The Role of Social Class and Morality in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

Expanding the Roles:
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel that critiques the illusion of the American Dream by following the rise and fall of Jay Gatsby, a man who amasses wealth in the hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the pursuit of happiness. For literature students, The Great Gatsby offers a rich commentary on the impact of class and materialism on personal identity and morality.

• Social Class and the Illusion of the American Dream:
  Gatsby’s attempts to climb the social ladder and win Daisy’s love represent the hollow pursuit of wealth and status. Students can analyze how Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by showing the inherent flaws in the belief that hard work leads to success and happiness.

• Morality and Corruption:
  The novel’s characters often engage in morally ambiguous actions, such as Gatsby’s illegal dealings and Daisy’s emotional manipulation. Literature students can explore how Fitzgerald uses these characters to question the relationship between wealth, morality, and personal integrity.

What We Learn:
The Great Gatsby provides literature students with valuable insights into the moral and social structures of early 20th-century America. The novel critiques the pursuit of material success and the corruption that can result from an unrelenting focus on wealth and social status.