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 may help you.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gatsby/
When you check out the Sparknotes link that Ms. Sue gave you, be sure to read the Context section very carefully.
Then you should research "the lost generation" in google or bing. The whole thing has to do with many people's perception of what the world was like immediately after The Great War (World War I).
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 must understand the key elements of the novel and critically examine them. Here's a step-by-step approach to gaining a comprehensive understanding:
1. Read and analyze the text: Start by thoroughly reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Take notes while reading to identify key characters, plot points, and recurring themes.
2. Identify characters: Identify the main characters in the novel, such as Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, and Nick Carraway. Pay attention to their actions, motivations, and interactions with others.
3. Assess their moral compass: Evaluate the morality and ethical behavior of the characters. Look for instances where characters exhibit moral bankruptcy, such as Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and status to win Daisy's love, or Tom's extramarital affair. Note any contradictions or instances where characters display integrity or a sense of moral responsibility.
4. Examine the plot: Analyze the overall plot and its events to determine how it reflects the moral landscape of the Jazz Age society. Consider Gatsby's lavish parties, the illegal activities tied to his wealth, and the shallow relationships among the upper class. Look for instances where characters' actions directly reflect a lack of morality or a crisis of character.
5. Explore themes: Pay close attention to the themes presented in the novel, including the corrupting influence of wealth, the pursuit of the American Dream, social class divisions, and the emptiness and hollowness of the Jazz Age society. Consider how these themes contribute to the idea of a morally bankrupt world.
6. Critically assess the statement: Based on your analysis of the characters, plot, and themes, form an opinion on whether The Great Gatsby supports or refutes the assertion that the Jazz-Age society was devoid of morality and suffered from a crisis of character. Consider whether there are counterexamples within the novel that challenge the generalization and whether Fitzgerald's use of irony and critique implies a more nuanced perspective.
Remember, the goal is to critically evaluate the text and draw conclusions based on evidence from the novel. By following this step-by-step approach, you can better understand and analyze how The Great Gatsby relates to the statement about the Jazz-Age society's moral bankruptcy and crisis of character.