What are the central themes in The Great Gatsby?

The Great Gatsby is a complex novel with various themes, with the central themes being materialism and the American Dream. The novel is often considered to also have a strong central theme of love but it could be argued that the romantic plot is actually a metaphor for the American Dream, as Gatsby's dream and the reason for his materialsm is the wish to have Daisy as his own. The novel can be considered to have a central theme of materialsm as most of the characters' actions and desires centre around an overall goal of achiveing and maintaining wealth and admiration. It could also be argued that The Great Gatsby has a central theme of hedonism due to the focus on parties and irresponsbility throughout the novel. 

CP
Answered by Charlotte P. English Literature tutor

15126 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How would I answer a question on love/music in this unseen passage from The Mill on the Floss?


Comment closely on Stevenson’s presentation of the natural world in one poem from Granny Scarecrow and say how far this poem is characteristic of Stevenson’s style and concerns in the collection


How do I write an effective Introduction and Conclusion?


What is the significance of soliloquy in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning