Humanities Through the Arts Artistic Criticism Essay...

The Roaring Twenties was a time of exuberance like none other, where people and America’s society focused on self-indulgence and happiness like never before. The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is the ideal portrayal of this time era. In a time shortly after war, this novel captures the audience, forcing them to participate in the setting and with the characters. Jay Gatsby, the focal point of this novel, is used as a representation of this era in American history and as an example of the pursuit of the American Dream. Fitzgerald uses vivid diction that captivates the reader and his symbolism creates a lasting, universal impression for all who pick up the novel. Throughout the following, I will use Fitzgerald’s diction,†¦show more content†¦Despite the fact that this novel tells the story of a twisted love triangle, it is much more than that. To the reader who analyzes the context, it is quite obvious that Fitzgerald portrays the decline in the American dream and abandons the pursuit of happiness. Instead of having Jay and the woman he loves come back together, Fitzgerald writes of a series of events that lead to the suicide of Jay Gatsby. Along with that major theme, the book seeks to convey that the upper class during the Roaring Twenties was desolate and truly unhappy. Perhaps Fitzgerald was aiming to convey that money cannot buy true happiness, or perhaps not, that is for the reader to decide for themselves. Overall, Fitzgerald uses vivid diction, symbols, and themes to bring his opinions and views to life throughout this novel. By using interpretive criticism, a work of art can be brought to life and transformed from subject matter into content. The Great Gatsby is an excellent example of exactly how subject matter is brought to life through the use of Fitzgerald’s literary devices. On the outside, The Great Gatsby is an eye-opening love story full of betrayal and scandalous actions. However, if the audience digs down deeper into the literature, this book contains themes and life lessons far more powerful than the love triangle that is obviously displayed. AfterShow MoreRelatedEssay about Tolstoys What Is Art?938 Words   |  4 Pages Leo Tolstoy compares art to speech by mentioning that art is a form of communication. The communication that Tolstoy writes about in â€Å"What Is Art?† is of two types, good and bad. According to Tolstoy, good art is what carries humanity towards perfection (Tolstoy 383). It is this movement forward in humanity that is emphasized by Tolstoy. Tolstoy informs his readers that speech is what teaches knowledge from human history, but art is what teaches the emotions of mankind’s past. 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