SuccessMoneyandClass_IntrotoUnit_22-23
Page 1: Introduction to Success, Money, and Class
What is the definition of success?
How does money influence one's status in society?
What role does class play in defining success?
How do characters in literature represent these themes?
What transition does this film/symbolize into The Great Gatsby?
Page 2: The 1920s Cultural Context
The 1920s was marked by conformity, fanciful lifestyles, and a focus on materialism.
These aspects shaped the lives of characters in literature, often labeled as “The Lost Generation”.
The era was characterized by an escape from traditional values, embracing excess and consumerism.
Page 3: The Lost Generation
Gertrude Stein coined the term “The Lost Generation” referring to individuals who experienced the disillusionment following WWI.
Members of this generation often felt cynical and lacked cultural or emotional stability due to their war experiences.
This group included many famous artists and writers who expressed their discontent through their works.
Page 4: Disillusionment Post-WWI
After WWI, returning soldiers were frustrated and baffled by the materialism prevalent in post-war America.
Notable authors like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald chose to stay in Europe, reflecting their discontent.
Their works depict the contrast between the horrors of war and the superficiality of American society.
Page 5: The Jazz Age
The Jazz Age spans from the conclusion of WWI to the stock market crash of 1929, showcasing economic growth and cultural evolution.
This period is tied to political scandals and corruption, particularly during President Harding’s administration.
The era’s extravagance and excess are encapsulated in the themes of The Great Gatsby.
Page 6: Economic Boom and Materialism
Increasing productivity and wages coupled with technological advancements dominated the economic landscape.
Investors, primarily from the middle and upper classes, engaged in ‘buying on margin’, leading to an inflated sense of wealth.
These practices laid the groundwork for heightened materialism seen in The Great Gatsby.
Page 7: Background on F. Scott Fitzgerald
Born in 1896 in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald had roots in old money.
He attended prestigious institutions including Princeton, where he began writing plays and novels.
His acceptance into the literary circle marked by his marriage to Zelda and their subsequent wild lifestyle during the 1920s.
Page 8: F. Scott Fitzgerald's Life Journey
Fitzgerald met Zelda in 1918; their initial engagement was strained due to financial instability.
His breakthrough novel, This Side of Paradise, was published in 1920, solidifying his status as a notable author.
He lived a tumultuous life filled with alcoholism and extravagance, which influenced his writing style and thematic explorations.
Page 9: Notable Characters in The Great Gatsby
Nick Carraway: The narrator drawn into the materialistic world, ultimately feeling both awe and disgust.
Jay Gatsby: A self-made millionaire whose life revolves around his love for Daisy.
Daisy Buchanan and Tom Buchanan: Represent the established wealthy class, showcasing the divide in social status.
Other characters like Jordan Baker, Myrtle Wilson, and George Wilson illustrate the interplay between different social strata.
Page 10: Themes of The Great Gatsby
The text critiques the American Dream, presenting it as corrupt due to excess and cynicism.
Old Money vs New Money showcases society’s deep divisions and the superficiality of wealth.
Social standing serves as a defining aspect of one's identity, emphasizing the tension between classes.
Page 11: Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
The green light from Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's hope and the broader American Dream.
The Valley of Ashes acts as a metaphor for the vacant moral landscape between the affluent and the working class.
The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg serve as a representation of judgment on America's moral decay.
Page 12: Essential Questions for Exploration
Success: What is it fundamentally?
Money: Is wealth synonymous with being successful?
Class: How permanents are social divisions, and what defines them?
Page 13: Assignment Outline for Unit
Explore multiple definitions of success.
Evaluate money’s role in life.
Investigate the concept of social class and its implications.
Summary
The notes provide a comprehensive overview of the themes, contexts, and character dynamics relating to The Great Gatsby and the Lost Generation during the 1920s. It illuminates the cultural shifts following WWI, the rise of materialism, and the stark contrasts between social classes. Understanding these elements enriches one's interpretation of Fitzgerald's work and critiques of American society. (#5 sentences)