The Great Gatsby - Summary, Themes & Characters for Novels

Novels: The Great Gatsby - Summary, Themes & Characters

Novels Summary:
The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and was first published in 1925. Set in the Jazz Age of the 1920s, the book provides a critical social commentary on the American Dream and the decadence of the wealthy elite. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to New York City and becomes intertwined in the lives of his wealthy neighbors, including the enigmatic Jay Gatsby. As the novel unfolds, themes of love, obsession, wealth, and social class are explored, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion.

Novels Themes:
1. The Corruption of the American Dream: The Great Gatsby exposes the hollowness and corruption of the American Dream, highlighting how materialism and the pursuit of wealth can lead to moral decay and disillusionment.

2. The Illusion of Love: Love and romance play a significant role in the novel, with characters chasing after idealized versions of love that ultimately prove to be mere illusions. The relationships between Gatsby and Daisy, Tom and Daisy, and even Nick and Jordan are all tainted by deception and hidden agendas.

3. The Destructive Power of Obsession: The character of Jay Gatsby represents the destructive power of obsession. Gatsby becomes consumed by his desire to win back Daisy's love, leading him to engage in illegal activities and lose sight of his true self.

4. Social Class and Inequality: The novel explores the stark divide between the old money elite and the newly rich in 1920s America. Fitzgerald highlights the superficiality and exclusivity of the upper class, as well as the struggles faced by those trying to climb the social ladder.

5. The Decline of Morality: The Great Gatsby depicts a society in which moral values have eroded. Characters engage in extramarital affairs, lie, cheat, and even resort to violence without facing significant consequences. Fitzgerald critiques the moral decay of the era.

Novels Characters:
1. Jay Gatsby: The enigmatic protagonist of the novel, Gatsby is a wealthy and mysterious man who throws lavish parties at his mansion. He is deeply in love with Daisy Buchanan and becomes consumed by his obsession to win her back.

2. Daisy Buchanan: Daisy is Nick's cousin and Gatsby's love interest. She is portrayed as beautiful and charming but also shallow and easily swayed by wealth and social status.

3. Nick Carraway: The novel's narrator, Nick is a young man from the Midwest who moves to New York City to work in the bond business. He becomes Gatsby's neighbor and is drawn into the world of the wealthy elite.

4. Tom Buchanan: Daisy's husband, Tom is a wealthy and arrogant man who represents the old money elite. He is physically imposing and has a history of infidelity.

5. Jordan Baker: A professional golfer and Daisy's close friend, Jordan is depicted as independent and cynical. She becomes romantically involved with Nick but is also known for her dishonesty.

6. Myrtle Wilson: Tom Buchanan's mistress, Myrtle is married to George Wilson, an impoverished mechanic. She is desperate to escape her lower-class life and is ultimately killed in a tragic accident.

7. George Wilson: Myrtle's husband, George is a working-class man who owns a garage in the Valley of Ashes. He is devastated by his wife's death and seeks revenge.

By examining the themes, characters, and summary of The Great Gatsby, readers can gain a deeper understanding of Fitzgerald's critique of the American Dream, the consequences of obsession, and the moral decay of 1920s society.

This course is helpful for the following exams: Novels