synthesis essay the great gatsby

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The Great Gatsby: Synthesis Essay

• Author Kimberly Ball
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The Great Gatsby is a novel that exposes the uncertain nature of the American Dream, which is a promise stating that hard work can accomplish anything, despite being completely untrue. Through a story of romance and fallen ideals, Fitzgerald reveals how distorted the American Dream became and has continued to be even in modern times, ultimately creating a novel that is timeless. Through reading The Great Gatsby modern Americans can realize the importance of idealism, the downfalls of materialism, and can reevaluate what the American Dream represents.

The lack of idealism in modern America is unsurprising as previous generations have been told that the American Dream works for everyone; a statement which is incredibly false as many of those people realized as “the American Dream comes true for just 1%” (Churchwell, paragraph 8). However, the point Fitzgerald emphasizes through Nick’s, the narrator of the novel, intense admiration of Gatsby, is that idealism and following the American Dream is to be celebrated. Rather than just focusing on the flaws of Gatsby’s dream, Nick sees “the possibilities of it. “ (Geoghegan, paragraph 21). Idealism is the motivation many people require in order to pursue their dreams and without it the world would be worse off.

Materialism has become especially present in the modern digital age, causing the metaphor of T.J Eckleburg’s eyes brooding over the Valley of Ashes extremely relevant in today’s society. The billboard’s eyes sadly watching over the wasteland that is the Valley of Ashes implies that Fitzgerald believes that “God has been replaced by fading signs of American materialism.” (Mangum, paragraph 3). Materialistic gains have been established as a status of the success of the American Dream, which typically leaves people feeling frustrated and discontented as material objects cannot fill a void of unhappiness, exemplified in The Great Gatsby by Tom. Tom is defined by his wealth and although he can purchase whatever he desires, he “drift[s] on forever seeking a little wistfully for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game” (Fitzgerald, paragraph 1).

The American Dream has been tainted “with the dross of materialistic aims” (Mangum, paragraph 4) and modern people would be better off if they remembered that. The American Dream has been “corrupted by money” (Churchwell, paragraph 6) and needs to be altered. The “making of money and the enjoying of what money [can] buy” (Churchwell, paragraph 4), has become symbolic of the achievement of a satisfying life, although many times it is untrue and misleading. Reading The Great Gatsby could aid in the reconstruction of the American Dream into something that promotes “living in an atmosphere of equality” (Churchwell, paragraph 4) and could lead people to more quickly realize that while money is an important factor in life, having it does not automatically mean one will be happy or even satisfied.

The Great Gatsby is highly relevant in modern society and has the potential to change the American Dream into something more realistic but just as desirable. The novel never stops evoking a sense of discovery in readers as it will always have something to convey, even a hundred years in the future.

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The Great Gatsby Synthesis Essay: Unveiling Layers of Time, Society, and Symbolism

How it works

Stepping into the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is akin to entering a literary kaleidoscope. Often considered a quintessential American novel, this masterpiece lends itself to many interpretations. From socio-economic critiques to explorations of human psychology, the work offers a multifaceted experience that shifts with the lens of analysis.

• 1.1 Society and Excess
• 1.2 Gender Dynamics
• 1.3 Narrative Unreliability
• 2.1 Class Struggles
• 2.2 Literary Symbolism
• 3 Conclusion: An Ever-Shifting Mosaic

The American Dream

One lens through which to view the novel is as a commentary on the illusory nature of the American Dream. Gatsby’s rise from obscurity to wealth represents the promise of upward mobility and prosperity.

However, upon closer inspection, Gatsby’s acquired wealth merely cloaks a more bottomless emptiness and unfulfilled desires, sparking a discussion about the true attainability of the Dream’s promise.

Society and Excess

Another perspective delves into the Roaring Twenties’ societal decadence and its consequences. Gatsby’s lavish parties, mirroring the era’s extravagance, hide personal struggles and yearnings. This lens invites contemplation about the stark contrasts between external appearances and internal realities, inviting parallels to contemporary societal image crafting and façade trends.

Gender Dynamics

Shifting the focus to gender dynamics, Daisy Buchanan emerges as a complex character worthy of exploration. Daisy’s portrayal can be seen as a reflection of the femme fatale archetype – a symbol of alluring charm concealing more profound vulnerabilities. Such perspective invites discussions about femininity, societal expectations, and the role of women in shaping both the narrative and the era it represents.

Narrative Unreliability

Adopting a lens of narrative unreliability, readers may question the credibility of Nick Carraway’s perspective. Nick is both a participant and observer, raising doubts about his objectivity. This perspective opens the door to discussions about storytelling, memory, and the subjectivity of truth, encouraging readers to critically analyze the narrator’s role in shaping the narrative.

Time and Nostalgia

Time’s passage and the allure of nostalgia provide yet another angle for interpretation. Gatsby’s fixation on recapturing the past underscores humanity’s universal longing for bygone eras. The lens of time invites exploration into themes of impermanence, the fluidity of memory, and the consequences of clinging to what once was.

Class Struggles

When the book is viewed from a socioeconomic point of view, problems of class struggle and inequality problems become apparent. Gatsby’s desire for money shows the difference between old and new money. It also shows the tensions between senior status and new wealth. This point of view looks at the social and economic situation of the time and relates to talks about income inequality today.

Literary Symbolism

A lens of literary symbolism invites an exploration of the iconic billboard featuring the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg. This haunting image is a metaphor for societal surveillance, moral decay, and the hollow pursuit of the American Dream. It opens discussions about the influence of symbols in literature and their capacity to convey complex themes.

Conclusion: An Ever-Shifting Mosaic

When we step back from the variety of ways to look at The Great Gatsby, it becomes clear that it can’t be put into a single category. Its power comes from being able to change when looked at through different perspectives, showing new layers of meaning each time. From social criticism to introspective character studies, from comments on the American Dream to reflections on human nature, Fitzgerald’s magnum opus asks readers to approach its story with curiosity and an appreciation for how it can be read.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Great Gatsby — What Does The Billboard Symbolize In The Great Gatsby?

What Does The Billboard Symbolize in The Great Gatsby?

• Categories: The Great Gatsby

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Words: 634 |

Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 634 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The physical presence of the billboard, the eyes of dr. t.j. eckleburg, the impact on the characters, bibliography.

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