How do the characters, plot, and theme of The Great Gatsby support or refute the statement that "the Jazz-Age society was a bankrupt world, devoid of morality, and plagued by a crisis of character"?
This site will be of help.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gatsby/
Do your own flvs work. I had to so you do to.
To analyze how the characters, plot, and theme of The Great Gatsby support or refute the statement that "the Jazz-Age society was a bankrupt world, devoid of morality, and plagued by a crisis of character," we need to closely examine the novel and its various elements.
1. Characters:
- Jay Gatsby: Gatsby is a central character representing the pursuit of wealth and success during the Jazz Age. While he amasses a great fortune, his character is morally ambiguous. He throws extravagant parties, participates in illegal activities, and is driven by his obsession with Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby's character can be seen as a reflection of the corrupt and morally bankrupt society of the time.
- Tom and Daisy Buchanan: This wealthy couple symbolizes the upper echelons of the Jazz-Age society. They are portrayed as careless, immoral, and devoid of empathy. Tom is unfaithful to Daisy, and both characters are willing to manipulate and betray others for their own interests. Their portrayal reinforces the notion of a morally bankrupt society.
2. Plot:
- The pursuit of wealth and materialism: The central plot revolves around characters who are primarily driven by their desire for material success and social status. This emphasis on materialism and the relentless pursuit of enjoyment highlights the shallowness and lack of moral values in the Jazz-Age society.
- The tragic downfall of Gatsby: Gatsby's story can be interpreted as a critique of the Jazz Age society. Despite his wealth and parties, he remains unfulfilled, desperately clinging to the past and ultimately meeting a tragic end. This plot point suggests that the pursuit of wealth and pleasure alone does not lead to genuine happiness or fulfilment.
3. Theme:
- The illusion of the American Dream: The Great Gatsby explores the theme of the American Dream and its corruption during the Jazz Age. The characters in the novel are driven by the illusion that wealth and social status can bring fulfillment, yet this pursuit often leads to moral bankruptcy and a hollow existence.
- Disillusionment and moral decay: The novel portrays a society where traditional morals are eroded. Characters engage in affairs, lies, deception, and criminal activities without guilt or remorse, reflecting the crisis of character in the Jazz-Age society.
In summary, The Great Gatsby supports the statement that the Jazz-Age society was a bankrupt world, devoid of morality, and plagued by a crisis of character through the depiction of morally ambiguous characters, the emphasis on materialism, and the exploration of themes such as the illusion of the American Dream and moral decay.