As more women stepped out of their domestic roles, they reevaluated their rights and demanded gender equality. Women spoke out about social issues they experienced, such as domestic violence and drinking, and formed organizations to fight for their right to vote. If women contributed to the economy just like men, they deserved a voice in political decisions. Their efforts paid off when the United States granted women suffrage on August 18, 1920.
The women in The Great Gatsby show what life was like during that time. They have unclear morals and are part of the story to show how people care more about money and things than doing what is right. Women seemed more independent than ever. At the same time, they also show the limits women faced in society and the economy. Women’s independence seemed also an illusion. In this blog, I’ll talk about their roles in the book and how they affect the story of The Great Gatsby.
Feminine Power and Vulnerability
The rolling 20s was like a paradigm shift to women’s roles, although these changes were often more surface-level than deep. Many people still disagree with this progressive idea. So, traditional norms and systemic barriers still limit women’s social and economic freedoms. For most women, marriage continued to define their role in society. Women who pursued independence—whether by working, living on their own, or expressing sexual freedom—were often harshly judged and labeled as “immoral.” It was still difficult for women to break free from societal expectations.
The Roles of Women in The Great Gatsby
Daisy Buchanan’s Impact on Gatsby
Daisy Buchanan is portrayed as an antagonist in the book. She symbolizes Gatsby’s ultimate goal, the American dream, where wealth and love intertwine. She drives Gatsby’s ambition to acquire wealth and status. Even Gatsby’s lavish lifestyle and parties are all designed to win Daisy back. Yet, there was a problem. She was from a completely different social class from Gatsby’s and was already married to Tom Buchanan. Gatsby sees her as perfection but is blind to her flaws and superficiality, resulting in his downfall and tragic death. Daisy represents Gatsby and his tragic idealism of the American Dream at the same time.
Daisy’s Materialism and Indecision
Daisy is portrayed as materialistic. Daisy doesn’t admire Gatsby; instead, she admires his rich, material possessions. She notices how his mansion looks “like a castle,” loves the beautiful gardens, and gets excited about the smells of flowers and the golden light around the house. She even cries over Gatsby’s shirts, but not because of Gatsby himself—just the luxury they represent. When Gatsby says that Daisy’s voice is “full of money” (p. 75), he sums her up perfectly.
Daisy values only wealth and the lifestyle it brings. In this way, she reflects the materialistic attitudes of many wealthy people in the 1920s.
Daisy comes from an old-money family, growing up surrounded by wealth and privilege. She doesn’t just have money—she almost is money in how she acts and values. For example, when Daisy visits Gatsby’s mansion for the first time, the narrator says, “Daisy came out of the house, and two rows of brass buttons on her dress gleamed in the sunlight” (p. 57). The way her buttons shine in the sun seems like a reminder that Daisy is all about wealth and luxury.
To understand Daisy’s inability to choose Gatsby, we need to think about what life was like for women in the 1920s. Even though women had gained the right to vote and were starting to enjoy more freedom in this era, they were still held back by strict traditional gender roles. Did Daisy genuinely have the option to live independently? She might have been unhappy in her marriage to Tom, but running away with Gatsby—a man with no actual social standing—would have been a huge social and financial risk.
Daisy might seem like she has power, but her life is shaped by her need for wealth and her place in high society. Her choice to stay with Tom shows how much she depends on financial security and how trapped she is by social expectations. While she seems charming and free, underneath it all, Daisy is stuck in a system where men hold the power and women must rely on them.
Emotional and Moral Impact:
Daisy’s inability to make a clear choice and her retreat to the comfort of wealth play a big part in Gatsby’s downfall. She can’t stand up to Tom or fully commit to Gatsby, which shows how empty and shallow Gatsby’s dream really is. Gatsby gives up everything for Daisy, even taking the blame for Myrtle’s death, showing how much his life is centered on a dream he can never truly have. In the end, Daisy runs back to her husband and the security of his money, leaving Gatsby behind.
The Relationship Difference Between Tom and Gatsby
Daisy’s relationship with Gatsby is about reliving the romance of the past, while her relationship with Tom is more like a practical marriage partnership. With Gatsby, Daisy seeks the excitement and thrill of love, but she finds the security and stability she needs with Tom. No matter how rich Gatsby becomes, he can never offer Daisy the sense of safety that Tom provides.
Daisy never seriously considers having a committed relationship with Gatsby. Her hesitation is evident in the book when it says, “She hesitated. Her eyes fell on Jordan and me with a sort of appeal, as though she realized at last what she was doing—and as though she had never, all along, intended doing anything at all” (p. 82). This moment shows that Daisy is unsure of her actions and unwilling to commit to Gatsby fully.
Jordan Baker’s Role
A Mirror to Nick’s Integrity
Jordan Baker has an exciting role in the book. She appears as a Foil to Nick. A foil is a literary device highlighting a particular quality or trait of other characters by contrast. Jordan’s modern independence and moral ambiguity contrast with Nick’s Midwestern values and his struggle with honesty. While Nick prides himself on being “honest” and reserved, Jordan’s deceitful, carefree attitude challenges his worldview. She exposes Nick’s internal conflict about his complicity in the moral failings of the people around him.
Foil to Gatsby
While Gatsby is idealistic and clings to the past, Jordan is pragmatic and lives entirely in the present. This makes her a subtle foil to Gatsby through her impact on Nick, who grows increasingly critical of Gatsby’s refusal to accept reality.
Romantic Influence
Nick and Jordan’s relationship is more casual. Jordan’s dispassionate approach to relationships contrasts with Gatsby’s obsessive love for Daisy, underscoring the futility of Gatsby’s dream. Their relationship is a smaller version of the novel’s bigger idea. Jordan’s independent attitude clashes with Nick’s mid-western traditional values. Ultimately, Nick feels that Jordan let him down, so he breaks up with her when he realizes how careless she is. Nick despises the selfish and immoral behavior of the wealthy people around him and leaves for the West.
Conclusion
Understanding Daisy and Jordan’s roles in this book is critical to understanding the author’s messages behind the story. Their impacts on Gatsby and Nick highlight the complexities of relationship society grappling with rapid social changes in the early 1920s United States.
Daisy motivates Gatsby’s rise, but she also exemplifies the emptiness of his dream. Jordan challenges Nick’s ideas by failing to inspire genuine growth or connection. These dynamics mirror the paradox of the 1920s: a time of progress and rebellion but also persistent inequality, particularly in the expectations and limitations placed on women. I cannot stop feeling Fitzgerald’s cynicism toward women’s independence and the American dream from the plot and the book’s characters.
Something You Want to Think About
The women in The Great Gatsby are judged more harshly than the men. When I first read the novel, I really disliked Daisy. However, this time around, it made me question my initial reaction. Daisy is criticized for her choices, yet Tom’s cheating and Gatsby’s illegal activities are often overlooked or even admired. This seems to reflect the hypocrisy of the 1920s when women’s freedoms were still restricted by a male-dominated society, even though they were making progress in other areas. I think these types of hypocrisy still exist in the world, and I am also a hypocrite for exercising double standards. Do you think this double standard still exists today? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
When I read this book, one thing that stood out to me was the use of symbolism in the story. Symbolism is a powerful literary device that vividly expresses a person, situation, or object to readers. It also adds enriched subtle flavor to literature, just like Umami in cooking.
Some symbolism is straightforward. For example, color symbolism is used in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” for an English speaker. Some symbolism, like “The Green Light” in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is more universally relatable. Many readers would see the green light as the symbol of the American Dream.
Some symbolism is ambiguous and may have a different meaning for each reader depending on their experience, knowledge, or background. Foster (2003) writes in his book “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” that not all symbols are straightforward; on many occasions, symbols cannot be reduced to one thing; instead, they permit an unlimited range of possible interpretations (pp.104-106). Sometimes, the same symbolism could polymorph to convey entirely different meanings. For example, water in Awakening by Kate Chopin would mean unlimited freedom, while water in The Great Gatsby represents something else.
Understanding symbolism in literature could enrich one’s reading experience. After reading multiple times and researching the meaning behind the symbolism, I came to my own conclusion on how I interpret the symbolism in The Great Gatsby. In this blog, I will discuss the symbolism in The Great Gatsby.
The Green Light
The green light is a symbol of hope and the American Dream that Gatsby chases. In English literature, the color green often stands for envy. It also represents money in the United States. The green light shows Gatsby’s envy and longing for the American Dream, old money. Gatsby believes that if he becomes wealthy enough, he will be accepted by the old-money society of East Egg. Having the green light on the Deck of Tom and Daisy’s house represents that marrying Daisy, for him, would mean becoming a part of that world.
Gatsby can see the green light glowing across the bay from his house. However, the water separates them, just like the social class divide. The water between Gatsby’s home and Daisy’s symbolizes their social gap. No matter how much effort he puts in or how much money he earns, he cannot close this gap. So, the light is always just out of his reach.
Why did Fitzgerald choose a light? A light is intangible—you can see it, but you can’t touch or hold it. This makes it the perfect symbol for Gatsby’s dream. No matter how rich he becomes, he will never be truly accepted by the old money elite because he lacks the family history they value. It’s a clever use of symbolism. It’s a haunting reminder of his dreams and his pursuits’ emptiness. By using a light, Fitzgerald emphasizes that Gatsby’s version of the American Dream is more like an illusion—something he can never attain.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
The first time “The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg” appears in the book is in Chapter 2. This is another clever symbol Fitzgerald uses to subtly critique the moral decay and corruption of authority during this period.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the moral decline of those in power. These eyes are part of a billboard featuring T.J. Eckleburg’s giant blue eyes. The eyes seem to watch everyone who passes by, but as the book says, “they look out of no face” (p.19). This suggests they don’t truly see anything. Instead, they watch from behind “a pair of enormous yellow spectacles” (p.19). The pick of “yellow” for the spectacle makes them seem like a corrupt authority tainted by greed and lies. The eyes symbolize a hollow moral authority that does nothing about the corruption and decay of the 1920s.
The billboard is faded, showing how worn and meaningless this supposed “authority” has become. The book describes it as “by many paintless days, under sun and rain” (p.19). The eyes stare at the “solemn dumping ground” (p.19), overlooking the polluted and neglected valley. This valley, more likely a byproduct of industrialization, shows the consequences of greed and negligence. Yet, the so-called authority represented by the eyes does nothing to fix it.
The Valley of Ashes
The “valley of ashes,” which appears in the 2nd chapter of the book, is a wasteland where the working poor live, a stark contrast to the vibrant and glamorous lives in East and West Egg. Fitzgerald uses this setting to show the darker side of the American Dream. In this industrial world, the rich become richer while the poor are stuck in a dull, colorless existence. It critiques the idea that wealth alone can bring happiness, revealing how luxury often comes at the expense of those who are forgotten and left to struggle.
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the Valley of Ashes echoes themes in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. Like Sinclair, Fitzgerald highlights the effects of industrialization on the working class. While Sinclair openly exposes the poor conditions and exploitation of workers, Fitzgerald uses a more subtle approach, creating a visual parody of industrial decay using “Ashes.”
The Valley’s polluted environment symbolizes the toll industrialization takes on the working class, even as the wealthy continue to thrive in luxury. Since Gatsby’s party is colorful, it emphasizes how dull the environment appears outside the rich area.
Conclusion
I was thrilled as I worked to decode the deeper meanings of The Great Gatsby. When I got to the second chapter, I was amazed at how cleverly the symbolism was used. The more I thought about it, the more I realized the story was about more than just the characters. While The Great Gatsby is a tragedy, I can’t help but feel the author’s criticism of the American Dream woven into the narrative.
In this blog, I focused on the symbolism of the green light, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes because those are more likely your English teacher asks you to think about the meaning behind them. However, the novel is rich with even more symbols, especially through its use of color (white, yellow, and green). After reading this, I encourage you to think about what each color might symbolize for you. Please share your thoughts with us! Don’t worry if your interpretation is different. Interpretation of symbolism varies with a reader, which makes literature so fascinating.
When I read this for the first time, I was surprised by how much my perception of Jay Gatsby changed over time. Initially, he was mysterious, almost like a shadowy gangster involved in bootlegging. However, by the middle of the book, my perception of Jay Gatsby had changed to something more admirable. I saw him as a determined young man who worked hard to achieve his goals. By the end, his death honestly broke my heart. Interestingly, this emotional shift was so gradual that I didn’t even realize how I invested my emotion into this protagonist. I started to wonder how Fitzgerald created that effect.
In my second read, I could see that it was all about how Fitzgerald developed Gatsby’s character, leading him to become a tragic hero who represents the failure of the American Dream. To understand how Fitzgerald built such a tragic character, it helps to look at what makes a protagonist into a tragic hero.
Writers and scholars have studied the concept of the tragic Heroes for centuries, from ancient Greece to Shakespeare and beyond. In English literature, we first consider Shakespeare, who wrote many great tragedies, such as Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. However, the idea of tragedy goes all the way back to ancient Greece, where Aristotle described the tragic hero in a way that still resonates today. According to Bennett & Ryole (2016), Aristotle defies that tragic hero as the following. A tragic hero is the main character, someone noble or admirable, who we can relate to or feel for. This character faces suffering or downfall, often ending in their death or failure by the story’s close. While their end feels like it had to happen and seems fair somehow, it also feels wrong and problematic to accept simultaneously. Furthermore, he also added three more elements that must be contained: peripeteia (‘reversal’), anagnorisis (‘revelation’ or ‘coming to self-knowledge’), and hamartia (‘tragic flaw’ or ‘error’) (p.119).
In my last blog post, I wrote about the American Dream and the story’s historical background. This time, I’ll dig into how Fitzgerald shapes Gatsby’s character throughout the book. In this post, I’ll explore how Fitzgerald uses these elements to shape Gatsby as a tragic hero, making his story both captivating and heartbreaking. Ultimately, how this tragic hero tied into Fitzgerald’s main critique, “the disillusionment of the American Dream.”
Gatsby’s Mysterious Persona
To introduce the protagonist gradually, Fitzgerald used a narrative technique known as “gradual revelation” or “delayed characterization,” which gradually revealed Gatsby and was very effective. This technique created Gatsby’s mysterial character by investing the reader in accumulating information about him, heightening the emotional impact of his eventual downfall. By the end of the book, I felt so bad for Gatsby that it made me think his death was rather unjustifiable.
Intentionally Crafted Narrative Distance
Gatsby was always presented from Nick’s eyes. By presenting Gatsby from someone else’s eye, Fitzgerald intentionally added a layer between Gatsby and the reader. At first, Nick knows nothing – and, therefore, the reader – about Gatsby. There are rumors and fragments of information about Gatsby, such as an Oxford man (p. 33), ‘he killed a man’ (p. 34), ‘bootlegger’ (p. 40), and so on. Some rumors, such as ‘he gives large parties,’ were true.
Nick’s unreliable narration and biases
Nick is reluctant to judge others because he recalls what his father said. He is very observant, but his narration is unreliable and biased. Nick’s impression of Gatsby evolves throughout the novel, although his subjective perspective views of Gatsby left me with more complex and contradictory views of him. Gatsby is a very determined man who has built his wealth. Nick admires Gatsby’s optimism and dream but is still critical of his moral ambiguity.
Fitzgerald builds Gatsby’s enigmatic persona through rumors rather than direct action. Nick hears the rumors about Gatsby—stories of him being a bootlegger, a war hero, or even a relative of the Kaiser—and gives readers a kaleidoscope of impressions from Nick’s perception. Although, all rumore could be possibly true because it represent the social atmosphere of 1920’s United States, where appearance matters more than reality.
Gradual Unveiling of Gatsby’s Tragic Idealism
As Nick learns more about Gatsby’s past and his idealized love for Daisy, his perception of Gatsby starts to shift, and the view of Gatsby crystallizes into a more recognizable human being. Gatsby is so fixated on trying to gain back the love he shared with Daisy that he becomes blind to Daisy’s flaws and vulnerability, which eventually results in his fall. The transition from mystery figure to tragedy is key to his characterization, creating the tragic Hero Arc containing all Aristotle’s identified elements. By the end, Gatsby’s idealism, hope, and innocence become apparent, making his death even more heartbreaking.
Symbolism of Gatsby’s Death
Gatsby’s tragic end symbolizes the disillusionment of the American Dream. By the time Gatsby dies, Nick’s administration shifts to sympathy. Gatsby is a tragic hero trapped in the impossible dream of wealth, love, and status.
Gatsby’s Background
Gatsby crafted and presented his idealized version regarding his wealth, heritage, and adventure. His tale reflects his desired appearance of himself as if he was born into the social class he was never born into, underscoring both his ambition and the constructed nature of his identity. Some of his tales could be more consistent.
The “Middle West” Inconsistency.
Gatsby claimed he was from a wealthy family in the Middle West, although he told Nick that he was from San Francisco (p. 42). Since San Franciso is not located in the Middle West, it suggests geographical inconsistency and his origin story is more likely the crafted version of the story.
Education at Oxford
He claimed he had gone to Oxford University (p. 42) and even stated that it was his family tradition. This lie is Gatsby’s attempt to establish himself as part of an old-money class. Later, we know this was also a fabricated story.
The Young Rajah Persona
Gatsby claimed that he was living like a young Rajah in the capitals of Europe, collecting jewels, hunting big game, and painting a little to forget about something unfortunate that had happened to him in the past (p. 42). He hints that he had heartbreak with Daisy, but the story still casts him as a sophisticated man with wealth.
Attempt to Authenticate His Crafted Persona
Despite many fabricated tales, there is some truth in his story. His “Valour Extraordinary” medal is one of the few verifiable aspects of his background. Gatsby’s real heroism in the war gives a glimpse of his genuine achievements, showing that his need for reinvention doesn’t come from a lack of personal worth but rather his desperate desire to fit Daisy’s world. The association with Dan Cody is also the truth, which is verifiable by the picture of Dan Cody.
Gatsby’s Actual Background
Chapter 6 of the book reveals Gatsby’s actual background. Gatsby was born into a humble family in North Dakota, in the Midwest, and his original name was James Gatz. At 17, he legally changed his name to “Jay Gatsby” to start his new life aligned with the American dream.
Before he met Dan Cody, Gatsby took whatever jobs he could, such as clam-digging and salmon fishing. His “brown, hardening body” indicates that he was doing intensive physical work during his youth.
Gatsby’s early experience with women left him jaded and “contemptuous of them.” He was more of a ladyman with a surface-level relationship with women. More likely, Daisy was the first unattainable woman he met in his formative years, leading to his obsession with Daisy. Daisy was an unattainable, “perfect” ideal.
Gatsby encountered with Dan Cody at Lake Superiors. He managed to impress Dan Cody, which is Gatsby’s turning point. The experience shapes Gatsby’s ambitions and gives him the tools to craft his new identity through Cody’s sudden death. Dan Cody left Gatsby some inheritance but could not legally claim him, so he pursued wealth by other means.
The Symbolism of Gatsby’s Mansion and Parties
Gatsby’s mansion and lavish parties reveal his immense ambition and attempts to fit into high society. Yet, despite all the effort, something feels off – his displays of wealth don’t quite get him accepted by the old money crowd. Gatsby is portrayed as an introverted character. Nick is poorer than Gatsby, yet Nick is more successful in associating with Tom or Daisy. I don’t even think he even enjoys crowds or parties. In reality, all his parties are for one person—Daisy.
Gatsby’s extravagant details are part of a carefully crafted image meant to attract her and gain approval from the wealthy people with whom he wants to belong. Yet, this also highlights his isolation and the shallow nature of his connections.
Artifice and Luxury
The over-the-top “salads of harlequin design” and “bewitched turkeys” evoke sophistication and extravagance, yet they are as fake as Gatsby’s identity. It’s hard to picture what a “harlequin” salad would look like—maybe he threw in some caviar for good measure! (After reading this book, I seriously considered how to make this salad.) His opulent spread and carefully arranged book collection are designed to impress. But the flashy display of wealth comes off as a bit showy, signaling that his wealth is new and somewhat garish—an attempt to mimic the old money class he admires. So, there is something amiss about all the displays he created. Gatsby still doesn’t quite belong to the society he longs to fit.
Transient, Superficial Connections
There were so many guests at Gatsby’s party, drinking, dancing, and listening to the music. Considering the prohibition at this period, serving alcohol for so many people looked pretty costly. The interesting part of the crowd was that almost all of them were not invited by Gatsby. They showed up at the party because someone wanted to go as if attending a carnival at an amusement park party.
Gambe never wants to associate with the crowds. Gatsby does not even introduce himself to guests at the party, even though he is hosting it. Crowds don’t even feel the need to thank Gatsby for the party. For them, Gatsby is an individual who holds a party with free drinks. Loose and rebellious, this fits into the theme of the moral corruption of the 1920s.
How superficial the connections to these crowds were revealed at the time of Gatsby’s funeral underlines Gatsby’s isolation from these crowds. Frankly, just like Nick, the story’s narrator, I was utterly disgusted by people. Nick’s perspectives on these people are introduced in the book’s first chapter. Again, this is a subtle yet practical introduction to Gatsby by the author, so Gatsby turns into a tragic hero at the end of the book.
Eventually, Gatsby realizes his grand parties won’t be enough to win Daisy over, so he turns to Nick to create an opportunity for them to meet directly. The reason behind his failure to lure old money leads to the tragic end of, ultimately, the myths of the American Dream.
Gatsby’s Love for Daisy
Gatsby’s fixation on Daisy reflects his longing for perfection, and Daisy symbolizes mystic love, which exists in his mind more than in reality. Although his love is intense, can you imagine someone who loves you building a mansion just across the street so that he or she can see you daily? Creepy. In this story, the author creates an exaggerated version of Gatsby’s desire and commitment to get them. If you think about his humble life of early life with clam-digging or salmon fishing, a building in a mansion on Long Island is impressive.
No matter Gatsby’s commitment in the book, Gatsby’s love for Daisy is not perceived as real but rather a more constructed illusion. I almost felt like he was in love with the idea of being with Daisy, not with her. Getting Daisy is a sub-reward for getting into a social class he has desired since he saw Don Cody. This obsessive love blinded him. He could not see Daisy’s flow at all, which made his intense and powerful but doomed pursuit.
Daisy’s Real Character vs. Gatsby’s Idealization
Gatsby’s love for Daisy feels more like an illusion or fantasy than actual, grounded affection, partially because of how he describes his feelings. “At his lip touch, she blossomed for him like a flower, and the incarnation was complete (p. 70). When Gatsby kissed her, it wasn’t just an act of love; it was like he was “bringing to life” his entire vision of success, happiness, and belonging.
Using words such as ‘incarnation’ or ‘she blossomed for him’ reveals that Gatsby sees Daisy not just as a person but as a kind of ideal—a perfect dream he’s created in his mind. Gatsby’s love is more about what Daisy represents than who she really is. To Gatsby, Daisy embodies all his dreams of wealth, beauty, and status, so his love for her is tied up with his ambition. This makes his feelings seem less like a genuine relationship and more like an obsession with an unreachable ideal. In other words, Gatsby’s “love” feels like an illusion because he’s chasing a version of Daisy that may never have indeed existed.
Part of his obsession with Daisy is tied strongly to her old money status, which is forever out of his reach despite his wealth. To him, Daisy embodies a world he longs to belong to—a world of elegance, stability, and privilege. There is a class division between people, which cannot break just because you work hard. People like Daisy also sit with their privileged lives without any effort or purpose, still managing to hurt people like Gatsby. Nick spits this out clearly in the first chapter of this book.
Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy creates a blind spot in his reality. Gatsby ignores that while charming and beautiful, Daisy is also shallow, materialistic, and, ultimately, unwilling to sacrifice her comfort and security for love. She left town with her husband despite the accidents she created. Ultimately, Daisy chooses Tom for his wealth and status, not just because of a moment of family pressure. This difference between Gatsby’s “vision” of Daisy and the honest Daisy becomes painfully clear when she wavers between Gatsby and Tom and retreats into her life with Tom, symbolizing her inability to live up to Gatsby’s expectations.
Gatsby’s tragic flaw
Gatsby’s Fatal Flaw and His Obsession with the Illusion of Love
Gatsby’s unwavering belief that he can recreate the past with Daisy drives him. He’s so wrapped up in this idealized vision that he’s blinded to the reality of their relationship. For Gatsby, Daisy is more than just a love interest—she embodies the social acceptance and sense of belonging he’s always craved. Therefore, his love for Daisy is closely tied to his desire to be accepted into the elite class. This unrealistic idealism makes him cling to Daisy, seeing her as a romantic partner, the final piece of a life he believes will make him complete. However, this dream is built on a shaky foundation of illusion rather than mutual connection, which quickly shutters when Daisy cannot openly choose Gatsby over Tom. Even after this, Gatsby can’t let go of his dream, leading to heartbreak.
More Money Does Not Place In Old-Money Crowd
Gatsby thinks having money puts him among the wealthy, old-money crowd that Daisy belongs to. But, in reality, he doesn’t get the people in East Egg. It is not about how much money you have but about the long line of wealthy, respected families. No matter how rich Gatsby becomes, his humble background and lack of family history keep him outside East Egg.
Gatsby also doesn’t fully grasp the social cues of the old-money world. For instance, he misses subtle hints, like when a woman casually invites him to join her at a party. Tom, who notices this, can’t help but look down on Gatsby for not fitting in smoothly. This misunderstanding shows how, despite all his wealth, Gatsby can’t entirely break into the world he longs to join.
The American Dream as an Illusion
Nick’s observation that Gatsby “had paid a high price for living too long with a single dream” underscores the self-destructive nature of Gatsby’s fixation. His entire life becomes a monument to a false ideal, and when it collapses, he’s left without purpose or identity. Gatsby’s tragedy reflects the dangers of investing one’s entire identity in a singular, illusory goal, especially one tied to wealth and social acceptance.
Conclusion
The core of this book is all about the American Dream- especially one man’s dream and fulfillment. But really, it’s more about a disillusionment with the American Dream. Fitzgerald brings Gatsby’s character into Nick’s life in a way that makes us feel the impact of his tragic journey, ultimately revealing Fitzgerald’s main critique of the American dream.
Pathos is one of the rhetorical elements used to convince the audience of your main point through emotional appeals. Fitzgerald created a tragic story to convince you of his main point of disillusionment with the American dream and how dangerous it would be if that were the sole purpose of your drive. To make his story point effective, he intentionally used the effective method to create the tragic hero character Jay Gatsby.
References
Bennett, A. & Royle, N. (2016). An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory (5th ed.). Routhledge.
Fitzgerald, F.S. (1925). The Great Gatsby, Scribner. (Amazon printed the book)
Long before the Declaration of Independence in 1776, many Europeans and colonizers headed to the New World, now known as the United States. They sought refuge from the constraints of their homelands, hoping for political liberty, religious freedom, economic opportunity, or escaping prosecution. However, over time, many began to feel exploited by their countries of origin despite living in this new land. So, they declared independence in 1776. Even after the Declaration of Independence, people continued to migrate to the United States, inspired by the promise of ‘Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness’—an ideal later known as the American Dream.
After the 1880s, the United States experienced an industrial revolution. The definition of the American Dream started to shift to something more materialistic. The United States earned a lot during the First World War. In the 1920s, the United States experienced a crazy and chaotic period, with massive economic exploration until 1929, when the market crashed.
The book The Great Gatsby was written and published in 1925 by F Scott Fitzgerald. It’s a book written from the percept of Nick Carraway, both inside and outside the event surrounded by Jay Gatsby. The mysterious Jay Gatsby lived in the vast mansion next door to Nick House. Gatsby built his fortune so that he would be with Daisy Buchannan, from old money, by doing bootlegging and shady bonds. He always held lavish parties so that he could meet his lost love once again, hoping to be with her. Despite the massive wealth Gatsby accumulated, Daisy did not leave her husband for Gatsby in the end.
There are pieces of Scott’s sentiments everywhere in the novel itself. For one, just like Jay Gatsby was pursuing Daisy, he was pursuing Genevra King, the daughter of a wealthy banker. Despite attending a private school for the elite and Princeton University, he was from a modest family. When Fitzgerald went to see her father, Genevra’s father told Fitzgerald that a poor boy should not seek to marry into a wealthy family. Later, he met Zelda Sayre, who was also from an affluent Southern family. Zelda also rejected Fitzgerald’s marriage proposal, as she wasn’t sure of Fitzgerald’s future financial prospects. After his first novel was published, Zelda accepted Scott’s marriage proposal. From what I could tell from his biography, happiness did not seem to last in their marriage, especially after their financial situation deteriorated.
Despite his humble background, Fitzgerald did very well after publishing his book. He lived in a luxury apartment on Long Island and enjoyed a life of riches there. The economic stroke of 1929 impaired him financially. To make it worse, he also had alcohol use disorder and health problems from heavy drinking in his youth. They were nearly bankrupt when they moved to Ashville, North Carolina. Desperate for money, Fitzgerald returned to Hollywood. The final year, he managed to achieve sobriety, but he was broke when he died in 1940. He was just 44 years old.
This novel allowed me to rethink what the American Dream truly means. Like many others, I once aspired to this ideal and came to the United States with that hope. While achieving the American Dream would not be impossible, it remains a significant challenge. Jay Gatsby’s disillusionment with the American Dream reflects the gap between his dream and reality, probably shaped by what Fitzgerald himself experienced. In this blog, I’ll explore the American Dream, Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of it, Fitzgerald’s experience, and Gatsby’s disillusionment – the novel’s critique of this enduring ideal.
The American Dream
What is the American Dream?
So, What is the American Dream? Climbing up the ladder of social states? Having a Porsche or a mansion. The definition of the American was slightly different a long time ago. Some people sought economic opportunities; many sought liberty or a new life in the new world. An industrial revolution in the 1880s shifted the definition to a more worldly one. Reeve (1987) explains the American Dream in three dimensions: the frontier, social mobility, and wealth.
The Frontier:
The frontier originally meant exploring something unknown. Many colonizers came to the new world to settle, or someone like Lewis and Clark explored the west of the United States. In this context, the American dream symbolizes expanding one’s opportunity by exploring the unknown and building a new life from nothing. The concept of the Frontier attracts many immigrants and colonizers to head to America, believing anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. It embodies a spirit of exploration and expansion both geographically and socially.
The frontier is shaped by people who overcome obstacles or limitations due to birth or position, carving out their place in society, just like Gatsby. His efforts to rise from humble origins are considered frontier ideology to live in East Egg. East Egg, the green light, was the symbolic “frontier” for Gatsby.
Social Mobility:
Social mobility refers to moving up or down the social ladder by earning more or having a better education or status. In the idealized American Dream, social mobility is the key. To achieve the American dream, people work hard to improve their circumstances regardless of birth or origin.
The promise of social mobility is central to the American dream. In The Great Gatsby, however, the author questions this promise. While Gatsby earned and accumulated wealth, he never gained acceptance from the East Egg people. After his death, people who frequently attended the party Gatsby held did not even show up for his funeral, suggesting that the ideology is a social myth by the author.
Wealth
Wealth in the context of the American Dream is often equated with success, prosperity, and achieving one’s goals. It represents the material rewards of hard work and ambition, whether a large house, financial security, or luxury items.
Gatsby achieved wealth just like he expected. Wealth is central to the plot of Great Gatsby, as characters like Gatsby pursue it to attain status and happiness—at least that he thought. He obtained prosperity by dealing with shady bonds or bootlegging, suggesting he did not care how he obtained prosperity. The novel also critiques the idea that wealth leads to true fulfillment, as the characters’ lives, despite their riches, are often empty and morally corrupt. Ultimately, his wealth did not bring his genuine desire – to be with Daisy.
Fitzgerald understood how wealth impacts getting married from his experience, especially if you marry someone richer than you. After all, He was rejected for marriage twice for the same reason of having enough financial prosperity. His effort to become successful as a writer resembles how Gatsby tried to obtain to be with Daisy. In the end, Fitzgerald and Zelda are not happy despite their success. In some way, Fitzgerald and Zelda also resemble Tom and Daisy’s relationship.
The Disillusionment of the American Dream by Gatsby
Jay Gatsby was a successful man who achieved the end; however, his ending was rather tragic. He accumulated a vast fortune, hoping to win Daisy’s love. However, despite his success, Daisy still decides not to leave her husband, showing that true happiness and acceptance remain elusive no matter how much wealth one gains. Daisy wasn’t drawn to Gatsby himself but to the lifestyle and status his wealth represented. The novel illustrates the near impossibility of social mobility. The divide between West Egg’s New Money and East Egg’s Old Money highlights the entrenched class barriers.
Fitzgerald underscores that wealth alone cannot bring happiness or elevate one’s social standing in a rigidly stratified society. Only Nick and Gatsby’s father attended Gatsby’s funeral, revealing the superficial nature of his social connections. Through this, Fitzgerald critiques the illusion of the American Dream and the false promise of upward mobility.
The disillusionment of the American Dream is a recurring theme in American Literature. For example, In Death of a Salesman, a play by Arthur Miller, a salesman meets a tragic end as he chases success without a clear strategy or realistic self-awareness. In the novella Of Mice and Men, written” by John Steinbeck, Stenbeck explores another poignant example of disillusionment.
For centuries, many people worldwide, including myself, have come to North America hoping to build a better life. Even people born in the United States have long aspired to achieve wealth and success. In reality, the American Dream is perceived as more challenging to achieve. Younger Americans are more skeptical of obtaining the American Dream. According to the Pew Research Center (July 2, 2024), only 53% of people believe that is possible, while 41 % feel it may have been possible in the past. Furthermore, the stats suggest that older and wealthier adults believe achieving the American dream is still possible.
Many of us have faced the disillusionment of this ideal, realizing that the path to success often requires more than hard work and ambition. The American Dream remains a powerful concept, but its promise has grown elusive in today’s society.
My Thought
For me, the definition of the American Dream was to escape from the gender expectations in Japan. It was more challenging for women to be successful outside their homes. I have seen the Japanese economy deteriorate gradually. Employment preference was given to males. The more I heard that many women could not get a full-time job despite their education, the stronger my determination to come to North America became.
I did not become rich like Gatsby, but I feel all right. I have my own family here in the United States, a graduate-level education, and a professional job. Despite the depressing stats I provided earlier, I am still hopeful. Anyone can achieve the American Dream with a clear strategy or realistic self-awareness.
Vanneman, R., & Cannon, L. W. (1987). The American Dream. In The American Perception of Class (pp. 257–282). Temple University Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv941wv0.17
Today was a nice day. The temperature exceeded 85F, but the wind was still cold, making the temperature relatively comfortable. On a day like this, I just want to sit, relax, and have a lazy day. My wife had a plan for us.
My wife read “To Kill a Mockingbird” this September and wanted to watch the movie. She has been planning to watch the film since last week.
My wife does not watch movies, TV shows, or YouTube videos, so she rarely suggests this type of activity, such as watching movies. She has trouble sitting still and watching anything for a long time. She watches movies, usually intending to analyze a film. Many people would have popcorn for a movie; my wife has a notepad and water bottle. Since she was, in part, watching the film as an academic exercise, she was more willing to sit through it. I love watching movies, so I am always happy to watch them with her.
I watched this film in high school after we had read and analyzed the book. Rewatching the movie brought back some childhood memories. My wife told me the book is now banned in some parts of the United States. The movie was rated as 18+. Many high school children would not even watch the movie at school.
After watching the movie, we talked about it. My wife wondered which color suit Atticus (Gregory Peck) was wearing. She thought it was likely gray, but I pointed out tan would also make the color.
She also talks about the differences between the books. Although we both agree the difference would not change, it was not too significant to the point of killing the author’s intention. She was interested in how they expressed the book’s Southern Gothic part. I, on the other hand, was distracted by how the shadow of Boo was portrayed when Jem was at Boo’s house. My wife said all perceptions are memories of young children; they could not be accurate, and vividly remembering things is primarily memorable to them.
I think we had a good day overall. We watched a good movie and had a good conversation about it.
Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, which was published in 1960. The novel tackled several pressing social issues in America at the time, ranging from racial injustice to class divisions. Despite some criticism, the book won the Pulitzer Prize and soon became a staple of modern American literature. For decades, it was widely taught in schools and considered a classic. However, due to its use of derogatory language and depictions of drugs and firearms, the book has been banned in many schools.
In 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird was adapted into a film. Gregory Peck starred as Atticus Finch, delivering a performance that moved audiences nationwide. The film’s release coincided with the civil rights movement in the United States. I believe Peck’s portrayal of Atticus, a man who stood for justice and equality, inspired many Americans to support the cause of civil rights movements during the 1960s.
In my blog last week, I mentioned the “Jim Crow Laws,” which legalized racial segregation and reduced African Americans to second-class citizenship. I found out that there was a movie adaptation of this book from my husband, so I decided to watch it with my husband.
There are some differences between the movie and the book. The trial of Tom Robinson dominates the second half of the film. However, the core part, addressing the most critical social issues of racial justification and moral courage, was present. Despite overwhelming evidence that proved Tom’s innocence, the 12-member all-white jury convicted him. Furthermore, the community scorned Atticus for defending him, even though the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution should have guaranteed a fair trial for Tom. It seems a social norm in the southern part of the states at this time due to the Jim Crow law, which put African American people as the 2nd level citizens. The moral courage part is that Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson despite the social norm because he thinks that is right.
In some parts of the U.S. today, books and movies are unavailable in schools and libraries due to ongoing debates about their content. Both address significant social issues at the time and highlight the importance of moral courage, making them still relevant today.
Background of the Movie
In 1962, the movie was released. Robert Mulligan directed the film, and Horton Foote wrote the screenplay from Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Initially, the producers wanted to film in Lee’s hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, as the town inspired the book. However, they ended up using the back lot of Universal Studios, as Mary Badham (who played Scout) mentioned in an Oscars interview 2012. Gregory Peck, one of my favorite actors, starred the Scout’s father, Atticus Finch. The film was met with critical acclaim and won three Academy Awards: Best Actor for Gregory Peck, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction.
The movie opens with an orchestra, turning into a nostalgic piano score that immediately sets a reflective, almost melancholy tone. It is a black-and-white film with a certain timeless, documentary-like quality. It makes me feel like watching a high-quality old family movie made back in the early 20th century, which I just found in my basement. Color movies were already available, so the artistic choice was to enhance the historical feel and underscore the story’s gravity.
The book goes back and forces Scout’s childhood perception and perception as an adult. The film adapted the novel’s dual narrative, her youthful observations, and her adult reflections. The narration helps the viewers through complex themes, making it easier to understand without reading the book. The way the narration was made in the movie made me feel like listening to someone talking about childhood with a film to go with it. I got a poignant storytelling experience visually.
While the film addresses the serious social issues of its time, it doesn’t come across as a purely tragic historical drama. It also delivers through the lens of Scout’s innocent and ignorant point of view. Also, the film emphasizes its characters’ humanity and moral courage more than the many issues addressed in the book.
Differences Between the Book and the Movie
There were differences between the movie and the film. For example, the film entirely skips the subplot with Mrs. Dubose after Jem destroys her garden, a pivotal moment for Jem to understand moral strength. Similarly, the film omitted the fight between her cousin Frances and Aunt Alexandra’s extended stay with them, which made Scout realize the gender role difference for females at the time. The book addresses so many social issues of the time that a single film could not pick on all of them. So, they focused on Scout’s internal growth and social justification.
The omissions did not bother me. The film still addresses the social range of the 1930s Southern United States, focusing more on moral courage and racial justification, which is the message that the author wants to deliver from the book anyway.
One of my favorite scenes in the movie is where Atticus points the gun toward the Rabid dog, and he drops his glasses. That was the Boo’s perspective, written in chapter 31 of the book. The film was taken front-facing the character, so it made as seen the situation from Boo’s eyes, which, I felt, saw as a brilliant artistic choice to maintain Boo’s subtle yet significant presence in the movie.
Finally, it is because Gregory Peck deliberately, carefully, and carefully pronounces each word—precisely how I imagined Atticus Finch talking to his children. His calm and thoughtful quiet voices portrayed Atticus as a Lawyer, a father, and a moral compass.
Visual Storytelling and Cinematography.
Color films became popular in the 1960s; however, To Kill A Mockingbird was shot using black and white, just like Psyco and The Apartment, for artistic and practical reasons. I felt that the film To Kill a Mockingbird used black and white, as it added more to the timeless, even touch of melancholic tones. To Kill a Mockingbird was written in a touch of Southern Gothic style to cast out more creepy. For example, the scene with the empty moving swing on the Radely Pouch on a black-and-white screen was creepy. The contrast between light and shadow in black and white also amplifies the effects of suspense, tension, and uneasiness in the small town.
One of the most iconic sequences in the movie was the trial. The scene was masterfully shot so that I could feel the emotion of the characters. For example, Brock Peter, who played Tom Robinson, played his role well in the courthouse. Hesitation in the voice when he reluctantly admitted that he felt sorry for Mayella reflects his awareness of the social and racial boundaries he was crossing. The trial scene broke my heart, even though I knew what would happen with the trial. I saw his hope shattered from his face when he was given the guilty verdict and left the courtroom, which delivered a heartbreaking performance. He performed as if he could not hear Atticus, conveying a deep despair and loss.
Finally, in the last part of the trial, the black community gave Atticus full respect and thanks for defending Tom Robinson. Gregory Peck could not even look at them, leaving the courtroom without words. He probably knew the trial’s outcome; it must have been disappointing. The whole part illustrated the film’s quiet moments of dignity in the face of overwhelming injustice, which no man, even Atticus, could cross.
Themes and Messages
The movie adaptation focuses more on the core themes such as racial injustice, the loss of innocence, and moral courage. Lee’s book touches on a wide range of issues, such as poverty, violence against women, Dill’s experience as an orphan, the morphine addiction problem, and class division. The film’s narrow focus was for practical reasons. Too many social problems might overwhelm viewers if they haven’t read the book. As a result, the film centers primarily on the trial of Tom Robinson. The movie still powerfully portrayed racial justice and the moral complexity of confronting prejudice.
One critical distinction between the film adaptation and the book is the way the movie handled the theme of justice. The movie’s heart was built around Tom Robinson’s case, while the book touches on other social aspects of the Maycomb community. For example, Calpurnia’s family had limited access to education and church, which shows the clear racial division due to the Jim Crow Laws. However, those changes did not detract from the profound message of the author, such as racial injustice, the loss of innocence, and moral courage.
Despite its narrow focus, the movie still delivers timeless lessons to viewers today. Atticus Finch stands as a role model for having the moral courage to stand up for what’s right by committing to defending Tom Robinson, even if it is unconventional. Atticus shows the viewer that true courage is not all about winning but about standing up for justice, even when it’s unpopular and dangerous. The lesson of empathy – Atticus teaches his children to work in someone’s shoes before passing judgment, is still important today.
Conclusion
The movie adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird was excellent. The choice of black and white gave the film a timeless, melancholy feel that perfectly matched the gravity of the story’s theme. However, there are some differences between the book and the film. The movie focuses on the books’ themes, allowing them to deliver their central message with clarity and power.
The movie delivered a strong message that racial injustice exists in the United States and the importance of moral courage in standing up against it. Released during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States, the film played a role in raising awareness and fostering empathy for those people who were fighting for equality at that time. It still impacts beyond its time and echoes important lessons to viewers.
The movie is rated 18+. I encourage you to watch or rewatch it.
ReferencesOscars (Director). (2012, April 16). Scout (Mary Badham) from “To Kill a Mockingbird” talks about the making of the film [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RijbFbpSqJo
I’ve heard of To Kill a Mockingbird. My mother was a great fan of Gregory Peck, who played Atticus in the movie. I also heard many of my friends talk about reading this book as their English reading project.
It was the banned book project that made me pick up this book. I liked this book, just like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. After researching the period, I learned something new. I migrated to the United States about a decade ago, and I didn’t know about the Jim Crow Laws. The author addresses many social issues, some of which still exist in our society. Most importantly, I learned something important, which is moral courage.
Plot Summary
Scout lives in Maycomb, a small town in Alabama, with her father, Atticus, and her brother, Jem. Atticus is a lawyer in Maycomb. Her mother passed away two years after Scout was born, so she has no memory of her. Don’t worry. She had her loving father, Atticus, and Calpurnia, a colored servant, taught her not only reading but also imparting life lessons.
Every summer, a boy named Dill stays with his aunt, who lives next door. They got to know each other very quickly. Dill was a fun boy who was full of tall tales. Jem, Scout, and Dill spend much time together during summer exploring. Boo (Arthur) Radley lives south of Atticus’s house. People made all kinds of creepy rumors about Boo Radley because he never showed up in public. Jem is fascinated by Boo, so he asks many things about Boo and tells Scout and Dill many creepy stories about Boo.
Now, the children are all curious. One day, Dill dered Jem to march to the front yard of Boo Radley. Jem was hesitant at first, but he touched the house with courage. Dill and Jem are working so hard to try various schemes to get Boo out of his home. One day, Nathen, Boo’s bother, chased them off from the property with a shotgun from their property.
When school started, Scout, already an advanced reader, got into trouble with her teacher, who disapproved of her ability to read ahead of her classmates. Her teacher also prohibited Scout from reading, insisting she must learn how to read by blank at school.
Scout and Jem find that someone leaves them small gifts in the tree knot outside their house. They enjoyed them. They got chewing gums, a medal, and then a watch. So, they wrote a thank you note to whoever was giving them a gift, but Boo’s father, Nathern, filled the tree-knot with cement. Scout found Jem was crying with frustration.
That winter, Maycomb experienced a freezing winter. In the early morning, Miss Maudie’s house was on fire. While watching the fire burn down Miss Maudie’s house, someone put a blanket around Scout’s shoulder. Atticus told Scout that Boo Radley put the blanket around Scout, but she did not notice at the time.
One day, tensions arose in town because Atticus was appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black person falsely accused of sexually assaulting a white woman. Scout’s classmates and even her relatives ridicule Atticus for defending Tom, and Scout fights with her cousin Francis after he insults her father.
Scouts started to wonder why her father was different from others in town. She thought Atticus was old, but one day, Jem’s and Scout’s perception of their father changed. One day, a rabid dog appeared in the neighborhood, and the sheriff came to Atticus to shoot the dog. Atticus one-shotted the dog. Atticus is the best at shooting. She also found out he was good at many other things.
One day, Calpunia suggests Jem and Scout go to her black church. Scout noticed that Calpunia talked differently around her people. Lula told Calpunia off for bringing Jem and Scout to the church, but other people welcomed them and thanked them for her father for defending poor Tom. In the Church, she observed that there were no hymn books. Calpunia told Scout that that was because no one could read. At church, She found out Bob Ewell was accusing Tom of, which Scout did not comprehend.
Their Aunt Alexandria started to live with them so that her aunt could give their children a “feminine influence.” Everyone invited her aunt to tea at home, and she became the center of the town’s social life. Aunt Alexandra told Atticus to get rid of Capurnial, but Atticus firmly refused. Jem tells Scout not to worry about Atticus so much because he is worried about Defending Tom. Scout was mad at Jem because he was ordering around. After she said goodnight, she stepped on something warm. She went to Jem to check under her bed, and they found Dill. He escaped from his host family. Dill’s new stepfather not only neglected him but also cruelly punished him. He was bound in a chair and left to die in the basement because his new father disliked him. Dill somehow managed to escape and came to their house. Jem notified Atticus that Dill was with them. Atticus agreed that Dill could stay with them.
As Tom’s trial approaches, the threat of mob violence looms large- a possibility of people harming Tom. Atticus was worried that Tom would get attacked by a lynched mob, so he went to stand guard outside the jail. At about 10 o’clock, Jem snuck out of the house with Scout and Jill and followed Atticus. Four cars drove in, and a group of men got out. Scout raced out from the hiding place. Atticus told his children to go home. Jem refuses. Scout looked around the group and spotted Mr. Cunningham, her classmate’s father. She started to talk about his legal entailments and his son. She told him to say “hey to his son. Mr. Cunningham felt ashamed and defused the situation. (Scout’s innocence saved the many lives that night).
Trial started. Everyone attends, except for Ms. Maudie. Jem, Scout, and Dill tried to sneak into a courtroom without being noticed by Atticus. They waited too long, so they got a seat on the balcony where only African Americans could sit. Atticus did cross-examine; no doctor was summoned at the time the girl was injured, and her bruises were on the right side of her face – it becomes clear that Mayella’s injuries were inflicted by someone left-handed, like her father, Bob Ewell, not Tom, who has a crippled left arm. Jem was confident of the victory. To his surprise, all 12 jury members gave the verdict of guilty. The night Jem Cried. Jem complained to Miss Maudie that he no longer thinks good things about people in this city. She tells Jem that there are still good things about this city and points out why the judge appointed Atticus to defend Tom.
Bob Ewell is humiliated by the trial, so he starts harassing people involved in the case. Everyone is worried except for Atticus. When Scout asked Atticus what happen to Tom if he lost, Atticus told her that he would get electrocuted as rape is a capital offense in Alameda. Atticus said that Alabama always favored a white man over a black man, but he hoped to win in the higher court. Scout also discovers that Cunningham, one of the jury members for Tom’s trial, wants to acquit. When Scout wanted to invite Walter Cunningham to the dinner, Aunt Alexandra forbade Scout to ask him. Scout found out that there are class systems from Jem.
One day, Aunt Alexandra invited Scout to her gathering for a missionary circle. Scout looked like a girl and even acted like a lady. Suddenly, Atticus appeared and told Calpunia that Tom Robinson was shot 17 times in his attempt to escape from the prison. Mr. Underwood wrote a long editorial stating that Tom’s death is like shooting an innocent man.
On Halloween, there was a Halloween agricultural pageant in which every school kid portrayed themselves as food. Scout dressed like a Ham. On the way back home, Jem kept hearing the noise. Then suddenly, they are attacked by a man. Jem tried to protect Scout. Boo Radley emerges from the middle of nowhere to save them, killing Bob Ewell in the process.
Atticus thought it was Jem who killed Boo in self-defense. The sheriff said it was not Jem who killed Bob Ewell despite knowing it was Boo who killed Bob Ewell, The sheriff said Tom Robinson died for no good reason, and now the responsible for Tom’s death is dead. Scout saw that putting Bob into the spotlight would be just like a sin to kill a mockingbird.
As Scout reflects on these events, she finally understands her father’s advice to consider other perspectives to understand a person truly.
Historical Contextual Analysis
The Jim Crow Law
In order to understand the book on a deeper level, we have to discuss the Jim Crow Laws. This novel is set in the 1930s. Slavery was abolished after the Civil War; however, there was an awful law that legally relegated African Americans to second-class citizenship. According to Jim Crow Museum (n.d.) The Jim Crow Laws were enforced in the southern part of the United States, mandating the separation of races in public places from the 1870s to the mid-1960s. Even Christian ministers and theologians taught white people as the “chosen people” and that African people existed to serve white people.
One tragic event, Tom Robinson’s trial, reflects on the realities in the United States around this time. The reason Atticus was worried that the lynching mob would assault Tom Robinson. Lynching against African Americans during the time to control African Americans (Berreys et al.,n.d). As Atticus’s anticipation, all 12 juries gave the verdict of guilty to Tom Robinson for assaulting Mayella Ewell despite the evidence suggesting the deep racial discrimination around this time. When Jem spoke up against it, he explained that a black man could not win against the accusation of a white man. And Mayella’s accusation of rape, despite her lies, led to the conviction of Tom Robinson and his death.
The Jim Crow laws physically separated whites and African-Americans at the time. Scout also noticed the racial division; they went to different churches. When Calpurnia, their African-American servant, went to the church, Scout noticed that Calpurnia talked and acted differently among her people. The church had no hymn book because African-American people could not read. Later, she found out that African Americans did not have schools to go to. During Tom’s Trial, African Americans had to watch the trial from the balcony.
When we look into the history around the time the story was staged, we start to see how special Atticus was. Unfortunately, some racial discrimination still exists in the United States.
Scout’s tomboyish nature contrasts with traditional expectations of women.
The expectations for women and girls are rigidly defined. Women are expected to be confined to domestic roles, maintain the house, and care for their children. They are expected to attend social activities such as missionary circles. Scout’s aunt, Alexandra, expected Scout to attend one of those social activities in dress. In reality, Scout hates to be in a dress. Alexandra is concerned that Scout lacks “feminine influences” as her mother died two years after her birth.
Scout, however, resents those conventions of what a lady should be. Instead, she prefers wearing overalls, climbing trees, and playing physical games with her brother Jem and friend Dill. She is a tomboy. She even strongly resented behaving like a lady when Jem told her to act like one by jumping onto Jem. She also attacked her cousin Francis for mocking Atticus. As a result, Scout gets into trouble with someone like Aunt Alexandra.
Character Analysis
Why The Story’s Narration Was Made From Scout
The books are mostly written from Scout’s perspective. The narration flipped between Scout as an innocent kid and Scout as an adult, reflecting on her childhood. This book talks about racism, classism, and prejudice, which are grim. Because the narration is from Scout’s innocent perspective, the tone is light and even humorous despite describing dreadful events.
Scout is ignorant and innocent, just like most girls her age. Her morality is closely tied to her interaction with Atticus, Calpunia, Jem, and Miss Maudie, and she slowly internalizes it as the story progresses. At the end of the book, she uses the metaphor of Mockingbird when She begins to grasp the complexities of morality.
Scout’s moral growth is different from that of Jem’s. Jem, unlike Scout, is aware of more things. When Scout gets to fight with Cnuungham’s kid, he invites the boy over to the house. He has a lot of growth as the story progresses. When Dill escapes his house, Jem lets Atticus know where Dill is, indicating that he understands the responsibility, even if that is breaching a kid’s secret code.
Jem became an adult man when he saw his father was about to be attacked by Lynch Mobs. He disobeyed his father because he sincerely feared for his father’s safety. Ironically, it was more likely Scout’s innocent behavior toward Cunningham stopped the lynch mobs, the possible deaths of many that night. He is still a kid, believing in the fair justice and the goodness of the people of Maycomb, which was shuttered and broke his heart after Tom’s trial.
Atticus as A Moral Figure
Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, is portrayed as a moral figure. He stands up for justice and equality, which makes him more remarkable as this is the time when racial discrimination was legalized in the place where they live. It was considered highly unconventional to defend an African American like Tom Robinson. The trial in the novel was still highly biased, which led to an innocent man like Tom Robinson’s death.
He portrays a consistent moral figure and believes in fairness and justice. He is a loving father. The quote that best represents his character is: “The main one is, if I didn’t, I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature. I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again.”In the book, he also discusses his views of being a hero to his children. His definition of the Hero is not someone strong but someone who can protect a weaker or someone who acts on their belief.
While Atticus is portrayed as a moral figure, I saw some flaws in him. His sense of justice is so strong that he imposes it upon his children. For example, he forces Jem to read to Mrs. Dubose as punishment for destroying her garden. In reality, Mrs. Dubose was racist and mean and insulted the children. Atticus said she had a morphine addiction, but that does not justify her menacing actions like she did. This raises the question: Atticus may be expecting too much from his children.
Atticus understands that people can be both evil and good. Some people, like Bob Ewell, are a menace and evil. While he tells his children that it is essential to see people from their perspective, he fails to see how someone like Bob Ewell could harm his children.
Boo Radley as A Enigmatic Figure
Boo Radley is an enigmatic figure in the novel. Lee uses some Southern Gothic themes in the book, describing him as mysterious and creepy, just like a Halloween monster. We can see this from how Jem described Boo Radley as dining on raw squirrels and any cats they could catch.
Boo Radley is a mysterious man who does not appear in public. Since Atticus never talked about Boo, Jem asked other people like Miss Crawford. The Gosshipy Miss Stephanie Crawford told Jem about Boo’s childhood event when Boo stabbed his father with scissors. The story we never be confirmed in the book; the more creepier the rumore gets, the more children are fascinated by the story of Boo Radley.
He was protective of Jem and Scout. There was the narrative from his perspective from chapter 31 of the book where we could learn how he perceived the story from his end. “Autumn again, and Boo’s Children needed him.” Despite the trouble these children caused, he cared for and protected children in his way by putting a blanket on Scout, saving children, and getting rid of Bob Ewell from the town.
He reminded me of Lennie Small from “Of Mice and Men.” How Boo is portrayed in the book suggests he struggles with mental illness. Miss Stephanie commented that Boo was to be sent to Asylum; instead, he was kept locked in a house. He does not fit the townie’s narrow view of “normal.” Adding to his peculiar behavior makes townee see him as some kind of monstrous figure; in reality, Boo is a mockingbird.
The Symbolism and Motifs To Enhance The Novel’s Meaning
The author addresses multiple themes in the book, which include the destruction of innocence, racial justice, and moral courage. To understand the novel in a deeper level, we should consider what is the symbolism shown in the story and how characters such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley related.
The Mockingbird as a Symbol in the World
Mockingbird is the state bird for multiple states in the United States. Tennesses’s state bird is also the Moking bird. Lee’s choice of the mockingbird is a central metaphor of the novel, and she highlights the vulnerability of goodness in a world tainted by prejudice and justice. As Miss Maudie said, mockingbirds are harmless to the garden and exist only to bring beauty and goodness.
Mockingbirds describe people like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who are vulnerable to the cruelty of society despite their goodness. Tom Robinson always helped the Ewell household without anything in return, yet he is being prosecuted for a crime he never committed. Boo Radley is also an excellent hurt man, trying to protect children in his way, misunderstood by the community.
Just like Mockingbirds, Tom and Boo are also harmless but good to society. Tom has been helping the Ewells with their house chores for free on multiple occasions. Boo took care of Atticus’s children in his ware. However, that society is often quickly destroyed by mockingbirds, someone like Tom and Boo, through racial injustice, fear of the unknown, or social expectations.
The Theme of Moral Courage
The author addresses several social issues throughout the book. One of the most important was the theme of moral courage. Many of us think that a hero is someone with power, strength, or success. Lee is messaging readers that the true hero is someone who can display the quiet determination to do what is right despite the likelihood of failure or social backlash.
Several characters in the novel exhibit moral courage; however, Atticus is a prominent example of all of them. Not only did he demonstrate his commitment to justice, where everyone in the United States should be equal in the court, but he also consistently demonstrated his view of his heroism. You will see his view of heroism when he says, “When you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway, and you see it through no matter what.” (Lee, 1952, p. 127)
Atticus knew that it was more likely that Tom Robinson would lose in the trial from the beginning.
It was so unconventional that an African person would win against any white male at the time. I bet Atticus faced overwhelming societal pressure, which Jem or great aunt noticed after Atticus took on the role of defending. It was Atticus’s quiet determination to do what is right that moved many people’s hearts, even though he lost the case. He taught his children, including Dill, by showing what he believed was right.
The Important Lessons From The Book
As I pointed out earlier, Lee wanted to say in this book that society is often quick to destroy innocence due to racial injustice, fear of the unknown, or social expectations. Multiple times, “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” is emphasized, and this sentiment captures the moral wrong of punishing the innocent for society’s prejudices and fear.
There is a part where Atticus teaches his children that real courage is not a man with a gun. Still, it is someone who stands up for their principles even when facing inevitable defeat. Atticus shows children that throughout the story. Lee delivers a moral lesson to stand up for what is right, even when it is unconventional, just like Atticus.
Atticus’s view is not someone who is strong but can stand up with their principal. He made me think about someone like Martin Luther King Jr., an author who constantly told us that courage is rooted in moral resilience rather than being strong. Knowing that Tom Robinson had great challenges winning the case or the social backlash he and his family would face, he demonstrated his belief in moral courage. A person like Atticus could eliminate existing social issues.
Like other parts of the world, the U.S. made mistakes in the past. However, I want to point out that our society has become much better than it was a long time ago. People like Atticus in the book made a change by demonstrating their version of Moral Courage. There are still a lot more social issues we need to work on.
Unfortunately, these books are banned in some parts of the United States for the use of derogatory words. The book taught me an important moral lesson. When you become 18 years old, I hope you will put this book as one of a book to read.
~ From Reading The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain
Introduction
I was surprised to see ” The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” on the banned list. I thought this book was for children, which was incorrect. Although I had considered reading it in the past, I had never picked it up until now. I decided to read it for this project, and I found it to be deep and complex.
I wanted to read it in the original English as much as possible, so I picked up a Kindle version of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: the Original 1884 Unabridged and Complete Edition.” Let me tell you that this book was challenging to read as English is the second language.
Twain was known for realism and naturalism. The entire book was written from Huck’s first point of view, and so was the level of English. The dialogue was written just about how people talked during the period. There were moments when I had to read some passages multiple times to grasp their meaning, and sometimes, I even needed help from my husband to decipher them. Twain made sure we would sense the departure from the romanticism of the earlier literary era, embracing a more realistic portrayal of life along the Mississippi.
After reading the book for the first time, Jim and Huck. I felt unsettled. I was a little upset at Tom Sawyer at the End for making the rescue mission one of his adventure games. I also noticed its well-constructed plot, and the depth of the character development impressed me. The more I read and analyzed the book, the more I realized how complex and deep this book was.
Twain’s portrayal of a deeply flawed “civilized” society filled with hypocrisy and cruelty could be considered controversial. To make it worse, the frequent use of the derogatory word did not help.
This novel is not just a story of the adventure of a boy. Instead, it reflects the social issues of its time, which Twain felt strongly against. While I was reading the book, I could imagine the historical and local color of the 19th-century southern United States. I thought it would be important to delve deeper into it to prove why it has become a cornerstone of American literature. In this post, I would like to write my thoughts on why I consider this book a legend by analyzing the character, symbolism, and what I learned from reading this book.
Plot Summary
Huckleberry Finn was not as happy because the Widow Douglas felt sorry for him for getting abandoned by his alcoholic and abusive father. The Widow was strict with Huckleberry about getting civilized. She sent him to school to get him some education. One day, his father, who had been missing for a while, suddenly appeared and demanded that he quit his education and his $6,000. Judge Thatcher kept the fund safe until Huckleberry was a bit older. One day, his father was drunk, enraged, and became violent to the point he almost killed Huck. Huck had enough of his nonsense. He decided to escape down the river on a raft after faking his own death.
Huck started living on Jackson Island, near the river, where he met Jim, who belonged to Miss Watson. Miss Watson is a sister of the Widow Douglas, so Huck knows Jim. Jim fled Miss Watson after learning her plan to sell him for $800. So, Huck and Jim decided to travel down the Mississippi River to the free state. However, they lost their way due to a thick fog. Huck was hearing a whisper from River – Huck contemplated whether he should do the right thing to turn Jim In. Huck tricks Jim into thinking that the separation is a dream, making Jim confused with reality. When Jim realizes the truth and is upset, Jim’s emotional reaction makes Huck feel bad—Huck’s apology to Jim.
Shortly after the fog incident, a steamboat hit their raft, and Huck and Jim were separated again. Huck was rescued by the Grangerfords, who had a deadly feud with the Shepherdsons. Huck witnessed the tragic outcome that resulted in deaths when the Grangerford girl eloped with the Sheperdson’s boy. Huck managed to escape the fight and found Jim, who was hiding nearby. They started their trip again.
Huck and Jim met two con artists who addressed themselves as “the duke and the king.” Although Huck knew there were frauds, he kept silent and offered to travel with Huck and Jim. The Duke and King ran a series of scams on the shoes. They found out about the death of a man named Peter Wilks. Wilk’s family sent a letter to Wilk’s brother in England to claim his estates. The con men decided to steal the inheritance by impersonating Wilk’s brothers. Huck felt wrong about Wilk’s family, so Huck exposed their lie. Eventually, their family and townspeople found out their lie. The Duke and King were horrible con artists. Huck worried they would subsequently betray them one day. So, Huck took Jim and decided to leave without those con artists. Unfortunately, the escape was unsuccessful. Soon, the Duke and King not only catch up with Jim and Huck.
The Duke and King did not get Wilk’s inheritance, so they were upset and broke. Like Huck worried, they sold the raft and Jim to a local farmer. Huck was starting to question his moral conscience, so he decided to free Jim from being enslaved, even if that meant he would go to hell. Later, Huck finds out that Silas Phelps is the person who bought Jim to get the reward. Huck also discovered that the Duke and King had to pay for their crime with death.
When Huck visits the Phelps, he meets Aunt Sally, who happens to be expecting Tom Sawyer. Since Sally mistook Huck for her nephew, Huck impersonated Tom. He had spent time with Tom in the past, so it was easy to imitate him. Tom eventually arrives at his aunt’s family. Tom thought it would be exciting, so they let Huck impersonate Tom.
Meanwhile, they are plotting to free Jim from the Phelps. Tom insists on a dramatic rescue mission, just like the stories he read in the past. Then, Tom finally agrees with the more straightforward way to escape: digging a hole. They manage to free Jim with their plan, but Tom is wounded. Huck calls a doctor in the town, but Jim stays with Tom as he is deadly injured from the gunshot. The doctor treats Tom but tells them to turn Jim in. Now, Jim is captured again.
After Tom recovered from the injury, he finally revealed that Miss Watson died, and she freed Jim in her will all this time. Tom knew that Jim was free already, but he had to withhold the truth from them to have some fun from the rescue. Jim also confessed to Huck that he saw his father’s corpse near the floating house before he met Huck. Huck also found out his $6,000 is still safe with the judge. Huck now worried that Aunt Sally would take him like the Widow did to civilize him. He didn’t want any more guardians, so he headed west to do whatever he wanted.
Historical Context Analysis
This book was originally published in 1884, when the style of writing shifted to Realism and Naturalism, emphasizing ordinary people’s lives, environment, and social issues rather than imaginary or dramatized versions of people. Mark Twain and Kate Chopin from “The Awakening” are known U.S. authors around this time period. Twain and Chopin are also known for regionalism when they write about the places they lived or knew. For example, Twain was raised in Hannibal, Missouri. I found books around this period enjoyable as I feel the local colors of the book: Twain for Missouri and Chopin for Louisiana.
The book was actually set in the pre-Civil War period. According to Digital History (n.d.), America had two groups of immigrants: the descendants of 17th-century Puritans and the others of the gentry from England. The social norms were different between the North and the South. Eventually, the division will turn into civil wars. The southern states in the United States were wealthy because of the Plantations, where many enslaved people worked. In 1860, the southern states were richer than any European countries besides England. The plantations that owned over 50 enslaved people were rare; however, one-third of the white families still owned enslaved people. The majority of white southern families either had or expected to own enslaved people (para. 1 – Para. 10).
These enslaved people had no rights and were treated as commodities. Understanding the social norms in the Southern States is important to understanding this book so that you can understand why Huck thought and behaved the way he did in the books.
Characters Analysis
Evolving Character Relationships and Contrast with Tom Sawyer
What I found most interesting in this novel is that the evolving relationship between Huck and Jim. As the relationship evolves, Huck’s morality gradually evolves. At the beginning of the journey, Huck’s morals are shaped by the social norms of the southern state. Huck helps Jim go to the free state with the raft, but he looks down on him. Huck did mean to trick Jim a few times. Once, Huck ties the dead snake to Jim, knowing Jim is scared to touch the dead snake’s skin.
During their separation from Fog, Huck considered turning Jim in because he thought that might be right. During fog, Huck still sees the right thing—turning Jim in. Huck denies his temptation to turn Jim in this time; he still tricks Jim by making him believe the entire separation was Jim’s dream. Since Jim is upset with Huck’s plank, Tom feels terrible, so he apologizes by acknowledging Jim’s humanity and dignity. However, in the later chapter, he disagrees with the social norms of slavery. When the duke and king sold Jim, he declared, “All right, then. I’ll go to hell.” Huck is eager to sacrifice himself for Jim if that will free Jim from slavery.
Comparison with Tom Sawyer
The effect of introducing Tom Sawyer at the beginning and the book’s finale was also interesting to me. Tom and Huck are naughty, as you may read from Twain’s other books. They spend a lot of time together but have a big difference. Tom Sawyer comes from a more privileged background, while Huck comes from a house with a drunken and violent father. Huck had had enough of nonsense, and he feared that his father would kill him if he kept living with him. That alone made a huge difference between the two, but the experience Huck gained from the trip impacted his growth immensely.
During the trip, he spends considerable time with Jim on the raft, where he starts to see Jim as an equal. He observed deception, violence, and oppression every time they got off to the shore. Facing and nearly being killed in the family feud between the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons, the greed and deception of the Duke and King. Huck observed the greed, hypocrisy, and racism – the flaws of the pre-Civil War South. Those events stripped off Huck’s innocence. The introduction of Tom in the later book made the stark contrasts between the two. He understands the consequences of releasing Jim but is willing to sacrifice himself to get Jim’s freedom. For Tom, Jim’s rescue mission is a pretend adventure.
The Symbolic Significance of The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn
I want to discuss two symbolisms that stood out a lot for me: the raft and the shore. Huck’s adventure starts with the raft. The raft was the medium he could run away from his life with his father. Huck eventually met Jim on Jackson Island and helped Jim to get to the free state by raft. The life on the raft is simple and peaceful. Huck’s perception of the raft evolves throughout his trip. Unlike on the shore, Jim and Huck are equal. The raft is where both Jim and Huck see freedom from the social norm’s physical and mental restrictions. Gradually, Huck starts to see the raft as moral independence. On the other hand, the shore is where Huck observes greed, deception, violence, and oppression. I even feel Twain’s sarcasm of the hypocrisy of the society-civilized yet perpetuates inhumanity and justice.
Tom Sawyer’s appearance in the later chapter emphasizes the simple life on the raft. Huck and Tom Sawyer are plotting a rescue mission for Jim in the novel’s final part. Tom created this overly complicated mission by adding unnecessary details. Tom, unlike Huck, reads books such as Don Quixote, and the adventure must be romantic and dramatic. I cannot stop feeling that Twain’s trying to tell us that we may make things needlessly overcomplicated.
My Interpretation of Twain’s Intent
The first time I read it, I thought his intention was to criticize Slavery in the South. The second time I read this book, I also felt his profound message that “civilized” people can be inhumane and injustice. He is mocking the hypocrisy of civilized people. Someone like the widow Douglas or Miss Watson are supposed to be civilized, yet they have enslaved people. We can learn essential concepts like humanity from a simple life on a raft. Society, in general, overcomplicated things unnecessarily. The same thing is true for writing novels. A story should be simpler and straightforward – criticizing romanticism in literature. Most importantly, it is because the majority think it is correct, but that does not necessarily mean it is right. Thus, you must pause and reflect.
This book is considered one of the top 100 banned books due to the frequent use of derogatory words. The book tries to express the social issues of the time with the intention of telling how horrible it was-even many people thought it was okay. Moral is often shaped by the authority of society more than we think, and the book made me rethink how cowardly I am not to speak up about something I feel is wrong. I could not write down everything I noticed while analyzing the book, so I picked up a few pointers for this blog. I hope I have articulated why I consider this book well.
For the past four months, I have been exploring various banned books as a new project for this year. I discovered these titles in a book I purchased during my last trip to Key West. Although I was aware that some books carry mature ratings, I was surprised to learn that certain books are banned in the United States. Given how much I read, my husband found it odd that I didn’t know about this.
Since my 20s, I have been curious about the types of books North Americans read, so I explored many titles from bestseller lists. Until now, it has not even clicked once that some books have faced bans, so I have never specifically looked into them. My curiosity was piqued when I wondered what could lead to a book being banned in the United States. This reading project began primarily as a way to satisfy that curiosity.
The books are usually banned due to the following reasons: Sexually explicit, violent, unsuited to age groups, LGBTQIA content, profanity, political viewpoint, and so on. For example, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood was banned due to profanity and “vulgarity and sexual overtures.” (The American Library Association, 2022),
To clarify, “banned books” in the United States doesn’t mean they’re entirely inaccessible. They are still available in physical and online bookstores; you can own and read them. However, you might not find them in specific public spaces like schools or libraries.
So far, I’ve analyzed and blogged about ten banned books, and each one has been a fascinating learning experience. In this blog, I want to reflect on what I’ve gained from reading and analyzing these controversial works.
Navigating the World of Literary Analysis
One of the biggest challenges I encountered during this project was realizing that, despite the number of books I’ve read, I lacked experience in literary criticism. While I’ve written about books and occasionally analyzed them for blog posts, I have no formal training in literary critique. I naively believed my passion for reading would suffice, but I quickly discovered that was not enough. I realized This when I read “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. I could sense the quality of the writing but struggled to articulate why I thought the book was excellent.
Books like Homer’s Iliad or Shakespeare’s Hamlet have been celebrated for centuries, but what about modern works like The Handmaid’s Tale? Having a good rating doesn’t automatically make a book legendary. It’s a well-written book, but how do I evaluate its merit beyond its popularity? A legendary book can be published at any time, but understanding its value requires a logical approach to analysis.
To address this gap, I began studying literary analysis, taking extensive notes on each book I read. I even bought a textbook on literary critique. My analysis is still evolving, but my notes have significantly improved since the start of this project. I often feel the urge to revisit my earlier reviews and refine my thoughts.
Even with my basic understanding of literary techniques, reading a book transforms the experience. It’s like visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and discovering the hidden layers beneath his paintings. I never thought of acquiring this knowledge before. Still, it has enriched my reading experience immensely because I am in constant dialogue with the author, which I thoroughly enjoy even though my reading speed has slowed.
Expanding Awareness of Social Issues
All the books I’ve read in this project have been provocative in some way, challenging me to confront uncomfortable truths. Each one addresses significant social issues, prompting me to conduct contextual research using statistics, newspapers, journals, and websites related to the themes explored in the books.
Coming from a relatively privileged background, I wasn’t fully aware of many of these issues. I knew they existed but never engaged with them deeply. Reading and analyzing these books has forced me to process and reflect on these realities. It’s like Plato’s allegory of the cave—I feel as though I’ve emerged from the darkness to see the light.
Some of these books affected me so profoundly that I struggled with their impact. My husband noticed my distress and worried about how deeply I was affected. To maintain my mental balance, I read lighter books in between. I feel a sense of guilt, knowing that people living these realities can’t escape them as I can with a different book.
The Fluidity of Morality
Before diving deeper into this topic, I want to start with a few questions: What defines an action or thought as moral? Who decides these standards, and how do they evolve over time? I grew up in a culture where social norms and expectations differed vastly from North America’s. When I moved here in my teens, I was struck by the distinct moral landscape. This cultural shift forced me to confront the idea that morality is not universal but somewhat shaped by context and background. I became aware of the danger of hastily labeling actions as moral or immoral based solely on my upbringing and values.
However, I hadn’t fully considered until recently how much time also influences our understanding of morality. It’s easy to overlook this aspect, but language and societal values constantly evolve. Once acceptable words are considered offensive, behaviors once deemed appropriate are now frowned upon. As I delved into historical novels like The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, I saw how much societal expectations have shifted over the decades. These books highlighted the norms of their time, and I grappled with the moral dilemmas presented in them.
This realization of the fluidity of morality led me to reflect on Michel Foucault’s ideas about how morality intertwines each era’s power structures and social constructs. He argued that our sense of right and wrong is not fixed but changes according to the needs and priorities of the ruling powers at the time. This concept is explored in his works, such as Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison and The History of Sexuality. Foucault’s theories have helped me understand why something considered acceptable in one era might be deemed immoral in another.
Through this project of reading banned books, I’ve realized that my previous understanding of morality was limited. I used to think of morals as a static set of guidelines, but now I see them as dynamic and fluid, influenced by time, place, and power. This revelation has been both unsettling and enlightening. It has prompted me to question my own beliefs and to approach each book, not with the intent to judge but with an open mind, seeking to understand the context and complexity behind the moral choices of its characters.
Reflecting on the Journey So Far
Although I’m still in the early stages of this project, the experience has already been transformative. I initially set out to explore banned books out of curiosity, not fully aware of the profound impact they would have on me. Now, just 10% into the project, I realize that this journey is about reading controversial literature and challenging my beliefs and assumptions.
One of the most significant changes has been how I approach literary criticism. I used to believe a genuine passion for reading was enough to evaluate books. Still, I now see the value of a more structured, analytical approach. Understanding the historical and cultural contexts, identifying themes, and examining the use of literary devices have all enriched my reading experience. These tools have enabled me to delve deeper into each book, uncovering layers of meaning I would have otherwise missed.
In addition to gaining a better appreciation for literary analysis, I’ve become more aware of the social issues embedded in these banned books. Each one, in its own way, reflects the struggles and injustices of its time, many of which are still relevant today, forcing me to confront uncomfortable truths and consider perspectives I hadn’t fully acknowledged before. It’s a humbling experience, reminding me of the power of literature to spark meaningful conversations.
Finally, my understanding of morality has evolved. I’ve seen it as a complex, shifting construct influenced by time, culture, and power dynamics. This realization has made me more empathetic and open-minded, both as a reader and as a person.
As I continue this project, I’m excited to see how much more I will learn and grow. I’m approaching each new book with a sense of curiosity and an eagerness to be challenged. This journey is far from over, but I know it’s one of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve ever undertaken.
I’m only beginning this journey, but it has already transformed me. My views on the importance of literary criticism, social awareness, and moral ambiguity have expanded and deepened. As I continue reading, I look forward to discovering more about myself and the world through the lens of these controversial books.
From Reading The Kingdom of Little Wounds, Susann Cokal
The Kingdom of Little Wounds by Susann Cokal is the 10th book I’ve read as part of my project on banned books. Set in a Scandinavian court, the novel immediately recalls Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Throughout the story, the author’s admiration for Shakespeare is evident, and knowing that her ancestors were from Denmark adds a personal touch to this connection.
The book struck me as a dark fairy tale when I began reading. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, with some chapters beginning like brief fables, adding to its eerie charm. What truly captivated me was the depth of research Cokal put into Medieval Europe, bringing the historical setting to life.
As for my background, I studied just one course on Medieval Europe during my undergraduate years, in addition to the general Western history taught in high school. While I’ve always been fascinated by history and supplemented my learning with additional reading, I want to be clear that my understanding is self-taught, and I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject.
At first, I struggled to understand the author’s purpose, so I explored the historical context further. After delving into the history, I reached key conclusions about the story’s underlying themes.
Plot Summary of “The Kingdom of Little Wound”
In the royal court of Skyggehavn, Princess Sophia, a king’s favorite daughter, dies mysteriously on her wedding night after screaming in pain. Poison is suspected, and the royal household is thrown into chaos. Elinor, the countess who oversees the nursery and serves as lady-in-waiting to the queen, is implicated. She is also the queen’s confidante, and it is revealed that Elinor has a secret lover and may have poisoned the princess.
Ava, a seamstress imprisoned for accidentally injuring the queen with her needlework, becomes entangled in the court’s dark intrigue. Used by Nicolas, a power-hungry court official, as both a spy and his sexual plaything, Ava falsely reports that Elinor is having an affair with Sir George, the Secretary of State. As a result, Elinor and Sir George are imprisoned, and Nicolas strengthens his influence over the court. Meanwhile, Elinor confesses that she and the queen have poisoned royal infants in the past.
Midi, a servant in Elinor’s employ, reveals to Nicolas that Ava lied about Elinor’s affair. Meanwhile, Ava is courted by a scholar named Author. Still, she grows suspicious of his intentions, realizing he uses her for his ends. She begins to miss her former lover, who disappeared shortly before their wedding.
As more princesses fall victim to mysterious deaths, Nicolas and his Polish physician manipulate events to frame Queen Isabella for the murders, consolidating their power by getting closer to the king. When the prince dies, only an unborn child remains as the queen’s last hope. Queen Isabella is placed under house arrest and cannot be near her remaining children.
After the king’s death, Nicolas hopes to be appointed regent for the unborn heir, but the queen takes control instead, forcing Nicolas out of the court. Ava and her father, who sold a telescope to the court and supposedly “upset the stars,” are imprisoned. Ava receives a letter from the Author, further complicating her situation.
Nicolas then sets his sights on Queen Isabella’s daughter, hoping to marry her and secure his power. However, his betrothed stabs him with a dagger that he had once gifted her. As Nicolas lies dying, Midi and Ava enter his room, finish him off, and remove the jewels sewn into his genitals to protect him from disease. They flee to Copenhagen, where they live off the wealth they obtained from Nicolas’s body.
Historical Context of the Book
Women’s Role in Medieval Society
In medieval society, dominated by the feudal system, power was concentrated in the hands of men, often tied to land ownership. Women were confined mainly to the private sphere, with their roles restricted to being mothers, widows, or virgins. While Catholicism influenced societal norms and limited women’s opportunities, as seen in The Kingdom of Little Wounds. For instance, Ava, after her public miscarriage, had no choice but to become a needle servant—a reflection of the limited paths available to women in her position. Ava remained chaste until her affair with the scholar Athor, highlighting the few options for women’s autonomy.
While enjoying more visibility in the public sphere, Royal women were still bound by their roles as mothers and wives. As Stoss (2013) notes, even in positions of influence, royal women’s activities largely maintained the power of their husbands and sons. Masculinity in medieval society was measured by strength, political success, and dominance over women (p. 4). This context helps explain the actions of Queen Isabella, Lady Elinor, Ava, and Midi. For example, after King Christian’s death, Queen Isabella’s need for a male heir was about personal power and securing her family’s future.
Social Hierarchies
Feudalism also created rigid social hierarchies. Land and social status were inherited, making upward mobility nearly impossible. A farmer’s son was destined to be a farmer, and a craftsman’s son would inherit the trade. Load Nicholas’s rise in status was a rare exception, as his father, originally from a lower social rank, advanced through marriage. This ambition and social mobility eventually shaped Nicholas’s desire to seize control of the throne despite his low-born origins.
Medical Practices
Medical knowledge in the medieval period was limited, and treatments were often based on the belief that “like cures like.” In the book, royal children suffering from syphilis, or “Italian Fire,” were treated with quicksilver (mercury). Princess Sophia exhibited symptoms of congenital syphilis, such as rashes, likely transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. Queen Isabella’s repeated miscarriages and mental instability were consistent with the effects of syphilis, a disease that, while now treatable with penicillin, was then often managed with mercury—a dangerous and ineffective treatment.
Syphilis was long thought to have originated in the New World, but discoveries of pre-Columbian skeletons showing signs of the disease suggest it existed in Europe before Columbus (Timeline—World History Documentaries, Aug 7, 2017).
Well-Used Multi-Point-Of-View Narrative
I was drawn to the novel’s multi-point-of-view narrative, where the Author develops multiple main characters, each with equal importance. In The Kingdom of Little Wounds, there are four central female characters from different social strata: Queen Isabella from the royal family, Elinor from the nobility, Ava, a peasant, and Midi, an enslaved person.
The Author’s decision to present the story through these diverse perspectives is intentional. As mentioned earlier, medieval European women had far fewer rights than men, regardless of their social standing. Even queens and princesses were often used as political pawns by men, reduced to mother, widow, or virgin roles. In the novel, Elinor, Ava, and Midi fall outside these expected roles. At the same time, the queen, on the verge of losing her status as the mother of an heir, faces the threat of losing her political power. All four women are trapped in a world where their survival depends on manipulating male power or leveraging their sons.
Their morally complex actions starkly reflect the desperate choices they are forced to make. What options do they have if they want to survive in their situation? When faced with extreme circumstances, many people are driven to immoral behavior to protect themselves or their loved ones. Why does Ava continue sleeping with Arthur despite suspecting he may be Midi’s lover? Why does she suggest swapping the dead prince for her baby brother? And why does the queen agree to this, knowing it could be considered treason? In harsh realities, people often have no choices.
This brings us to one of my questions: why did the author use this narrative style? Through the multi-character narrative, the Author underscores the various forms of oppression these women face. Despite their diverse social backgrounds, they all fall victim to the same system that restricts their choices and autonomy. This narrative Technique powerfully conveys the plight of women in that period, emphasizing their choice to live in such a patriarchal society.
A Fairly Tale Like Story
Another aspect of the book that intrigued me was its fairytale-like quality. Some chapters begin almost like a traditional folk tale. Suppose you’ve read the original versions of stories like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. In that case, you’ll know those tales are much darker than the versions we’re familiar with today. Modern fairy tales are often softened to suit young audiences. Still, in reality, there’s no “happily ever after” for most protagonists. This sense of realism is reflected in the novel’s ambiguous ending.
I found myself wishing for more hopeful resolutions—that Arthur would return to help Midi raise her child, Jacob would return for Ava, or the queen would protect the kingdom forever. Yet, deep down, I knew these outcomes were unlikely. The novel’s ending mirrors the harsh realities the characters face, leaving us to grapple with the uncertainty of their futures, much like the original, darker fairy tales.
Conclusion
This book is definitely not for young readers, but beautifully written. Despite its dark themes, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The meticulous research was evident, and what stood out most to me was the author’s deep love for the Medieval era, her ancestral homeland, and Shakespeare.
The novel’s multi-point-of-view narrative was carefully crafted, and I pondered why Cokal chose this style. I understood her message after researching the historical context and analyzing the characters. It took me over two weeks, but I finally realized that life in the Medieval era was incredibly harsh, especially for women. This understanding also highlights why many original fairy tales are so dark. The novel profoundly captures that difficult reality.
References
Stoss, L. R. (2013). An Exploration of Conformity to Medieval Male and Female Roles in the Chronicle of Alfonso X. http://hdl.handle.net/10342/1701Timeline – World History
Documentaries (Director). (2017, August 7). 1495 Syphilis Outbreak: The Deadly Disease That Swept Across Europe | The Syphilis Enigma | Timeline [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bWNF_eNwvI
