The Multifaceted Themes of the Great Gatsby

Benjamin Schreier’s article, “‘Race’ and The Great Gatsby’s Cynical Americanism,” provides a critical lens through which to view the racial and ethnic undertones in "The Great Gatsby." Schreier highlights how racial identity is subtly interwoven into the narrative and character interactions. He critiques other scholars, such as Walter Benn Michaels, who interpret Gatsby as a symbol of the racial amalgamation threat. Michaels argues that Gatsby represents the fear of racial mixing, a perspective embodied by characters like Tom Buchanan.

Tom’s xenophobic remarks, such as his assertion that it is the responsibility of the "dominant race" to maintain control, underscore the racial tensions simmering beneath the novel’s surface. Schreier, however, cautions against reducing the novel to these overt expressions of racism alone, suggesting that the book’s engagement with race is more complex and multifaceted.

Nativism and the Self-Made Man

Jeffery Louis Decker's analysis in “Gatsby’s Pristine Dream: The Diminishment of the Self-Made Man in the Tribal Twenties” shifts the focus to the theme of nativism and the crumbling ideal of the self-made man. Decker explores how Tom Buchanan’s disdain for Gatsby is tied not only to class and wealth but also to nativist sentiments, as seen in his association of Gatsby with the immigrant character Meyer Wolfsheim. This connection is used by Tom to delegitimize Gatsby’s social standing and aspirations, painting him as "less-than white." Decker further examines Gatsby’s portrayal as a self-made man, drawing parallels to figures like Benjamin Franklin and characters from Horatio Alger’s stories. Unlike Franklin’s moral-driven journey, Gatsby's path is marked by self-image and external validation, a critique of the superficiality of the era’s self-made mythos.

The Tapestry of Social Anxiety

The combined insights from Schreier and Decker enrich our understanding of "The Great Gatsby" as a narrative deeply embedded in its socio-historical context. The novel reflects the tensions and contradictions of the 1920s, an era marked by rapid social changes, racial anxieties, and the erosion of traditional ideals. Fitzgerald’s characters, with their flaws and prejudices, serve as conduits for exploring these broader societal issues. While the decline of the American Dream remains a central theme, the novel’s engagement with race, nativism, and the self-made man reveals a more intricate critique of the American ethos.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Complexity

In conclusion, "The Great Gatsby" is a work of profound complexity that transcends its initial portrayal of the American Dream’s decline. By examining the novel through the lenses of racial and ethnic differences and nativism, as discussed by Schreier and Decker, a richer, more nuanced understanding emerges. The novel becomes a mirror reflecting the multifaceted anxieties of its time, capturing the interplay between personal ambition and societal constraints. Ultimately, Fitzgerald’s work invites readers to ponder not only the allure and illusory nature of the American Dream but also the intricate social fabric that defines the American experience. Through this layered exploration, "The Great Gatsby" endures as a timeless critique of the human condition and the shifting sands of cultural ideals.

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