Was Gatsby Great? The Great Gatsby Part 2: Crash Course English Literature #5

Summary

In this episode of Crash Course Literature, John Green explores the complexity of F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*, focusing on the central question: Is Gatsby great? He examines Gatsby's tragic pursuit of an idealized past, highlighting the lush language and ironic elements of the story. Green contrasts Gatsby's ambition with the carelessness of the wealthy elite, arguing that while Gatsby embodies greatness in his aspirations, he is ultimately doomed by his unworthy dreams. The video concludes that greatness requires discernment in what one chooses to worship, emphasizing the timeless themes of ambition and societal hypocrisy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gatsby's complexity: Despite being a short novel, *The Great Gatsby* is rich in themes and character complexities.
• 🧐 Question of greatness: The central question is whether Jay Gatsby can be considered truly 'great.'
• 📖 Language matters: Fitzgerald's poetic language elevates the story, making even unlikeable characters compelling.
• ⏳ Obsession with the past: Gatsby's desire to reclaim a perfect past with Daisy drives much of the narrative's conflict.
• 💔 American hypocrisy: The story critiques societal norms, particularly the hypocrisy surrounding wealth and morality during Prohibition.
• 🎭 Tragic flaws: Gatsby’s ambition is admirable, but his fixation on unworthy dreams leads to his downfall.
• 🕰️ Time's passage: Both Gatsby and Romeo and Juliet grapple with the passage of time and its impact on their lives.
• 🚫 Carelessness of the rich: The idle rich characters, like Tom and Daisy, symbolize a callous indifference to the suffering of others.
• 🔍 Irony in greatness: Gatsby's 'greatness' is intertwined with irony, highlighting the tawdry aspects of his life.
• 🌟 Caution in aspiration: While ambition can be commendable, it’s important to be discerning about what one chooses to aspire to.

Q & A

What is the primary question that John Green seeks to address in this episode?

John Green seeks to address the question, 'Is Gatsby great?' as a central theme of his discussion on *The Great Gatsby*.

How does Green compare Gatsby to the characters in Romeo and Juliet?

Green compares Gatsby and the characters in *Romeo and Juliet* by discussing their obsession with controlling time and how both sets of characters seek to manipulate their pasts to achieve their desired futures.

What literary techniques does Fitzgerald use to elevate the narrative of *The Great Gatsby*?

Fitzgerald uses heightened language, vivid descriptions, and poetic prose to elevate the narrative, making Gatsby's triumphs and tragedies feel epic and significant.

What does John Green mean when he states, 'You don't have to be good to be great'?

Green suggests that greatness can arise from ambition and commitment to one's aspirations, even if the individual exhibits morally questionable behavior, as seen in Gatsby's character.

What does Gatsby believe he can achieve by restoring the past?

Gatsby believes that by restoring the past and erasing the intervening years, particularly by convincing Daisy to deny her love for Tom Buchanan, he can create a beautiful future for himself and Daisy.

How does Fitzgerald illustrate the theme of carelessness in *The Great Gatsby*?

Fitzgerald illustrates carelessness through characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan, who are depicted as wealthy individuals who cause harm without taking responsibility, highlighting the monstrous nature of their indifference.

What role does Prohibition play in *The Great Gatsby* according to Green?

Prohibition serves as a metaphor for American hypocrisy and debauchery, reflecting how society simultaneously condemns and indulges in illegal activities, much like Gatsby's character and lifestyle.

What is the significance of the line, 'You can't repeat the past'?

This line, spoken by Nick Carraway, emphasizes the futility of attempting to restore or relive past moments, a central conflict for Gatsby as he pursues his dreams.

How does John Green characterize Gatsby's demise?

Green characterizes Gatsby's demise as a result of his unrealistic dreams and the societal structures that favor the careless rich over individuals striving for genuine connection and success.

What message does Green convey about dreams in relation to Gatsby's character?

Green conveys that while dreaming itself is not inherently tragic, chasing unworthy or unrealistic dreams, as Gatsby does, can lead to disappointment and destruction.