Francis Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
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Francis
Scott Fitzgerald was born in 1896 in St. Paul, Minnesota, on September 24th,
1896, and died in Hollywood, California, on December 21, 1940.
He was part of a middle-class family, and his parents were of Irish origin. As
her parents had incomes enough encouraged him to study at Princeton University.
However, He left it to Join the Army when the U.S. decided to take part in the
First World War. A conflict, in which he did not take part, at least he was not
on the front.
He was a modernist. Remember that modernism was a literary
movement that took place between the first world war and the second. It looked for new ways of expression and
writers tried to incorporate new genres, as a result of mixtures or
improvements of the previous ones. Writers also wanted to reflect in their
creations on how the world was changing, an emerging industrial world. They tried to leave the traditional forms of
writing. “Make it New" was the premise of the moment, not only for
literature but also for all forms of arts.
Scott was part of the group of writers called “The
lost generation”, a name which was given to those who had to face the struggle
of the first world war. Gertrude Stein
in one of her books called one of her characters that way. Since then, other
writers started to use the expression to refer to people during the 1920s:
These stories are about people who also suffered the
struggles of the war and rejected values, morality, and gender roles. People
who lived a life out of control, those who had behavior without any objective,
took risks or made money in a hedonistic way.
One example of these stories is the one that is going
to be analyzed by us: “The Great Gatsby” by Scoot Fitzgerald. There are other American
writers that are part of the lost generation. This allows me to ask you to talk
about them in the commentary session of this blog, you can also mention the way
other writers in their stories refer to the lost generation since Gertrude
Stein used the term in one of her novels.
Coming back to Fitzgerald is important to highlight
that in his stories, he focused on money, impossible love, deceit, betrayal,
and individual identity. These aspects are well described in his novel The
Great Gatsby, which has been filmed twice. Other stories of him can be also
appreciated in movies, like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, but there are
great differences from the original ones.
Talking about his private life, he survived by writing
short stories for popular magazines like the Saturday Evening Post,
Metropolitan, and Cosmopolitan and married Zelda Sayre in 1920 to whom he had a
daughter. Later, in 1932, his wife was diagnosed to suffer from schizophrenia. He
supported her for a while. Although, he divorced and married Sheila Graham, who
was his faithful companion, enduring his alcoholism until the end of his days
in 1944. Berke, Amy; Bleil, Robert R; Cofer, P,
Jordan; Doug, Davis; (n.d) and Ediciones Brontes S.L., (2018).
The Great Gatsby
1It is said that no one like Scott Fitzgerald has
portraited the happy twentieth of America. I must confess that I am totally in
agreement with this quote.
The Great Gatsby is a story
that starts by saying “Before critiquing
someone, remember that not everyone has the advantages in life that you have
had”. It seems to me that the narrator, Nick Carraway who is also one of the
main characters of this story has more than one contradiction in his speech. He
said that Gatsby represents everything for which he feels true contempt.
However, he was one of the few who was at his funeral.
Anyway, I would like to remark that I am focusing on
the book story, you can write in the commentary session of this blog about the
differences between the book and the movie.
Talking about Gatsby, a newly rich man who made his
fortune in an illegal way, since he is described as an alcohol dealer, a
business that has restrictions in the time the story was told. It is necessary
to mention that when he was young, he got in loved with a wealthy girl, Daisy,
who later got married to Tom Buchanan, while Gatsby was at the front of a war. He
was an American soldier; the book did not mention that was the first world war.
However, we can assume that was that one.
Gatsby has his house in the West Egg. It looks like a
Normandy Hotel. He bought it to be close to Daisy’s House, from it he can see
it far away.
About Daisy, I would like to say that she never forgot
and always love Gatsby, but to tell you the truth, it seems to me that she is
the typical egocentric uptown girl. At the end of the story, she took advantage
of Gatsby’s murder and his bad reputation in order not to be punished for her
crime. She killed mistress Wilson in a car accident.
Anyway, the purpose of this article is just to be an
introduction to the story, but before finishing, my comments I would like to
say that each character in this story, from my point of view, represents the
different social strata of the American Society of that the time.
Tom Buchanan is 30 years old rich man who is racist and
considers having the power to judge everyone. He thought to be on the top of
the human pyramid. He used to be a soccer player in New Heaven.
Nick Carraway is a loyal friend who helps Gatsby to
meet Daisy again. The Carraway Family was an influential Midwestern clan.
George Wilson is a middle-class man who killed Gatsby
and committed suicide in the end. He never knew that was Tom his wife’s lover.
He was described as a blond man who had blue, moist, and very clear eyes. He
looked anemic, of a haggard beauty.
Mrs. Wilson is a 35-year-old woman. She is Tom's lover.
She is killed accidentally by Daisy when she was driving in a hurry with
Gatsby.
I cannot forget to mention Miss Baker, a young golf
sportswoman who knows how to win no matter if he must cheat. She is Daisy’s
best friend. She is pretty, looks satisfied, and has a sad face. She is seen as
a woman who cheats in the game and in life. She has a love relationship with
Mr. Carraway, but it doesn’t work.
There is a non-human character in the story, I am
talking about the eyes of Dr. T.J.
Eckleburg. A simple advertisement for places that sell glasses. It used
to disturb some characters of the story. Maybe these eyes represent the human conscience.
There are other important characters, that should be mentioned, like the ones who have business with Gatsby or attends Gatsby’s parties. Nonetheless, I would like to ask you to analyze them, let me know in the commentary session who are the ones that called your attention the most, and what part of the society of the happy twentieth could be represented by them. Remember also to mention the differences between the movie and the book. Which one do you like the most and why?
REFERENCES
Berke, Amy; Bleil, Robert R; Cofer, P, Jordan; Doug, Davis;
(n.d). Writing the Nation. A course
introduction to American Literature 1865 to present. Georgia: University of
North Georgia Press Dahlonega.
Ediciones Brontes S.L., (2018). Francis Scott Fitzgerald. The Great Gatsby. Barcelona:
Ediciones Brontes S.L., 2018.
Editorial Escribner, (1925). Cover by Francis Cugat. [Photo]. Wikipedia. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_gran_Gatsby#/media/Archivo:The_Great_Gatsby_Cover_1925_Retouched.jpg
Nickolas Muray, (1929). F. Scott Fitzgerald. [Photo]. Wikipedia. En: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/F._Scott_Fitzgerald_%281929_photo_portrait_by_Nickolas_Muray%29_Cropped.jpg
The Great Gatsby. Cover of the first edition, published in April 1925 designed by the illustrator Francis Cugat.
After read the article and the search and watched the movie I can said this novel is focus in 3 principal thing, the first is the love and the idealism of this feeling, we can see in the Utopic believe of Gatsby and his apparently feeling for her. Second, the American dream, here we can see how Gatsby was a poor man and he achieve have money the "ilegal form" but he can get his dreams and has a big fortune and third, values as the truth friendship and the have a truth people around us.
ResponderEliminarI find all the points touched on in this article very interesting. The introduction is quite striking as it gives us information about Fitszgerald and the notable contributions to the modernist movement that he made. I liked how his ability to reflect the society of his time through universal themes such as money, love, deceit and identity stands out. In addition, the analysis of "The Great Gatsby" focuses on the main characters and how they represent the different social layers of American society of that period.
ResponderEliminarEste comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.
EliminarFitzgerald was a modernist writer, part of the literary movement that emerged between the two world wars. Modernist writers sought new forms of expression and incorporated various genres, reflecting the changing industrial world. Fitzgerald was associated with the "Lost Generation," a term coined by Gertrude Stein to describe those who experienced the struggles of World War I. This generation rejected traditional values, morality, and gender roles, often leading reckless and hedonistic lives.
ResponderEliminarFitzgerald's works often focused on themes such as wealth, love, deceit, betrayal, and individual identity. His most famous novel, "The Great Gatsby," has been adapted into films. The story revolves around Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire involved in illegal activities, who longs for his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, who is married to Tom Buchanan. The novel explores the social strata of American society during the 1920s, with characters representing different classes and their interactions.
F. Scott Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and became one of the most prominent American writers of the 20th century. He showed an early talent for writing and attended Princeton University, where he became known for his literary pursuits. Fitzgerald's breakthrough came with the publication of his first novel, "This Side of Paradise," in 1920, which was followed by his iconic work, "The Great Gatsby," in 1925. He captured the essence of the Jazz Age and explored themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of the American Dream. Now, about his work "The Great Gatsby" is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald published in 1925. Set in the Roaring Twenties, it follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man, as narrated by Nick Carraway. Gatsby is deeply in love with Daisy Buchanan, who is married to Tom Buchanan. Gatsby throws extravagant parties in an attempt to win Daisy's heart and relive their past romance. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, the novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the decline of the American Dream. It delves into the corrupt and hollow lives of the wealthy elite, ultimately revealing the futility of Gatsby's pursuit and the emptiness of the Jazz Age.
ResponderEliminarThe article creates a complete overview of who the author is, and it makes it easier to understand how the background affects the literature and how certain topics may be reflected onto the stories. It critizices the stereotypes and shows how raw and cruel those can be.
ResponderEliminarIn this story, it is portraited how things like wealthyness, race etc. makes us have different points of view and how it sometimes condition the way we perceibe, treat and take in to account.
F. Scott Fitzgerald explored real events and reflected them in some way in his lyrics. The problems left by the First World War. This historical event brought changes in all aspects of American life. Social relations become relevant in his writings, especially The Great Gatsby, because he takes into account the relations of the rich and the poor, their actions and the clear division of that time. His works are to be admired, because this treatment still takes place today.
ResponderEliminarFitzgerald's career declined in the 1930s, and he faced financial hardship and after reading this articule I can understand some things that could create or that start all this sandstorm, On the other hand Fitzgerald works it's really notable because he explored themes such as wealth, love, the pursuit of happiness, social class, and the decline of the American Dream. One thing that I can celebrate is that he gained recognition as a significant American writer before his death because he at the end he could know that his work was one of the best and rest without concerns.
ResponderEliminarThe novel explores themes such as the American Dream, wealth, love, and the corruption of the Jazz Age. It paints a vivid portrait of the Roaring Twenties, a time of excess and disillusionment. Fitzgerald's writing captures the glamour and superficiality of the era while also delving into the darker undercurrents beneath the surface.
ResponderEliminarThe Great Gatsby is also a critique of the American Dream. Despite his wealth and success, Gatsby remains unsatisfied and unable to achieve true happiness. The novel explores the emptiness and shallowness of materialism, highlighting the hollowness of pursuing wealth and status as a means of fulfillment.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. His writing is lyrical, evocative, and realistic; writing short stories and novels is his strength. It is quite relevant to point out that his work explores themes of love, loss, disillusionment, and the American Dream thanks to his keen eye for social detail.
ResponderEliminar"The Great Gatsby", it's like a mirror reflecting the excesses and contradictions of the Jazz era and, in many ways, nowadays era. It's a cautionary tale about the intoxicating allure of success and the emptiness that can accompany it, such a contradictory fact but quite relatable to people's lives. Fitzgerald's masterpiece invites us to rethink the timeless questions about the pursuit of happiness and the price we're willing to pay for our dreams.
Amy Buelvas Gutiérrez
ResponderEliminarIn "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald subtly intertwines social justice issues prevalent in the early 20th century. The Jazz Age was marked by racial tensions, gender disparities, and societal expectations that profoundly impacted individuals' lives. The story illuminates racial prejudices, particularly through Tom Buchanan's racist remarks and attitudes, showcasing the discriminatory norms of the time. Gender roles are also explored, with Daisy Buchanan representing the constrained role of women in the 1920s. The societal emphasis on wealth and status further perpetuates inequalities based on social class, nationality, and education. The characters' struggles with identity and acceptance mirror the broader challenges faced by a world in flux, grappling with issues that resonate with social justice concerns. Fitzgerald, with keen observation, crafts a narrative that subtly critiques the social fabric of the era.
The Great Gatsby" serves as a poignant social commentary on the excesses of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald critiques the hollowness of the upper class, the moral degradation hidden behind wealth, and the illusion of the American Dream. The novel offers a reflection on the consequences of unbridled ambition and the pursuit of material success.
ResponderEliminar- José De Alba
"The Great Gatsby," written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, delves into the intricate social fabric of 1920s America, reflecting the profound societal changes of the time. The novel explores the consequences of the Jazz Age's excessive materialism and the pursuit of the American Dream. Jay Gatsby's lavish parties symbolize the superficiality and hedonism of the era, highlighting the social stratification and moral decay. The characters' interactions underscore the facade of prosperity, revealing the underlying tensions and disillusionment. Gatsby's unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan serves as a poignant commentary on the fleeting nature of social status and the challenges of bridging class divides. Fitzgerald's exploration of societal norms and values in "The Great Gatsby" provides a compelling narrative that resonates with timeless themes of aspiration, identity, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.
ResponderEliminarMaría Alexandra Rhenals
"The Great Gatsby" reflects the 1920s with more than just glamour. It touches on racism, gender gaps, age differences. Characters grapple with inequalities tied to education, mental and physical abilities, religion, and nationality. Fitzgerald's narrative subtly uncovers the complexities of societal biases beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age.
ResponderEliminarJeymi Riascos.
The 1920s, marked a period of economic prosperity, but this prosperity was unevenly distributed. The parties in The Great Gatsby show rich people having fun, while the Valley of Ashes shows poor people struggling. This highlights the big gap between the rich and the working class. The author, Fitzgerald, shows that too much focus on money and social status has bad consequences. Now, in the 21st century, we still see similar problems. Some people have a lot, and others don't have much. The pursuit of success and material wealth remains a driving force, but the discourse has evolved, because today, we talk more about these issues and we are working to make things fairer. Looking back at The Great Gatsby helps us see these issues are not new. It encourages us to think about and try to fix the problems we still have with societal inequities in our own time.
ResponderEliminarDaniela Morelo Cabrales
"The Great Gatsby" unfolds against a backdrop of profound social injustices prevalent in the early 20th century. The narrative subtly critiques the prevailing norms regarding wealth and privilege, revealing the economic disparities that shaped the characters' lives. The extravagant parties at Gatsby's mansion underscore the excesses of the Roaring Twenties, mirroring a society where opulence often masked deeper inequalities. Beyond overt discrimination, the story touches on the complexities of identity and the societal pressures to conform. The characters grapple with societal expectations tied to success, love, and societal acceptance, exposing the intricate web of social injustices that defined the era. Fitzgerald's nuanced portrayal serves as a poignant reflection on the multifaceted nature of injustice, urging readers to contemplate the enduring relevance of these issues in their own time.
ResponderEliminar*Gissel Pestana Castro*
JUAN PABLO NOVOA PADILLA
ResponderEliminarF. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" describes several issues of social justice, reflecting the social problems facing the world at the beginning of the 20th century. The novel highlights the theme of injustice, which is evident in the treatment of women, lower social classes, and non-white races, creating a theme of oppression. The novel also explores the pursuit and fall of the American dream, social discrimination, and society's manifestation of materialism and consumerism. The upper class is portrayed engaging in actions that are commonly considered dishonest, unfaithful or incomplete, highlighting the problem of dishonesty and infidelity. The novel provides valuable information about the historical and social context of the time, highlighting the social justice issues that were prevalent during the 1920s and remain relevant today.
JESÚS CASTRO
ResponderEliminarF. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" is a piece of literature that surfaces various social issues subsisting in early 20th century America, some of which may still be identified with. Racism could be viewed as an undertone in the said context of the novel considering the racial vibe during that time although it was not the one driving the main plot of the story. Gender roles are prominent, showcasing the limitations placed on women and the societal expectations they faced. Age features where characters like Gatsby and Tom Buchanan display a disillusioned youth post-World War I. The sexual orientation comes out as the theme as the reader ventures into probing the affair between Tom and Myrtle Wilson. Religion and nationality are subtly touched upon, reflecting the socio-cultural divisions of the time.
The stark difference between East Egg and West Egg serves for socioeconomic differences, educational as well as classic issues being prevalent. Mental health, while not shown in detail, is one of the underlying themes that can be found in characters such as Gatsby who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of the American Dream and seems to have an internal struggle. The novel, however rich and decadent at its heart, only has these social problems introduced delicately within the framework of the narrative to allow the reader a sneak peek as to how they work in the American society during the Jazz Age.
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores social class issues in the context of the Roaring Twenties, portraying a society marked by stark divisions and the pursuit of the American Dream. Both the book and its film adaptations highlight several key social class issues:
ResponderEliminar1. Wealth Disparity:
- The novel vividly illustrates the stark contrast between the "old money" of characters like the Buchanans and the "new money" of individuals like Jay Gatsby. This disparity underscores the economic inequality prevalent in the society of the time.
2. Hollowness of the American Dream:
- The characters in the story, particularly Gatsby, strive for the American Dream of success and upward mobility. However, the novel suggests that this dream is often hollow, emphasizing the moral and spiritual emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of wealth.
3. Elitism and Exclusivity:
- The East Egg/West Egg divide symbolizes the exclusivity of certain social circles. The Buchanans, residing in East Egg, represent established wealth and social standing, while Gatsby in West Egg embodies the newly rich. This distinction highlights the exclusivity and elitism inherent in class divisions.
4. Superficial Values:
- The characters' lifestyles, characterized by extravagant parties, materialism, and superficial relationships, underscore the shallowness of societal values. This reflects a society more concerned with appearances than genuine connections.
5. Judgment and Prejudice:
- Characters like Tom Buchanan openly express disdain for those they consider beneath them in social standing. This judgment and prejudice based on class contribute to the social tension and conflicts within the narrative.
6. The Working Class and the Valley of Ashes:
- The Valley of Ashes, a desolate industrial area, symbolizes the plight of the working class. The characters from this background, such as George and Myrtle Wilson, face economic hardship and a lack of social mobility.
7. Social Climbing and Identity Reinvention:
- Gatsby's attempts to climb the social ladder and reinvent his identity highlight the fluidity and malleability of social class in this era. However, the novel suggests that true acceptance into the upper echelons remains elusive.
8. Endurance of Class Structures:
- Despite the perceived openness of American society, the novel suggests that entrenched class structures endure, influencing personal relationships, opportunities, and societal perceptions.
Both the book and its film adaptations present a critical examination of the social class issues prevalent in the Jazz Age, offering insights into the consequences of wealth disparity, the emptiness of materialism, and the challenges of social mobility.
Without a doubt "the great Gatsby" story is related to "Romeo and Juliet" and to "The spectrum of Bridegroom". In these stories there is a love that is impossible to materialize, a close friend or family member who helps the unhappy couple to be together and the sad death of one of the lovers.
ResponderEliminarAdditionally, I would like to mention gender injustice as an evident social problem in this story, in which women continue to be considered submissive characters who are controlled at the whim of their superiors, in this case men. I say this, first, because it is evident that Daisy was unhappily married to Tom and I am sure that this marriage occurred due to social prejudices or family impositions that did not reflect what she really wanted. Secondly, because Tom gets very angry when he realizes that Daisy is cheating on him, and he is also unfaithful to her. It's like what Diomedez Diaz left us in his song: “yo sé bien que te he sido infiel, pero en el hombre eso casi no se nota, es triste que lo haga una mujer”.
From my point of view, Gatsby's relentless pursuit of wealth and status embodies the idealized American Dream. However, the novel exposes its dark side, where material gain doesn't lead to happiness or fulfillment. Lost Love and the Past, Gatsby's love for Daisy is a symbol of a past he desperately wants to recapture. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock becomes a tangible representation of this unattainable dream. Social Class and Illusion, the extravagant parties Gatsby throws create an illusion of grandeur, but they ultimately mask loneliness and a yearning for acceptance in a world that judges him for his origins. Critique of the Jazz Age: Fitzgerald paints a scathing portrait of the era's hedonism and moral decay. The characters' reckless behavior signifies a hollowness beneath the surface of wealth and pleasure. Symbolism: The weather, particularly the oppressive heat, symbolizes the emotional tension and impending tragedy. The valley of ashes, where George Wilson lives, represents the harsh reality that lies beneath the glittering facade of the East Egg social scene. Nick Carraway as Narrator: Nick, an outsider observing the world of the wealthy, serves as our guide. Through his narration, we witness the characters' flaws and the moral bankruptcy of their world.
ResponderEliminar"The Great Gatsby" remains a seminal work in American literature, admired for its evocative portrayal of the Jazz Age and its timeless exploration of the human condition. Fitzgerald's keen observations of society, coupled with his mastery of language and narrative technique, ensure the novel's enduring relevance and appeal. Through its complex characters, rich symbolism, and poignant themes, "The Great Gatsby" continues to resonate with readers, offering a poignant reflection on the pursuit of the American Dream and the price of illusion.
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