The Great Gatsby: An Analysis of Cultural Representations in Literature and Film

The Great Gatsby: An Analysis of Cultural Representations in Literature and Film

2024 | Fu Jiayuan
This paper examines the cultural characteristics of the Jazz Age through the lens of F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby* and its 2013 film adaptation. It explores themes such as materialism, hegemonic culture, the American Dream, the portrayal of women, and racism. The novel and film highlight the pursuit of material wealth and social status, the dominance of the upper class, and the complexities of the American Dream. The materialistic culture is evident in the characters' obsession with money and status, as well as the luxurious settings and costumes. The hegemonic culture is reflected in the class divisions, the social exclusivity of the upper class, and the moral and legal leniency towards the wealthy. The American Dream is portrayed as both a source of hope and a path to destruction, with Gatsby's relentless pursuit leading to his downfall. The representation of women, particularly Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker, reveals the limitations and constraints placed on them by societal expectations. Finally, while not the primary focus, racism is subtly highlighted through the character of Tom Buchanan, who embodies the entrenched racial prejudices of the time. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding these cultural characteristics for gaining insights into historical context and societal changes.This paper examines the cultural characteristics of the Jazz Age through the lens of F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby* and its 2013 film adaptation. It explores themes such as materialism, hegemonic culture, the American Dream, the portrayal of women, and racism. The novel and film highlight the pursuit of material wealth and social status, the dominance of the upper class, and the complexities of the American Dream. The materialistic culture is evident in the characters' obsession with money and status, as well as the luxurious settings and costumes. The hegemonic culture is reflected in the class divisions, the social exclusivity of the upper class, and the moral and legal leniency towards the wealthy. The American Dream is portrayed as both a source of hope and a path to destruction, with Gatsby's relentless pursuit leading to his downfall. The representation of women, particularly Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker, reveals the limitations and constraints placed on them by societal expectations. Finally, while not the primary focus, racism is subtly highlighted through the character of Tom Buchanan, who embodies the entrenched racial prejudices of the time. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding these cultural characteristics for gaining insights into historical context and societal changes.
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Understanding The Great Gatsby%3A An Analysis of Cultural Representations in Literature and Film