thinking activity on 'The Great Gatsby'

 This Blog is a response to the thinking activity on 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald given by our professor Dr. Dilip Barad Sir.

 F. SCOTT FITZGERALD:-

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century and a member of the "Lost Generation" of writers who came of age during World War I.

Fitzgerald is best known for his novel "The Great Gatsby," which is often considered one of the greatest American novels of all time. The novel is a critique of the American Dream and the decadence and excess of the Roaring Twenties.

Fitzgerald's other notable works include "This Side of Paradise," "Tender Is the Night," and "The Beautiful and Damned." His writing style was characterized by his use of vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and a focus on the lives and aspirations of the wealthy and privileged.

The Great Gatsby:-

"The Great Gatsby" is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, first published in 1925. Set in the 1920s, the novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy young man who has made his fortune through bootlegging during the Prohibition era. Gatsby is deeply in love with Daisy Buchanan, a married woman he courted years earlier, and he spends his time throwing extravagant parties in the hopes of attracting her attention.

The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who has moved to New York to work in the bond business. Nick becomes Gatsby's neighbor and is drawn into the web of relationships that surround the wealthy and the privileged in the city. Through Nick's eyes, we witness the excesses and moral decay of the Jazz Age, as well as the tragic consequences of Gatsby's obsessive pursuit of his dream.

"The Great Gatsby" is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of American literature, and it is frequently taught in high school and college literature courses. Its themes of love, money, and the American Dream continue to resonate with readers today, and its vivid portrayal of the Roaring Twenties has made it a cultural touchstone for generations.

1) How did the film capture the Jazz Age, the Roaring Twenties, the Flappers & the Prohibition Act of America in the 1920s?

The Jazz Age - the Roaring Twenties of the America in 1920s:

The Jazz Age, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a period of cultural and social change in America during the 1920s. The era was characterised by a booming economy, new forms of entertainment, and a loosening of traditional social norms. Its extravagant parties became symbols of the era.

The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is set during this period and explores the themes of excess, decadence, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The novel has been adapted into several movies, including the 2013 version directed by Baz Luhrmann.

Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby captures the energy and glamour of the Jazz Age through its stunning visuals, lavish parties, and a pulsing soundtrack that blends modern music with jazz classics. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a millionaire who throws elaborate parties in an attempt to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan (played by Carey Mulligan).

The film portrays the excess and luxurious of the era, with characters indulging in alcohol, drugs, and casual sex. It also touches on the darker side of the Jazz Age, such as the rise of organised crime and the disillusionment of the generation that had fought in World War I.

Overall, Luhrmann's version of The Great Gatsby is a vibrant and visually stunning portrayal of the Jazz Age that captures the essence of the era while also offering a modern interpretation.

2) Watch PPT on the difference between the film and the novel and write in brief about it.

One major difference between the novel and the films is the way in which the story is presented.

 The 2013 film directed by Baz Luhrmann features a more modernized approach, with flashy visual effects and an updated soundtrack. In contrast, the novel is set in the 1920s and reflects the cultural values and societal norms of that time.Another significant difference between the novel and the films is the focus on certain themes and motifs. The novel emphasizes the decline of the American Dream and the corruption of wealth, while some film adaptations focus more on the love story between Gatsby and Daisy.

3) How did the film help in understanding the symbolic significance of 'The Valley of Ashes', 'The Eyes of Dr. T J . Eckleberg' and 'The Green Light'?

"The Valley of Ashes":-

"The Valley of Ashes" is a key symbol in the novel, representing the decay and hopelessness of the working-class people who live there. In the film, this symbolism is emphasized through the use of dark, desolate imagery and haunting music. The camera lingers on the smoky, industrial landscape, with the ash-covered workers going about their monotonous routines. This helps to underscore the contrast between the glamour and wealth of the main characters and the poverty and despair of those who live in the valley.

"The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg" is another important symbol in the novel, representing the eyes of God or the watchful presence of a higher power. In the film, this symbolism is conveyed through the use of a massive billboard featuring the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. The billboard looms over the valley of ashes, and the camera often frames shots so that the eyes seem to be watching over the action. This reinforces the idea that the characters are being constantly scrutinized and judged, even if they don't realize it. 

"The Green Light" symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams, particularly his desire to be reunited with Daisy. In the film, the green light is portrayed as a shimmering beacon across the water, which Gatsby gazes at longingly. The camera often lingers on the light, emphasizing its importance to Gatsby and his motivations. This helps viewers to understand the significance of the light and its role in the story. 

4) How did the film capture the theme of racism and sexism?

In terms of racism, the film briefly acknowledges the fact that African Americans were marginalized and discriminated against during the era. For example, in one scene, an African American jazz band performs for a white audience, but they are forced to play behind a screen, highlighting the segregation and racism of the time. Additionally, the only African American character in the film, Meyer Wolfsheim (played by Amitabh Bachchan), is depicted as a shady and potentially criminal figure, which some critics have argued reinforces negative stereotypes.

In terms of sexism, the film does portray the objectification and mistreatment of women during the era. The character of Daisy Buchanan, in particular, is shown to be trapped in a loveless marriage and subject to the whims of her husband and the men around her. However, some critics have argued that the film also glamorizes the flapper lifestyle and portrays women primarily as objects of desire.

 The film does touch on themes of racism and sexism, it is primarily focused on the excess and decadence of the Jazz Age and the tragic love story at the center of the novel. As such, its treatment of these issues is somewhat limited and may not satisfy viewers looking for a deeper exploration of these themes.

5) Watch the video on Nick Carraway and discuss him as a narrator.

Nick Carraway is the narrator of The Great Gatsby, and he is an important character in his own right. As a narrator, Nick plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's understanding of the events and characters in the novel.

One of the key strengths of Nick as a narrator is his reliability. He is presented as a trustworthy and objective observer, who is able to provide insight into the characters and events without becoming personally involved. This allows the reader to trust his perspective and view the story through his eyes.

At the same time, Nick is not a completely impartial narrator. He has his own biases and opinions, and his relationship with Gatsby and Daisy influences his perspective on the events of the novel. For example, Nick admires Gatsby and is sympathetic to his quest for love and success, which colors his portrayal of the character. Additionally, Nick's attraction to Jordan Baker, and his subsequent disillusionment with her, affects his perspective on the female characters in the novel.

Another key aspect of Nick's role as a narrator is his position as an outsider. He is not part of the wealthy and glamorous world of the other characters, which allows him to provide a critical perspective on their behavior and values. At the same time, Nick is not completely separate from this world, as he is drawn into their social circle and becomes embroiled in their affairs.

 Nick Carraway is a complex narrator who plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's understanding of The Great Gatsby. His reliability, biases, and outsider perspective all contribute to the richness and complexity of the novel.

6) Watch the video on psychoanalytical study of Jay Gatsby and write about his character.

Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel .He is a complex figure who is often interpreted in various ways. Through a psychoanalytical lens, Gatsby's character can be seen as a reflection of his inner conflicts, desires, and motivations.

Gatsby is driven by a desire to be accepted by the wealthy and powerful members of society, and this desire is rooted in his lower-class background. He is constantly striving for more, but the more he has, the more his guilt and insecurity manifest. Gatsby's need for status and recognition is a reflection of his fear of rejection and insignificance. 

Gatsby's unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan is a prime example of his complicated relationship with his own emotions. Despite his love for Daisy, Gatsby is unable to express his feelings and instead masks them behind grand gestures and material possessions. His fear of being rejected by Daisy and his conscious choice to stay in the background results in a state of emotional deprivation.

The way Gatsby deals with his inner turmoil and his inability to express his feelings is a complex psychoanalytical study. His attempts to win Daisy's love, his obsession with the wealthy, and his constant sense of guilt are all reflections of his own inner struggles. Gatsby's journey of self-discovery is a powerful reminder of the strength of human emotion and the power of self-reflection

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