THEMES EXPLORED IN THE GREAT GATSBY S Theme

THEMES EXPLORED IN THE GREAT GATSBY S

Theme Discussion

S Fitzgerald explores different kinds of love. (unconditional love, lust, idealised love, material love, friendship) S Love and relationships are a source of conflict. S Friendships are presented as being shallow. S The traditional family structure doesn’t exist.

Discuss: “There are no true love in The Great Gatsby. Instead money is the pivotal force which binds characters together. ” How far do you agree?

Appearance and Reality

Appearance and Reality S There is a clear contrast between how things appear and how they really are. S The narrator’s view of reality is often confused by appearance (making him unreliable. ) S The blurred line between reality and unreality is mirrored by the descriptions of geography and the weather. S Most of the characters hide behind disguises. S Most of the characters are dishonest.

Discuss: “Both Nick and Gatsby have powerful imaginations which distort their view of reality. ” How far do you agree?

Corruption Morality Deceit

S The characters are all searching for new values and are shaping a new reality. S Religion and morality has been replaced by consumerism and hedonism. S Gatsby is the only character who displays moral integrity.

Discuss: “The Great Gatsby is a sordid tale of murder, adultery and corruption. ” How far do you agree?

Theme discussion

S There is a big gap between rich and poor. S The characters display very different attitudes to money. S Money causes social divide. S The American Dream is corrupt. S Gatsby represents The American Dream.

Discuss: How far do you agree with the view that “Nick’s class and level of wealth affect him as a narrator? ”

Gender and Sexuality

Gender and Sexuality S Gender roles were redefined in 1920 after World War One. S The female characters highlight news tensions between the sexes. S Society in the novel is male dominated. S Gender is connected to power and control.

Discuss: How far do you agree with the view that “in the novel there are no women with whom the reader can sympathise? ”

The Past

The Past S Humans are obsessed with repeating and recreating the past. S Fitzgerald suggests trying to repeat the past is futile.

Vision and Insight

Vision and Insight S The characters in the novel see what they want rather than what is real. S Seeing clearly is not straightforward in the novel. S Nick Carraway narrates the story from his perspective, there are other versions of reality. S Genuine insight is rare in the novel.

Discuss: How far do you agree with the view that “it is Gatsby’s capacity to imagine the world differently which makes him great? ”