- I think that Fitzgerald wanted to completely destroy the idea that was Jay Gatsby, and this couldn't be achieved by simply having him fail; he had to die. It also allows for the events after his death to take place and gives the reader a new perspective. The death of Gatsby gives a certain finality and permanence that no other end could bring.
2. What does the title "The Great Gatsby" mean?
- I think the title plays directly with the book's overall theme of expectations never being met. Fitzgerald gives one the expectation of this wonderful man, Gatsby, from the beginning but ends up disappointing one with the reality. The title may also be referring to the fact that the idea of "Jay Gatsby" is very grandiose in nature and that this idea represents hopes and dreams, the dreams of James Gatz.
3. How effective is Nick as a narrator?
- Nick is a very effective narrator because of his tendency to withhold judgments of others, and his overall passivity in the story. Nick hardly even does anything in the story; he merely observes. This gives the audience a very personal look at the events and characters without having to view them through the warped lens of a biased character.
4. Does The Great Gatsby, as a whole, effectively communicate its theme?
- Yes, Fitzgerald very skillfully constructs characters that represent much larger ideas than themselves which I am still trying to decipher. However, from what I have deduced, Jay Gatsby is this idea of the romanticized and idealized life of James Gatz; Gatsby is all that he hopes and dreams for. This dynamic and the decision to kill Gatsby is very deliberate and affords the reader with a great insight into Fitzgerald's feelings about dreams and the very theme of the novel.
No comments:
Post a Comment