself Respected above all in the 1920’sRespected above all in the 1920’s

22. Settings in The Great Gatsby West Egg- where Nick and Gatsby live, represents new moneyWest Egg- where Nick and Gatsby live, represents new money East Egg- where Daisy lives, the more fashionable area, represents old moneyEast Egg- where Daisy lives, the more fashionable area, represents old money

23. Settings in The Great Gatsby The City- New York City, where the characters escape to for work and playThe City- New York City, where the characters escape to for work and play The Valley of Ashes- between the City and West Egg, where Wilson’s gas station is LocatedThe Valley of Ashes- between the City and West Egg, where Wilson’s gas station is Located

24. Symbols in The Great Gatsby Green Light- at the end of Daisy’s dock and visible from Gatsby’s mansion. Represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams about Daisy.Green Light- at the end of Daisy’s dock and visible from Gatsby’s mansion. Represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams about Daisy.

25. Symbols in The Great Gatsby The Valley of Ashes- the area between West Egg and New York City. It is a desolate area filled with industrial waste. It represents the social and moral decay of society during the 1920’s. It also shows the negative effects of greed.The Valley of Ashes- the area between West Egg and New York City. It is a desolate area filled with industrial waste. It represents the social and moral decay of society during the 1920’s. It also shows the negative effects of greed.

26. Symbols in The Great Gatsby The Eyes of Dr. T. J. Ekleburg- A decaying billboard in the Valley of Ashes with eyes advertising an optometrist. There are multiple proposed meanings, including the representation of God’s moral judgment on society.The Eyes of Dr. T. J. Ekleburg- A decaying billboard in the Valley of Ashes with eyes advertising an optometrist. There are multiple proposed meanings, including the representation of God’s moral judgment on society.

27. Important Quotes “I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”“I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” Daisy’s description of her daughter “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” –the last line of the novel“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” –the last line of the novel

28. Important Quotes "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." – Nick’s description of Tom and Daisy"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." – Nick’s description of Tom and Daisy

29. The American Dream Gatsby is the ideal image of one who has achieved the American Dream.Gatsby is the ideal image of one who has achieved the American Dream. What is the American Dream and who has achieved it in our time?What is the American Dream and who has achieved it in our time?

30. American Dream Cont.

31. Critical Overview of the Novel How has the reception changed over the decades?

32. The 1920s While fellow writers praised Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, critics offered less favorable reviews.While fellow writers praised Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, critics offered less favorable reviews.

33. Newspaper Reviews The Baltimore Evening Sun called the plot “no more than a glorified anecdote” and the characters “mere marionettes.”The Baltimore Evening Sun called the plot “no more than a glorified anecdote” and the characters “mere marionettes.” The New York Times called the book “neither profound nor durable.”The New York Times called the book “neither profound nor durable.” The London Times saw it as “undoubtedly a work of great promise” but criticized its “unpleasant” characters.The London Times saw it as “undoubtedly a work of great promise” but criticized its “unpleasant” characters.

34. The 1930s Fitzgerald’s reputation reached its lowest point during the Depression, when he was viewed as a Jazz Age writer whose time has come and gone.Fitzgerald’s reputation reached its lowest point during the Depression, when he was viewed as a Jazz Age writer whose time has come and gone. The Great Gatsby went out of print in 1939.The Great Gatsby went out of print in 1939. When Fitzgerald died a year later, Time magazine didn’t even mention The Great Gatsby.When Fitzgerald died a year later, Time magazine didn’t even mention The Great Gatsby.

35. The 1940s Interest in Fitzgerald was revived with the posthumous book, The Last Tycoon.Interest in Fitzgerald was revived with the posthumous book, The Last Tycoon. A literary critic was the first to point out that Gatsby, despite its Jazz Age setting, focused on timeless, universal concerns. A literary critic was the first to point out that Gatsby, despite its Jazz Age setting, focused on timeless, universal concerns.

36. The 1950s Fitzgerald’s reputation soared with a new biography entitled The Far Side of Paradise.Fitzgerald’s reputation soared with a new biography entitled The Far Side of Paradise. The London Times affirmed that Gatsby is “one of the best-if not the best- American novels of the past fifty years.”The London Times affirmed that Gatsby is “one of the best-if not the best- American novels of the past fifty years.”

37. What is the reputation today? The Great Gatsby’s place as a major novel is now assured.The Great Gatsby’s place as a major novel is now assured. Most high schools teach this novelMost high schools teach this novel

38. It’s time for you to decide, Old Sport…

39. Themes Jazz Age / Roaring TwentiesJazz Age / Roaring Twenties Long Island and USALong Island and USA The American DreamThe American Dream Position of womenPosition of women The AutomobileThe Automobile Prohibition & organized crimeProhibition & organized crime Success & failureSuccess & failure Hope & sense of purposeHope & sense of purpose Role of timeRole of time Conflict betw. Illusion & realityConflict betw. Illusion & reality Honesty vs liesHonesty vs lies

40. Symbols EyesEyes The East & the WestThe East & the West Dust & ashDust & ash Money & wealth (old vs new)Money & wealth (old vs new) Significance of coloursSignificance of colours

41. Characterization GatsbyGatsby Daisy BuchananDaisy Buchanan Tom BuchananTom Buchanan Jordan BakerJordan Baker Nick Carraway (Narration)Nick Carraway (Narration) Myrtle WilsonMyrtle Wilson George WilsonGeorge Wilson Meyer WolfshiemMeyer Wolfshiem