Biographical Approach

A. What aspects of the author’s personal life are relevant to this story?
Aspects such as the Roaring Twenties, the Jazz Age, wealth, social classes, and the
American dream. Not to mention it is believed that Nick Carraway is a
semi-autobiographical character representing the author himself.
B. Which of the author’s stated beliefs are reflected in the work?
Some of the key themes and ideas that align with the author's stated beliefs include a
critique of the American dream, an examination of the Jazz Age, personal experience
with wealth and social class, and complex relationships.
C. Does the writer challenge or support the values of her contemporaries?
F. Scott Fitzgerald, in "The Great Gatsby," both challenges and critiques the values of his
contemporaries, particularly those associated with the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz
Age. While the novel captures the extravagance and opulence of the time, it also serves as
a sharp critique of the moral and social consequences of the pursuit of wealth and the
American Dream.
Examples from the Work
“I was with and without; enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible
variety of life..”(pg. 26)

“Can’t repeat the past?...Why of course you can.” (pg. 87)

“I hope she’ll be a fool – that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world,
a beautiful little fool” (pg. 16)
Claim
“The Great Gatsby,” originally written by the F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a
fictional exploration of the American Dream set during the time of the
Roaring Twenties. Although, the characters and events in the novel are
not directly related to Fitzgerald’s life, elements of his personal
experiences and observations of this time period are woven into the story.