This paper explores to what extent the communication dynamics in "The Great Gatsby", published in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald, are key for understanding and reinterpreting the novel, considering its contextualization in the period of Modernism. What does communication in literary texts reveal? Which kind of information do communication dynamics in literature provide? To what degree does communication in literature function as a window to the past?
"Communication is key." This phrase is well known all over the world and applies for every social interaction. It does not matter if you are a parent, a best friend, or a businesswoman to agree with this statement because communication is so important every day in every kind of relationship. It could be argued that communication is the basis of just about everything in our modern world.
"The Great Gatsby" was published in 1925 and has become one of the most popular novels in the world. Before its fame and popularity though, the novel was virtually forgotten for twenty-five years. Its revival in the early 1950s was part of the rediscovery of F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel represents an era of excitement and is about the glamour and moral bankruptcy of the Jazz age. The title refers to a mysterious millionaire, named Jay Gatsby, who gets involved in the materialism and corruption of a mercenary society without feelings or human concerns. He struggles with the impossible task of trying to recreate his past.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Overview
- 2.1 Modernism
- 2.2 F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 2.3 The Great Gatsby
- 3. Theory: communication in modernist literature
- 4. Analysis: communication in The Great Gatsby
- 4.1 Communication between characters
- 4.1.1 Ordinary dialogue
- 4.1.2 Poetic dialogue
- 4.1.3 Miscommunication
- 4.1.4 Lack of communication
- 4.2 Communication between narrator and reader
- 4.2.1 Reliability
- 4.2.2 Stream of consciousness
- 4.3 Tools for communication
- 4.3.1 Language
- 4.3.2 Telephone
- 5. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the significance of communication dynamics in F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby* for understanding the novel within its modernist context. It aims to analyze how communication, or the lack thereof, functions as a key element in interpreting the novel's themes and characters. The analysis will consider communication between characters, between the narrator and reader, and the tools of communication employed within the text.- The role of communication in shaping character relationships and plot development in *The Great Gatsby*.
- An examination of communication styles as reflective of Modernist literary techniques.
- The analysis of the narrator's reliability and its impact on the reader's interpretation.
- The exploration of how different forms of communication (dialogue, narrative voice) contribute to the novel's themes.
- The investigation of the connection between communication breakdowns and the novel's portrayal of the American Dream and social alienation.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument: that communication dynamics are crucial for understanding *The Great Gatsby*. It highlights the universality of effective communication and introduces the research question concerning the role of communication in literary texts, particularly within the context of Modernism. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, emphasizing the analysis of communication between characters, between narrator and reader, and the tools used for communication within the novel. It also acknowledges the limitations of the analysis due to the complexity of the subject and the scope of the paper. 2. Overview: This chapter provides brief background information on Modernism, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and *The Great Gatsby*, laying the groundwork for the subsequent theoretical and analytical chapters. It establishes the historical and literary context of the novel, highlighting the characteristics of Modernism and Fitzgerald's place within the movement. The overview of *The Great Gatsby* touches upon its themes and its enduring popularity, emphasizing its unique narrative style and its ambiguous classification within literary genres, possibly hinting at its modernist qualities.Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Communication in F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the significance of communication (and its absence) in F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*, exploring how it shapes character relationships, plot, and thematic interpretation within a Modernist context. It examines communication between characters, narrator and reader, and the specific tools used to communicate within the novel.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper investigates the role of communication in shaping character relationships and plot development; examines communication styles as reflective of Modernist literary techniques; analyzes the narrator's reliability and its impact; explores how different communication forms (dialogue, narrative voice) contribute to the novel's themes; and investigates the connection between communication breakdowns and the novel's portrayal of the American Dream and social alienation.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured as follows: an introduction establishing the central argument and research question; an overview providing background on Modernism, Fitzgerald, and *The Great Gatsby*; a theoretical chapter on communication in Modernist literature; an analytical chapter dissecting communication in *The Great Gatsby* (including communication between characters – ordinary and poetic dialogue, miscommunication, lack of communication – and between the narrator and reader, focusing on reliability and stream of consciousness; and finally, an examination of the tools of communication, such as language and the telephone); and a conclusion.
What aspects of communication within *The Great Gatsby* are analyzed?
The analysis delves into various aspects of communication: ordinary and poetic dialogue between characters, instances of miscommunication and a lack of communication, the reliability of the narrator and its effect on reader interpretation, the use of stream of consciousness, and the role of communication tools like language and the telephone in conveying meaning and shaping the narrative.
How does the paper connect *The Great Gatsby* to Modernism?
The paper situates *The Great Gatsby* within its Modernist context, exploring how its communication dynamics reflect and employ characteristic Modernist literary techniques. The analysis considers how the novel's communication strategies contribute to its portrayal of themes relevant to the Modernist period.
What are the limitations acknowledged by the paper?
The paper acknowledges the inherent complexity of communication and the limitations imposed by its scope, recognizing that a complete analysis of such a multifaceted subject within the constraints of the paper's length is not entirely feasible.
What is the intended audience for this paper?
The paper is intended for an academic audience interested in literary analysis, Modernist literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the study of communication in literature. The language and approach are geared towards a scholarly readership.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2021, Communication Dynamics within F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby". Communication in Modernist Literature, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1008391
