Themes Of The Great Gatsby - 2450 Words

Julianna Fowler Mrs. Massey AP Lit 18 March 2016 Themes in The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is widely regarded as one of the best novels of the 20th century. The decadence and frivolity of the roaring twenties is apparent on the surface of The Great Gatsby but underneath you will find themes that include a subtext of taboo homosexuality; the treatment and portrayal of women; and the corruption and falseness associated with the established rich and the nouveau riche. The Great Gatsby was published during a time of extreme prejudice towards homosexuality. It was not only socially unacceptable but was illegal in many parts of the world. Implications of homosexuality are present within the story, most notably when it†¦show more content†¦The implied sexual activity is obvious to any reader that pays enough attention. When Nick follows Mr. McKee to his apartment, it is not described as Nick helping him home because he is impaired. Nick simply takes his hat and follows him. This, paired with Mr. McKee in bed in his underwear, strongly suggests that the two had sex. It was commonplace as well for gay men in the 1920s to ‘drop pins’ about their sexuality. Mr. McKee’s placement of his hand on the elevator lever is a blatant example of this. Elevator levers are phallic in nature, and the likelihood of Mr. McKee accidentally touching one is slim, being that elevator operators are steadfastly stood beside them. Thus making the à ¢â‚¬Ëœaccidental’ touching, a very intentional action, meant to represent Mr. McKee’s, and by extent, Nick’s sexuality. Nick’s sexuality is also evident in the differing ways he describes men and women throughout the book. He describes women with nowhere near the emotional connection with which he describes men. The passages about Daisy, Jordan, and Myrtle seem rather clinical in nature, as if he is simply relaying their appearances. Whereas Gatsby and Tom are described in an awe inspired way. The passage about Tom is even quite sexual in nature, focusing on the power of his body and the muscles visible beneath his clothing. Gatsby’s smile is described at length, with great attention paid to the way it makes Nick feel. The importance of recognizing Nick’s potential and probable