The Great Gatsby OVERALL Analysis

Theme

• The ultimately destructive nature of the American Dream

• Explores themes of wealth and class through Gatsby’s pursuit of success and love of Daisy, serving as a symbol of the American Dream

• The chase of wealth and status can be lead to an unsatisfying and unhappy life

American Dream in the Great Gatsby

• In the Great Gatsby, the American Dream is critiqued as harmful and destructive as it is an illusion of ultimate happiness that many strive to reach, even though it is unattainable for most.

• The desire to reach the American Dream is analogous with Gatsby’s desire to take back Daisy

Clinging to the Past

• Another relevant theme of The Great Gatsby is that the past cannot be repeated and everybody has to move forward in life

• Gatsby is obsessed with the past, like his relationship with Daisy, to which he cannot let go of and tries everything to take Daisy back, like throwing lavish parties in hopes she’ll visit him one day

West Egg Vs. East Egg

• West Egg is the less fashionable area, tacky

• East Egg is more fashionable and house families with inherited wealth or “old money”