Enduring Understandings

Fitzgerald crafts distinctions between class of characters through. . . 

• descriptions of the geography of which they live (e.g., East Egg, West Egg, the valley of ashes);
• attitudes toward wealth drive the narrative (e.g., Gatsby’s display of wealth to construct identity; old money v. nouveau riche v. working class; people are drawn to Gatsby’s lavish parties);

The modern condition of humanity is explored through themes related to. . .

• the problem with romanticizing nostalgic memories of the past/perfection, and resulting disillusionment;
• relationships between men and women driven by aspirations of social mobility and desire to be, or feel, loved (vanity) – these drives lead to unfulfilled, contentious relationships. 

Essential Questions

• To what extent does Gatsby’s wealth, and all the luxuries that it provides, affect his ability to achieve what he desires? How do other characters’ attitudes toward wealth affect what happens throughout the narrative? Can class status be changed?
• How does the historical context of when a text was written, or the historical setting of the narrative, affect current readers’ interpretations? To what extent is Fitzgerald’s message sustained or lost to present-day audiences?
• How do Fitzgerald’s descriptions of geography and setting influence our understanding of character motivations and conflicts?
• To what extent are characters disillusioned, or unsatisfied with their lives (e.g., their relationships, employment, social status, wealth, families, personal histories, etc.)?

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