In the novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, several text-to-world connections become apparent throughout the storyline. The first connection can be seen on multiple occasions when the narrator or one of the main characters mentions “the war.” World War I had a lasting impact on many people, including Nick, the narrator, and Jay Gatsby, both of whom served in the war. The reader can relate this to today’s ongoing war in the Middle East, as many people have lost loved ones and many men and women have been deployed to fight in the war.
Another connection one can make refers to the growing problem of infidelity and increasing number of divorces. The novel focuses on a plot in which both Tom and Daisy Buchanan are having an affair with another person. In Tom’s case, he lives a complete other life, away from his wife, in New York. In modern culture, the concept of marriage has lost its original value. It is no longer a permanent entity, however, it is now thought of as a possibility. No longer do couples always marry with commitment in mind, but a temporary love. Once things begin to go awry, divorce has become too easily an option. It is easier to give up for some, than it is to work problems out.
I really like your text to world connections. I didn't think of either of them when I was analyzing the book. I forgot to think of the literal allusion to WW1, probably because I was looking for something more hidden so I missed the reference that was right in front of my face.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the theme of infidelity was something that I knew was there, but failed to recognize. This definitely adds a new level to my analysis of the book in that it doesn't just comment on public social life, but also on private affairs.