Critical theory

Question 1

Whole novel- What do some critics argue FitzGerald was inspired by?

Answer 1

John Keats in the ode of nightingale which explores the enchanting nature of death alongside the uncertainty of life.

Question 2

Whole novel- What did Mencken say?

Answer 2

What engrossed FitzGerald were those who had too much money and too much time for spending it

Question 3

1940’s

Answer 3

Self portrait of FitzGerald

Question 4

1950’s

Answer 4

New criticism
symbols and meanings

Question 5

1960’s

Answer 5

Discrimination of ethnic minorities

Question 6

1970’s

Answer 6

Feminist outlook

Question 7

1980’s

Answer 7

Marxist perspective focusing on consumerism

Question 8

1990’s

Answer 8

Postmodernism focusing on the rise of low culture with advertisement.

Question 9

21st century

Answer 9

Appeals to a contemporary audience

Question 10

What did the guardian say about the novel?

Answer 10

‘It’s a book about time and loss and the impossible longing to reinvent yourself.’

Question 11

‘Promotes an artificial dualism of individuals as they aim to assert their identities’

Answer 11

A marxist approach