The Ultimate Guide to Analyzing F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is indisputably one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century. Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story takes us through the life and times of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the American Dream. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take a deep dive into analyzing the novel to gain a fuller understanding of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.

1. Overview, Setting, and Background

F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby in 1925. The novel is set in 1922, on Long Island and in New York City. The Roaring Twenties was a period marked by great social, cultural, and economic changes, defined by opulence, excess, and the desire to achieve the American Dream.

The setting is crucial in understanding Gatsby’s world and his ultimate pursuit – this world of glamour, lavish parties, and overflowing wealth is the backdrop upon which Gatsby’s story unfolds. The geographical divide between Long Island’s East Egg and West Egg symbolizes the divisions within society itself, highlighting the difference in status and wealth between established aristocracy (East Egg) and self-made individuals (West Egg).

2. Characters and Relationships

Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby, the novel’s protagonist, is a mysterious, wealthy individual with ties to organized crime. Despite his extravagant lifestyle, Gatsby is ultimately driven by his love for Daisy Buchanan and his desire to win her back. His pursuit of the American Dream is embodied in his relentless efforts to gain wealth and status to fulfill his romantic longings.

Daisy Buchanan

Daisy is the novel’s main female character, admired for her beauty, charm, and privileged upbringing. Despite her seemingly perfect life, Daisy is ultimately a deeply conflicted character, struggling to find meaning and happiness amidst the superficial world she inhabits.

Tom Buchanan

Daisy’s husband Tom is an aggressive, unfaithful, and highly egotistical character. He represents the arrogance and corruption that accompanies extreme wealth and old money. The character of Tom Buchanan highlights the darker side of the American Dream.

Nick Carraway

Nick, the novel’s narrator, is fascinated by Gatsby and the lavish world around him. As a relatively impartial observer, Nick can provide an objective perspective on the events of the story, allowing us to see the realities behind the facade created by the characters.

Jordan Baker

Jordan Baker, a close friend of Daisy and an adventurous professional golfer, provides a deeper insight into the world of the ultra-wealthy. Her character is also a romantic interest for Nick.

Myrtle Wilson

Myrtle is Tom Buchanan’s mistress and the wife of George Wilson, a garage owner in the Valley of Ashes. Myrtle’s character serves as a symbol of the lower class, as she seeks to escape her unhappy marriage and find fulfillment in the wealthy and shallow world that Tom embodies.

George Wilson

George is a simple, hard-working man, constantly belittled by his wife and Tom. His character emphasizes the dehumanizing effect of the disparity between the wealthy and the less fortunate in society.

3. Themes and Motifs

The American Dream: One of the most significant themes in the novel is the American Dream, which asserts that anyone can attain wealth, success, and status through hard work and determination. Throughout the novel, Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy serves as a representation of his quest for the American Dream.

Decay of Morality: The novel explores the corruption and moral decay prevalent in the wealthy elite, as a result of their pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy are all motivated by their desires, leading them to make morally questionable decisions.

Class and Social Divide: The novel delves into the distinctions and tensions between old money and new money, highlighting issues surrounding class and social divide. The divide between old money (East Egg) and new money (West Egg) exemplifies the superficial values that permeate high society.

4. Symbolism and Imagery

The Green Light: The green light serves as a recurring symbol in the novel, representing Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future. Located across the bay from Gatsby’s mansion, it also represents Daisy, the woman Gatsby desperately seeks to possess.

The Valley of Ashes: The Valley of Ashes, located between West Egg and New York City, is an industrial wasteland that serves as a stark contrast to the opulence and glamour of the wealthy characters’ lifestyles. It symbolizes the moral and social decay that underpins the American Dream.

Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg: The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, depicted on an old billboard overlooking the Valley of Ashes, serve as a metaphor for the pervasive sense of disillusionment and moral decline that pervades the world of Gatsby and his peers.

5. Narrative Voice and Style

The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, who presents an outsider’s perspective on the lives and actions of the other characters. Through Nick’s narrative, we see the world of Gatsby and the East and West Eggs as a complex and morally ambiguous society. Fitzgerald’s prose style is often described as lyrical, evocative, and richly descriptive, emphasizing the dream-like quality of Gatsby’s world.

6. Literary and Cultural Impact

The Great Gatsby is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels in American literature, often listed among the Great American Novels. It has been widely studied and analyzed, inspiring numerous critical essays, articles, and academic studies.

The novel has been adapted into various films, television series, stage productions, and even operas. Its influence on the literary world and popular culture is inarguable, as it continues to capture the imaginations of readers around the world.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a timeless tale of love, obsession, and the pursuit of the American Dream. With its in-depth exploration of themes such as the decay of morality and the dark side of wealth and success, the novel has remained a poignant examination of human desires and the quest for happiness in the modern world. Its characters, themes, and symbols continue to engage readers, resonating with a universal longing for meaning and fulfillment in life.

Ready to experience the beauty and depth of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel? Read or listen to The Great Gatsby by purchasing it on Amazon.