The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

 Hello, 

This blog is based upon thinking activity on The novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

1) Explore, through MKBU eLibrary. JSTOR articles on 'Unreliable Narration' or 'False Prophet of the American Dream' Review the articles and write about them.

                                          Unreliable Narration 

Thomas E. Boyle is talking about "The Great Gatsby" and how people look at it differently. Some see it as a deep and philosophical book, while others see it as a comment on society or history. Boyle thinks people often miss the artistic side of the novel. He mentions that "The Great Gatsby" has been analyzed in various ways, such as metaphysics, sociology, and intellectual history, but he believes that its aesthetic value is sometimes overlooked.

He introduces Wayne C. Booth's idea of "distance," which means there's a gap between what the author wants, what the narrator says, and what the reader understands. Boyle argues that understanding a novel and deriving aesthetic pleasure from it comes from looking closely at the words, sounds, rhythms, and ideas within the story. He introduces Wayne C. Booth's concept of "distance," which is the gap between the author's perception, the norms of the novel, the narrator's perspective, and the reader's understanding. If this distance exists, it suggests an unreliable narrator, making it challenging for readers to infer the correct meaning.

Boyle disagrees with Booth's conclusions about the character Nick Carraway, the narrator of "The Great Gatsby." Booth suggests that Nick has a minor role and provides reliable guidance. Boyle, on the other hand, argues against this perspective, contending that Nick's role is more significant and that there is a deeper complexity to his narrative that Booth overlooks.

Thomas E. Boyle's article about "The Great Gatsby" is a thought-provoking read. Boyle brings a fresh perspective and urging readers to appreciate the artistic side of the novel. His emphasis on analyzing words, sounds, and ideas adds a layer of depth to understanding literature. Boyle's exploration of Wayne C. Booth's concept of "distance" sparks curiosity, encouraging readers to think more deeply about the narrator's role.

But, the Article might be a bit too critical for some readers. While he challenges traditional views, his tone can come off as dismissive of other interpretations.

Unreliability of Nick Carraway

Nick's first meeting with Gatsby: This encounter could be interpreted as Gatsby carefully orchestrating a chance encounter, or it could be seen as a genuine attempt at connection, depending on how Nick perceives Gatsby's intentions.

Nick and Gatsby gazing at the green light across the bay: This iconic image could symbolize Gatsby's longing for Daisy and the unattainable American Dream. However, it could also be interpreted as Nick projecting his own desires and anxieties onto Gatsby.

False Prophet of the American Dream

Roger L. Pearson's article is all about the "American dream" in literature. The American dream is like a big idea that says anyone in America, no matter where they come from, can chase and achieve their goals, whether those goals are about politics, money, or being popular. It's like saying America is a place full of opportunities.

Pearson talks about lots of famous writers like William Bradford and Walt Whitman, who all had their own way of talking about the American dream. Some thought it was about feeling spiritually fulfilled, while others believed it was achieving political success or becoming a self-made person.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, a writer from the 1900s, is linked a lot with the American dream. But Pearson says that Fitzgerald's take on it is not as hopeful as what others before him thought. Fitzgerald saw the American dream at its peak during the lively time after World War I, known as the "Roaring Twenties." In his famous book "The Great Gatsby," the main character, Jay Gatsby, represents the fulfillment of the American dream according to Fitzgerald.

Pearson explains all this using a metaphor, comparing the earlier writers to Old Testament prophets talking about a coming golden age. In this comparison, Gatsby becomes Fitzgerald's way of saying the American dream finally came true.

Roger L. Pearson's article provides an insightful exploration of the American Dream in literature, particularly focusing on F. Scott Fitzgerald's association with this theme. Pearson explaining the historical context of the American Dream, tracing its roots in early American writings. The article also sheds light on Fitzgerald's unique take on the American Dream, emphasizing that his portrayal differs from the optimism seen in earlier works.

Pearson introduces the metaphor of Fitzgerald as a modern-day prophet, with Jay Gatsby serving as the embodiment of the American Dream. The article successfully captures the essence of Fitzgerald's role as the voice of the "Jazz Age" and highlights the significance of Gatsby as a symbol in "The Great Gatsby."

Scenes exemplifying the False American Dream in The Great Gatsby:

1. Gatsby's Lavish Parties:

• These extravagant gatherings showcase the materialistic excess associated with the pursuit of the American Dream in the 1920s.
• However, the emptiness and shallowness beneath the surface highlight the hollowness of achieving success through wealth alone.
  

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2. Gatsby Reaching for Daisy:

• Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy symbolizes his obsession with achieving an idealized past and the associated status he believes she represents.
• His extravagant lifestyle and parties are ultimately a means to impress Daisy, demonstrating the shallow and misguided approach to the American Dream.
  Opens in a new 3. The Valley of Ashes:

3. The Valley of Ashes:

• This desolate wasteland, contrasting the extravagance of Gatsby's world, represents the darker side of the American Dream.
• It signifies the exploitation and social inequalities that fuel the pursuit of wealth and the disregard for those left behind. 
  
  

References 

Boyle, Thomas E. “Unreliable Narration in ‘The Great Gatsby.’” The Bulletin of the Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association, vol. 23, no. 1, 1969, pp. 21–26. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1346578. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.

Pearson, Roger L. “Gatsby: False Prophet of the American Dream.” The English Journal, vol. 59, no. 5, 1970, pp. 638–45. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/813939. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024.