Member-only story

A Comprehensive Study Guide for Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby: Delving into the Roaring Twenties and the American Dream

Theodore Mitchell

·15.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Study Guide For F Scott Fitzgerald S The Great Gatsby (Course Hero Study Guides)

8 min read

407 View Claps

23 Respond

Save

Listen

Study Guide for F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Lisa Colozza Cocca

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	756 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	24 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, stands as a timeless exploration of the American Dream and the elusive nature of happiness. Published in 1925, the novel captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties while delving into the complexities of wealth, love, and longing.

This comprehensive study guide is designed to provide a thorough understanding of The Great Gatsby. We will delve into the novel's themes, characters, symbolism, and historical context. With this guide, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Fitzgerald's masterful storytelling and the enduring themes embedded within this American literary classic.

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

Chapter 1: "In My Younger and More Vulnerable Years..."

This chapter provides a glimpse into Nick Carraway's life and his summer in West Egg. He becomes intrigued by his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, whose lavish parties draw the attention of the entire town.

Chapter 2: "The Valley of Ashes"

In this chapter, the reader is introduced to the working-class world of the Valley of Ashes. Nick encounters George Wilson, a mechanic who lives in the shadow of Gatsby's mansion, and his wife Myrtle, who carries on an affair with Tom Buchanan.

Chapter 3: "The Buchanans"

Nick attends a dinner party at the home of Tom and Daisy Buchanan. During the evening, Tom displays his arrogance and cynicism, while Daisy reveals her longing for something more.

Chapter 4: "A Reporter With His Shirttail Out"

Gatsby and Daisy's past is explored as Nick learns about their love affair during the war. Gatsby's dream of recapturing the past sets him on a collision course with Tom.

Chapter 5: "Myrtle the Magnificent"

This chapter further develops the conflict between Tom and Myrtle. Gatsby arranges a meeting between Tom and Myrtle, which ultimately leads to Myrtle's tragic death.

Chapter 6: "The Rise and Fall of the Dutch Setter"

In this chapter, Gatsby's past is fully revealed. We learn about his humble beginnings and his ambition to create a new identity for himself. However, his dream is shattered when Daisy chooses Tom.

Chapter 7: "The Day of the Funeral"

After Myrtle's death, Gatsby becomes a recluse. Nick confronts Gatsby about his past, and Gatsby confesses his love for Daisy. Gatsby's death at the end of the chapter symbolizes the failure of the American Dream.

Character Analysis

Nick Carraway

Nick is the novel's narrator and serves as our guide into the world of The Great Gatsby. He is a reliable and honest observer, but his own biases and limitations can sometimes cloud his judgment.

Jay Gatsby

Gatsby is a complex and enigmatic figure. He is a self-made millionaire who throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Despite his wealth and success, Gatsby remains a deeply lonely and insecure man.

Daisy Buchanan

Daisy is a beautiful and charming woman, but she is also shallow and materialistic. She is torn between her love for Gatsby and her desire for a life of comfort and security with Tom Buchanan.

Tom Buchanan

Tom is a wealthy and powerful man, but he is also arrogant, ruthless, and dismissive of others. He treats his wife Daisy with contempt and considers Gatsby to be beneath him.

Myrtle Wilson

Myrtle is a working-class woman who is married to George Wilson. She is attracted to Tom Buchanan and carries on an affair with him. Myrtle's death symbolizes the tragedy of the American Dream for those who are left behind.

Themes

The American Dream

The Great Gatsby is a powerful exploration of the American Dream and its elusive nature. Gatsby believes that he can achieve anything if he works hard enough, but his dream is ultimately shattered. The novel suggests that the American Dream is often based on illusion and that it is impossible to recapture the past.

Love and Loss

Love is a central theme in The Great Gatsby. Gatsby's love for Daisy is the driving force behind his actions, but it is also his downfall. The novel explores the different types of love, from the passionate and obsessive to the superficial and unfulfilling.

Wealth and Class

The novel also delves into the themes of wealth and class. Gatsby's wealth gives him the power to throw lavish parties and buy Daisy's attention, but it cannot buy him true happiness. The novel suggests that wealth and class can be barriers to human connection.

Symbolism

The Green Light

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's dream of recapturing the past. He believes that if he can just reach the green light, he will be able to win back Daisy's love.

The Valley of Ashes

The Valley of Ashes is a desolate wasteland that lies between West Egg and New York City. It represents the working-class world and the harsh realities of life for those who are not wealthy or privileged.

The Clock

The clock in Myrtle's apartment symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of death. It serves as a reminder that Gatsby's dream of recapturing the past is doomed to fail.

Historical Context

The Great Gatsby is set during the Roaring Twenties, a period of great economic prosperity and social change in the United States. The novel captures the exuberance and optimism of the era, as well as the darker undercurrents of violence, corruption, and disillusionment.

The novel also reflects the changing role of women in society. Daisy Buchanan is a modern woman who is not content to be a housewife or a trophy wife. She is independent and ambitious, but she is also ultimately trapped by the social conventions of her time.

The Great Gatsby is a complex and nuanced novel that offers a timeless exploration of the American Dream, love, loss, and social class. Its rich characters, vivid symbolism, and evocative prose have made it one of the most beloved and enduring works of American literature.

We hope that this comprehensive study guide has provided you with a deeper understanding of The Great Gatsby. Whether you are a student preparing for a test or an avid reader seeking a deeper appreciation for this literary masterpiece, we encourage you to reread the novel with fresh eyes and to explore its many layers of meaning.

Study Guide for F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Lisa Colozza Cocca

5 out of 5