Representations of Gender and Class in "The Great Gatsby". An Analysis of the Movie Adaptations of 1974 and 2013

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Gender
  • 2.1 General
  • 2.2 Masculinity
  • 2.3 Hegemonic Masculinity
• 3. Class
• 4. Intersectionality
• 5. Character Interaction and Interpersonal Power
• 6. Analysis
  • 6.1 Character Introduction and Historical Variability
  • 6.2 Construction of Class-Based Masculinities and the Interaction of the Characters
    • 6.2.1 Property and Occupation
    • 6.2.2 Public and Private
    • 6.2.3 Production and Reproduction
• 7. Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This thesis explores the interplay of masculinity and class in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, analyzing two film adaptations (1974 and 2013) to understand how different forms of masculinity are established and maintained within the context of varying social classes. The study aims to examine how class affects the subjective experiences of masculinity and apply the concept of hegemonic masculinity to the narrative.

• The construction and performance of masculinity in different social classes.
• The interaction between masculinity and class in shaping characters' experiences and actions.
• The application of hegemonic masculinity theory to the characters and their relationships.
• The historical variability of masculinity as depicted in the two film adaptations.
• The use of character interaction to illuminate the dynamics of class and masculinity.

Chapter Summaries

1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the central research question: how do gender and class interact in The Great Gatsby? It highlights the tendency to analyze gender and class separately, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach. The chapter uses the contrasting film adaptations of 2013 and 1974 to illustrate how different cinematic interpretations might prioritize either gender or class, while setting the stage for this thesis's focus on the interplay between these concepts. The introduction also highlights the under-researched area of masculinity's association with social class and introduces the concept of hegemonic masculinity as a crucial analytical tool. Finally, it briefly mentions key factors that constitute masculinity, setting the ground for the upcoming analysis of the interactions between masculinity and social class in the chosen film adaptations of The Great Gatsby.

2. Gender: This section lays the groundwork for understanding the multifaceted concept of gender. It delves into a general definition of gender, followed by a more in-depth exploration of masculinity and the influential concept of hegemonic masculinity. By defining these terms, the chapter prepares the reader for the in-depth analysis of how gender roles, and particularly different forms of masculinity, are constructed and played out in the narrative of The Great Gatsby.

3. Class: This chapter defines and explores the concept of class within the context of The Great Gatsby. It analyzes the social stratification present in the novel and its visual representations in the film adaptations, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis of class-based masculinity. This foundational understanding is crucial for examining how social class affects the performance and perception of masculinity among the characters.

4. Intersectionality: This chapter introduces the intersectionality approach, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of social categories like gender and class. It explains how these categories intersect and influence each other, thereby shaping individual experiences and social dynamics. This theoretical framework is essential for a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between gender and class explored in the analysis of The Great Gatsby.

5. Character Interaction and Interpersonal Power: This section establishes a framework for analyzing the relationships between characters in The Great Gatsby, focusing on power dynamics. By introducing concepts of interpersonal power, the chapter will prepare the analysis of how these power dynamics interplay with gender and class, affecting the actions and interactions of characters. Understanding interpersonal power dynamics is critical for interpreting the social relationships and power structures that shape masculine performances in The Great Gatsby.

6. Analysis: This chapter undertakes a detailed analysis of the chosen film adaptations, examining the construction of class-based masculinities within the narrative. It analyzes the interaction between characters, focusing on how their class positions influence their performance of masculinity. This comprehensive analysis draws upon the theoretical framework established in previous chapters, employing the concept of hegemonic masculinity to interpret character behavior and relationships. The three sub-sections (6.2.1-6.2.3) investigate the characters' property and occupation, public and private lives, and roles in production and reproduction to deepen the analysis of class-based masculinity.

Keywords

Masculinity, class, hegemonic masculinity, gender, The Great Gatsby, film adaptation, social class, intersectionality, character analysis, power dynamics, historical variability.

Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Masculinity and Class in F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*

What is the main focus of this thesis?

This thesis explores the interplay of masculinity and class in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, analyzing two film adaptations (1974 and 2013) to understand how different forms of masculinity are established and maintained within the context of varying social classes. It examines how class affects the subjective experiences of masculinity and applies the concept of hegemonic masculinity to the narrative.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

The key themes include the construction and performance of masculinity in different social classes; the interaction between masculinity and class in shaping characters' experiences and actions; the application of hegemonic masculinity theory; the historical variability of masculinity as depicted in the film adaptations; and the use of character interaction to illuminate the dynamics of class and masculinity.

What is the structure of the thesis?

The thesis is structured into seven chapters. It begins with an introduction outlining the research question and methodology. Subsequent chapters define key concepts like gender, class, and intersectionality. A chapter is dedicated to analyzing character interaction and power dynamics. The core analysis of the film adaptations, focusing on class-based masculinities, is presented in Chapter 6. The thesis concludes with a summary of findings.

How does the thesis analyze masculinity?

The thesis analyzes masculinity by examining its construction and performance within different social classes. It uses the concept of hegemonic masculinity as a framework to understand how dominant forms of masculinity are established and maintained. The analysis considers how class influences the expression and perception of masculinity among characters.

What role does class play in the analysis?

Class is a central element of the analysis, exploring how social stratification shapes the experiences and actions of characters. The thesis investigates how class intersects with masculinity, influencing the performance and perception of masculinity. The analysis considers the characters' property, occupation, public and private lives, and roles in production and reproduction.

How are the film adaptations of *The Great Gatsby* used in the analysis?

The 1974 and 2013 film adaptations of The Great Gatsby are used to illustrate how different cinematic interpretations prioritize either gender or class, and to examine the historical variability of masculinity's depiction. The analysis compares and contrasts how masculinity is portrayed in these different versions.

What is the significance of intersectionality in this study?

Intersectionality is used as a theoretical framework to understand the interconnectedness of social categories like gender and class. It highlights how these categories intersect and influence each other, shaping individual experiences and social dynamics, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between gender and class.

What are the key concepts defined and used in the thesis?

Key concepts include masculinity, class, hegemonic masculinity, gender, intersectionality, character analysis, power dynamics, and historical variability. These concepts are defined and explained in detail to provide a solid theoretical foundation for the analysis.

What is the conclusion of the thesis?

(The provided text doesn't include a detailed summary of the conclusion, only mentioning that there is a concluding chapter.) The conclusion would likely summarize the key findings regarding the interplay of masculinity and class in *The Great Gatsby* as depicted in the two film adaptations, drawing together the themes and analyses presented throughout the thesis.