Uncovering the motivations of a protagonist, and understanding different archetypes in fiction is an important part of literary appreciation. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is considered an antihero. Students can create storyboards that track the protagonist's actions, and support categorizing him as an antihero.
An antihero is a central character who lacks conventional attributes that would make them “good”. Gatsby seems like a good person, but he achieved his wealth through illegal means, he has lied to Daisy about who he is, and he has an adulterous affair with her. For front-loading terms and a lesson plan, see our article on antiheroes.
Have students create a Frayer Model for the term 'antihero', specifically relating Jay Gatsby from the novel. Students can use the traditional Frayer Model categories, Definition, Characteristics, Examples and Non-Examples, or select four quotes or events that support Gatsby as an antihero.
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Student Instructions
Create a Frayer Model that shows how Jay Gatsby can be considered an antihero.
Ask the students to list down the character traits of the main characters from the story. These traits can either be taken from character maps or the students can identify them on their own.
Take a chart paper and divide it into two sections. Name one section as good characteristics and the other one as bad characteristics. Ask the students to write the names of the characters in each column depending on the number and type of characteristics they possess. For example, if Nick Carraway's traits are identified as honest and earnest his name will be written in the good characteristics column two times.
Heroes typically have great intentions and work to improve the lives of others. Their objectives frequently involve defending the defenseless, standing up for justice, or saving the world. Antiheroes frequently exhibit both good and bad qualities. They may have some redeeming traits, but they may also have flaws, be cynical, or even act in ways that are morally dubious.
Heroes usually have a good ending and also experience character growth and personal development. As the narrative progresses audience usually has more empathy for the heroes as their decisions are mostly based on ethical codes. Whereas, anti-heroes remain morally ambiguous and are willing to take any type of decision to achieve their goals.
Jay Gatsby lacks conventional heroic attributes such as moral goodness and altruism. His goals and motivations were neither ethical nor justifiable.
Yes, Jay Gatsby's terrible demise fits the profile of many antiheroes. His mistakes and the results of his dubious acts led to his downfall, which is a typical theme in stories about antiheroes.
The decadence and materialism of the Jazz Age in particular can be understood as a result of the culture Jay Gatsby lives in, and this helps to explain his antiheroic disposition. The antiheroic activities of Gatsby are a result of the era's values, which are symbolized by the chase of riches and social prestige at all costs. It can also be connected to the real world where people can be pressured to do anything to achieve fame and wealth.
The pitfalls of obsessional love, the repercussions of seeking the American Dream at any cost, and the intricacies of human nature, where people can embody both good and bad attributes, are some important lessons or themes that readers can learn from Jay Gatsby's character.