The Rising Action in The Great Gatsby: A Tale of Love, Greed, and the American Dream
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, is a classic novel that has captivated readers for generations with its rich characters, intricate plot, and commentary on the American Dream. One of the most debated aspects of the novel is the rising action, which refers to the events that build tension and suspense as the story unfolds. In this article, we will explore the rising action in The Great Gatsby and analyze its significance in the context of the novel.
Pre-Settler America: A New World Awakens
The rising action of The Great Gatsby begins in the 1920s, a time of great change and upheaval in America. The Roaring Twenties, as they are known, are marked by new technology, mass production, and a rise in urbanization. The novel begins in 1922, with the arrival of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man who throws a party to celebrate his daughter Daisy’s 19th birthday. The party is a symbol of Gatsby’s attempt to reconnect with his lost love, Daisy, who has moved to New York City.
The Green Light: A Symbol of Ambition and Hope
One of the most iconic symbols in The Great Gatsby is the green light across the water, which represents the elusive American Dream. Gatsby’s eyes on the green light are a constant reminder of his ambition and desire for wealth and social status. The green light is also a symbol of hope and longing, as it seems to beckon Gatsby towards Daisy, and ultimately leads him down the path of ruin.
The New York City Underbelly: A World of Deceit and Obsession
The rising action of The Great Gatsby is also set against the backdrop of New York City’s underworld, where wealth and privilege go hand in hand with corruption and crime. The novel highlights the dark side of the American Dream, where the pursuit of wealth and status can lead individuals to engage in crimes such as murder, deceit, and exploitation. The characters of Tom and Daisy, who are both wealthy and well-connected, exemplify this world of deceit and obsession, as they use their wealth and social status to manipulate and control others.
The Valley of Ashes: A Symbol of the Unseen
The Valley of Ashes, a desolate and industrial area between New York City and Long Island, serves as a symbol of the unseen world of American society, where the wealthy elite live in seclusion and privilege, while the working class toils in obscurity and desperation. The Valley of Ashes is also a place of debt and financial ruin, where individuals are driven to criminal and desperate measures to escape their circumstances.
The Contrast between East and West: A Symbol of Social Divide
The rising action of The Great Gatsby is also marked by the contrast between East and West, as Gatsby’s world is seen as closed and exclusive, while the world of the wealthy elite is seen as open and corrupt. The characters of Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway, who represent East and West, are drawn into the world of the wealthy elite, where they must navigate social class and privilege. This contrast highlights the social divide between the East and West, and the elitism that pervades American society.
The Last Days of Jay Gatsby: A Tragic Fall
The rising action of The Great Gatsby reaches its climax in the final days of Jay Gatsby’s life. Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy leads him to make a fateful decision, which ultimately results in his tragic downfall. As Gatsby’s world begins to crumble, he realizes too late the corruption and superficiality of the world around him.
Conclusion
The rising action in The Great Gatsby is a complex and multifaceted aspect of the novel, which explores themes of love, greed, and the American Dream. Through its rich characters, intricate plot, and commentary on the social divide, The Great Gatsby offers a nuanced and thought-provoking critique of American society. Ultimately, the rising action of the novel serves as a warning about the dangers of corruption and social divide, and the elitism that can lead individuals to elude the American Dream.