Ruminating the dilemma between aesthetic pleasure and moral instruction in F. Scott’s The Great Gatsby

Abstract

A piece of literature either focuses on aesthetic qualities or emphasizes didactic elements.
The aesthetics of a piece are discernible through its vivid imagery and symbolism.
Conversely, if a work imparts specific information or moral lessons to readers, it falls into the
category of didactic literature. This article centres on the conflict between aesthetic and
didactic elements employed in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel
examines the deterioration of the American dream during the roaring twenties through the
lens of Jay Gatsby the protagonist of the novel. F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the societal
dynamics of 1920s America, known as the Jazz Age, where individuals strive for the
American Dream, seeking wealth at the expense of complicating their peaceful lives and
forsaking ethical principles. In the midst of extravagant gatherings and luxurious living, the
book delves into the subjects of love, affluence, and the quest for the elusive American
Dream, ultimately uncovering the vulnerability of illusions and the repercussions of
unattainable aspirations. The study grubs about the tension between the ideology of culture
and moral consequences which impacts the readers perception.