The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, is a classic novel that explores the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties. Set in New York City during the Jazz Age, the novel follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who becomes enamored with Daisy Buchanan, a married woman from his past. The novel is filled with intricate plots, complex characters and deep themes that make it an enduring masterpiece.
Settings: The setting of the novel is mainly in two locations: West Egg and East Egg - both fictional places based on real-life areas near New York City. West Egg represents new wealth and those who have made their money through illegal means like Gatsby himself; while East Egg represents old wealth, inherited wealth passed down through generations like Daisy’s family. The contrast between these two settings serves to highlight the theme of social class as well as provide a backdrop for the characters’ actions.
Plot: The plot of the novel centers around Gatsby’s desire to win back Daisy’s love after five years apart. He throws lavish parties at his mansion in hopes that she will attend one of them. However, their reunion ultimately ends tragically due to Tom Buchanan’s infidelity and Gatsby’s involvement in illegal activities.
Themes: One of the major themes explored in The Great Gatsby is social class and its effect on society. This theme is highlighted through the contrast between West Egg and East Egg as well as through characters like Tom Buchanan who use their wealth to control others. Another important theme is the American Dream -the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work- which is represented by Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy and his attempts to assimilate into high society.
Characters: The characters in The Great Gatsby are complex and multi-dimensional. Jay Gatsby himself is a tragic figure whose obsession with Daisy leads him down a path of destruction. Daisy herself represents everything that is corrupt about high society, while Tom Buchanan embodies the arrogance and entitlement of the old wealthy. Nick Carraway, the narrator, provides a moral compass for the novel and serves as a foil to the other characters.
Feelings: Reading The Great Gatsby elicits feelings of both awe and sadness. The vivid descriptions of Gatsby’s parties and his mansion are breathtaking, yet they are also tinged with a sense of emptiness and longing. The tragic ending of the novel leaves readers with a feeling of melancholy but also makes them reflect on the consequences of pursuing one’s desires at any cost.
In conclusion, The Great Gatsby is an unforgettable novel that delves into important themes like social class and the American Dream through its intricate plot and complex characters. Its setting in 1920s New York City provides a colorful backdrop for the story to unfold. This classic work continues to captivate readers even after almost a century since its publication.
Outline: I. Introduction A. Brief introduction about The Great Gatsby B. Thesis statement
II. Settings A. Description of West Egg B. Description of East Egg
III. Plot A. Description of plot B. Significance in exploring themes
IV. Themes A. Social class B.The American Dream
V.Characters A.Jay Gatsby B.Daisy Buchanan C.Tom Buchanan D.Nick Carraway
VI.Feelings A.Elicitation of feelings from reading The Great Gatsby
VII.Conclusion