Setting：
The story unfolds in 1920s America, an era filled with luxury and emptiness, characterized by economic prosperity following World War I, a gradual erosion of moral values, and the rise of hedonism. The Roaring Twenties was a wild time in America—lots of money, parties, and new tech. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. The rich were getting richer and the poor were getting left behind, which caused a lot of tension and unrest. Women were starting to get more freedom, but they were still treated pretty badly. And for African Americans, even though there was some progress, they were still fighting against a lot of unfair treatments. It was also the age of cool stuff like jazz and movies. Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby shows how chasing dreams could lead to a bummer ending, and it's a heads-up about the downsides of that era.
1
Gatsby's
Love Story
Gatsby(originall ynamed Jay Gatsby), a poor businessman, fell in love with the wealthy Daisy Buchanan. Separated by the outbreak of World War I, Daisy married the affluent Tom Buchanan under family pressure, while Gatsby, driven by his devotion to Daisy and his desire for wealth, went overseas for military service and amassed a fortune through his own efforts after the war. Gatsby believed that money could mend his lost love, so he built a luxurious mansion across from Daisy's residence, spending lavishly to capture her attention. However, when he finally reunited with Daisy, he found her no longer the innocent girl she once was, but a woman corrupted by money and vanity. Despite this, Gatsby remained deeply in love with Daisy, even going so far as to take the blame for her accidentally killing Tom's mistress, ultimately dying tragically at Tom's orchestration.
2
Two different views of love
Gatsby's View of Love: Gatsby's love for Daisy is a mix of genuine affection and an idealized projection. He sees her as the embodiment of his American Dream, representing not just love but also the success and social acceptance he desires. His love is both romantic and aspirational, as he believes that possessing Daisy's love will validate his own worth and the life he has built. - However, this love is also tragic because it is based on an image of Daisy that may not align with who she truly is, making his love somewhat delusional.
Tom's View of Love:
Tom's love for Daisy is more about possession and control than genuine affection. He is willing to maintain the facade of a happy marriage to preserve his social standing, but his actions, such as his affair with Myrtle Wilson, reveal a lack of respect and commitment to Daisy. Tom's love is conditional and self-serving, prioritizing his own interests over Daisy's happiness.
3
Daisy's Feelings for Gatsby and Tom
Daisy's feelings are complex and conflicted. She is drawn to Gatsby's wealth and the passion he offers, which contrasts with the stability and predictability of her life with Tom. However, Daisy is also a product of her social class, valuing the security and status that Tom provides. Her inability to make a clear choice between Gatsby and Tom reflects her own confusion and the constraints placed on her by societal expectations. Daisy's love is as much about self-preservation as it is about emotional fulfillment.
4
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby delves into the complexities of love and the ways in which it can be distorted by wealth, social status, and personal ambition. Gatsby's love is a romanticized ideal that overlooks reality, Tom's love is a form of control that disregards Daisy's true needs, and Daisy's love is a reflection of her own internal struggle and the societal pressures that shape her decisions. The novel suggests that true love is often obscured by these external factors, leading to tragic outcomes for those who cannot see beyond them.
文案丨2023级11班 李水楠 王灵钰 邓雯文 唐诗
图片 | 2023级11班 程浩亿
排版丨2023级11班 郑润彤
指导教师 | 王德义
