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Scott Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby' is a captivating portrayal of the Jazz Age and the American Dream. While the novel explores themes of love, wealth, and social status, it also contains instances of racism that reflect the attitudes prevalent during the 1920s. This critical essay aims to analyze key quotes from 'The Great Gatsby' that depict racism and explore their significance in the context of the narrative and the larger socio-cultural landscape of the time.
Quote 1: "Civilization's going to pieces... Whenever you see a crowd... coming after the president, fly for your life." (Chapter 1)
Analysis: This quote, spoken by Tom Buchanan, reveals his racist beliefs and the underlying fear of the changing social order. Tom's assertion that civilization is crumbling due to the presence of diverse crowds reflects a discriminatory mindset that views non-white individuals as a threat. This quote highlights the racial tension and prejudice that existed during the era, further emphasizing the theme of social divisions in the novel.
Quote 2: "The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be--will be utterly submerged." (Chapter 7)
Analysis: This quote, expressed by Tom during a heated argument, underscores his deep-rooted white supremacy. It reveals his fear of racial mixing and the loss of white dominance. The quote exposes the character's racism and provides insight into the anxieties of certain segments of society who saw the changing demographics as a threat to their perceived superiority.
Quote 3: "Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!" (Chapter 6)
Analysis: While not explicitly racist, this quote from Gatsby can be interpreted as a reflection of the era's racial insensitivity. Gatsby's belief in the possibility of recreating the past echoes the sentiment of certain privileged individuals who longed for a return to an imagined era of exclusivity and racial purity. This quote subtly suggests a nostalgia for a time when racial divisions were more rigidly enforced.
Quote 4: "Her eyebrows had been plucked and then drawn on again at a more rakish angle, but the efforts of nature toward the restoration of the old alignment gave a blurred air to her face." (Chapter 2)
Analysis: This quote, describing Myrtle Wilson, a working-class character, exhibits the racial and class prejudice prevalent in society. The reference to her altered eyebrows highlights her attempt to conform to a more Westernized beauty standard. The juxtaposition of the "efforts of nature" and the "blurred air" suggests a critique of such attempts to alter one's appearance to fit into a white-centric ideal.
In 'The Great Gatsby,' F. Scott Fitzgerald subtly weaves instances of racism into the narrative, reflecting the racial attitudes and divisions of the Jazz Age. The analyzed quotes shed light on the characters' prejudices, fears, and desires for racial dominance and social exclusivity. By examining these quotes, readers gain insight into the complexities of race and identity during the time period in which the novel is set. 'The Great Gatsby' serves as a critique of the society it portrays, highlighting the destructive consequences of racism and the distorted pursuit of the American Dream.
While the novel offers a nuanced exploration of various themes, including love, wealth, and social class, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the racial prejudices that persisted during the era. By critically analyzing the racism depicted in 'The Great Gatsby,' readers are encouraged to confront and challenge the historical and social biases that continue to shape our contemporary society.
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