Gatsby criticisms, lenses and context

L.Person Feminist viewpoint

“Daisy is the victim first of Tom’s cruel power, but then of Gatsby’s increasingly depersonalised version of her”

L.Tyson New historicist viewpoint

Writes that Gatsby reveals one of the central contradictions in the American ideal of the self-made man

K.Eble - Daisy and Gatsby

“Daisy moves away from actuality into an idea exsisting in Gatsby’ mind”

T.Flannagan - Gatsby

“Gatsby lives in a world of romantic energies and colours”

Marxist lens

• Tom views all people as commodities to enhance his position and indulge desires.

• Uses possesions to raise the intrinsic value of himself and buy women.

• Daisy is not an innocent victim - is as ready as Tom to sacrifice commodities (Tom and Gatsby).

• Gatsby is an acheiver of the American Dream by corrupt ends.

• Uses the house as a commodity as an advertising presence.

• Valley of the Ashes is a harsh manifestation of the bourgeoise/proleteriat divide.

• Wilsons wish to be exploited by the wealthy in order to succeed.

Marxist ideological conflicts

Mrytle and Wilson

• Mrytle uses her only commodity (sexuality) for self-gratification.

• Wilson has little intelect, strength or control over his wife, whilst Mrytle is over-sexed and loud.

Nick and Gatsby

• Nick is overtly romantic about Gatsby.

• Indulges himself and ignores all Gatsby’s faults.

• Sees Gatsby as a model for the possibility of success, clinging to his model even in failure.

Luxury

• Capitalist dream lives on (ending line)

Marxism overall

• Unflattering tone and evident cynicism about capitalism.

• American Dream is one of decay in personal and moral values.

Contextual influences

• 1920s America

  • The decade of consumption, with the economic boom introducing consumerism.

  • 1919 prohibition era encouraged wealth through bootlegging.

  • 1924 Immigration act passed, restricitng Europeansand Asians moving to the US.