Gatsby Flashcards
The great Gatsby is a 1920’s mediation of America overall, but in particular …
of the disintegration of the American dream in an era of primary prosperity and material excess
What does Gatsby’s initial position in the book represent and what was it?
He came from unsuccessful farmers with little money, (from a Marxist’s perspective, the lower class play an essential role in the upper class’s way of living - they need a divide between the poor and the rich to maintain their own money and status)
Why was it a difficult time to live as a male?
For any common man, this era was a tough time, they needed to make their way up the ladder of money and success, but this unachievable goal was unreachable
Fitzgerald portrays the era of decayed …
social and moral values
How might Gatsby’s rags to riches story be seen as a positive?
He worked his way up the ladder of fortune without the help of family inheritance - it is the works of his own drive and perseverance
When did Gatsby realise he needed money to make it?
When he fell in love with Daisy Buchanan - money was the only thing, essentially, keeping them apart
Why might Gatsby’s rags to riches story not be seen as commendable?
His money came from organised crime - in particular the selling of alcohol (considering this was the time of prohibition)
Why might Gatsby’s blind pursuit of Daisy be foolish?
Everything he does (purchases/parties) is part of his grand scheme to get Daisy back for good, however, the more he gets caught up in his childlike dream of him and Daisy, the less he focuses on reality and places himself further away from his unachievable goals
Mitch motifs?
His mother, not to be lonely
Context of Mitch?
How he views women
Myrtle is a working class name …
and she is a working class women, however when with Tom she lives life to the full (does however sit separate on PT)
Myrtle towards George?
Walks through him, doesn’t appreciate - believes she deserves better
Blanche motifs?
Costumes, cleansing, facade, southern belle appearance
Blanche context?
Southern belle, submissive role of women, sexual promiscuity, new vs old order
Stella motifs?
Belle rêve, tangible symbol of victory, blanche has some influence on her
