Great Gatsby Themes Flashcards
Class
West Egg
Nouveau Riche
East Egg
Aristocracy
Midwest
New money, strong ethics and new ideals.
East Coast
Old money elitism.
Valley of Ashes
Middle and lower class.
Superficiality vs
Truth
Gatsby’s existence
personifies superficiality.
Gatsby fabricated his past and seeks
power and money to please Daisy.
Jordan and the Buchanans live
superficial lives.
Directionless existences characterised by
wealth, power and never ending pursuit of more.
American Dream
Set in
frivolous 1920s.
Individuals can recreate
themselves and become successful.
Chasing the dream
leads to harsh reality.
Nick recognises Gatsby’s insecurities and
lack of social skills.
Gatsby is chasing a love he has idealised
beyond realistic boundaries.
Degradation of
society.
Nick feels the pull of
Midwestern moral values.
But Nick is swayed by the
allure and the excitement of NYC.
The destructive nature of
the pursuit portrayed in characters.
Gatsby’s simplistic view of life and that
anything can be bought.
Population’s post war
emotional relief.
Accessibility to
consumer goods and affluence.
Led to unrestrained pursuit of
wealth, pleasure and material goods.
