The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set in the 1920s during the Jazz Age and revolves around Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and enigmatic man famous for his opulent parties in West Egg, Long Island. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a bond salesman who befriends Gatsby after moving next door. Gatsby's lavish lifestyle is fueled by his yearning to reunite with Daisy Buchanan, a woman he loved before World War I who is now married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy but arrogant man in East Egg. As Gatsby's obsession with Daisy grows, Nick observes the unraveling of relationships and the hidden corruption beneath the Roaring Twenties' glitter. Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream leads to his downfall and death, exposing the emptiness and moral decay of the social elite.  

Fitzgerald's novel is heavily influenced by the culture and history of the 1920s. The setting reflects the excesses and extravagance of the Roaring Twenties, where prosperity and social change were prevalent. The novel critiques the hedonism and materialism of the era, illustrating how these cultural factors influence the characters' actions and values. The geographical separation between East Egg and West Egg represents the division between old money and new money, which affects the characters' social interactions and sense of belonging. Students can explore how the historical context of the Jazz Age shapes the characters' attitudes and behaviors, and discuss the broader implications of the American Dream. By examining these cultural, historical, and environmental influences, grade 9 students can gain a deeper understanding of how these factors contribute to the themes and messages in the book. 

This book may not be recommended for a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) school because it contains themes and behaviors that conflict with the moral and religious values typically emphasized in such educational settings. The novel portrays a world of excess, decadence, and moral ambiguity, with characters engaging in heavy drinking, infidelity, and unethical practices to achieve their goals. These aspects might be inappropriate for an SDA school, which promotes temperance, fidelity, and ethical conduct. Additionally, the book's focus on the darker sides of the American Dream, including materialism and the pursuit of wealth at any cost, could contradict SDA values that emphasize simplicity, spiritual growth, and humility. 

 

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