Why Does Gatsby Read the Chicago Tribune? A Deep Dive into a Puzzling Habit
Gatsby, the enigmatic character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is known for many things: his extravagant parties, his obsession with the past, and his mysterious wealth. But one lesser-known detail about him is his habit of reading the Chicago Tribune.
A Puzzling Choice
Why would a man who lives in West Egg, Long Island, choose to read a newspaper from a city hundreds of miles away? It’s a question that has puzzled readers for decades.
At first glance, it might seem like an odd choice. After all, New York City, the financial and cultural capital of the United States, is just a short distance away. Why not read a local paper, like the New York Times?
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
 |
| Why Does Gatsby Read The Chicago Newspaper |
A Clue to His Past
The answer, it seems, lies in Gatsby’s past. Before he became a wealthy socialite, he was a young man from North Dakota. It’s possible that he developed a habit of reading the Chicago Tribune during this time, perhaps while attending college or working in the Midwest.
A Symbol of the American Dream
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
The Chicago Tribune is also a symbol of the American Dream. It’s a newspaper that has chronicled the rise of the United States as a global superpower. By reading the Tribune, Gatsby may have been connecting himself to this larger narrative.
 |
A Way to Stay Connected
Finally, the Tribune may have simply been a way for Gatsby to stay connected to the outside world. In the 1920s, newspapers were the primary source of news and information. By reading the Tribune, Gatsby could keep up with current events and trends.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
In Conclusion
While we may never know the exact reason why Gatsby read the Chicago Tribune, it’s clear that this seemingly insignificant detail is part of a larger puzzle. It’s a clue to his past, a symbol of his aspirations, and a way for him to connect with the world around him.
FAQs
How to understand Gatsby's complex character? Dive deep into Fitzgerald's rich symbolism and explore the underlying themes of the novel.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
How to analyze the significance of the setting in The Great Gatsby? Pay attention to the contrast between the lavish parties of West Egg and the desolate valley of ashes.
How to interpret the symbolism of the green light? Consider it as a representation of Gatsby's unfulfilled dreams and his longing for the past.
How to discuss the role of class and wealth in the novel? Analyze the characters' social status and its impact on their relationships and aspirations.
How to explore the theme of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby? Examine how the characters pursue their dreams and the consequences of their pursuit.
 |
