Was Gatsby Actually Black? As Novel Turns 100, One East Bay English Class Makes the Case | KQED
Briefly

F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' remains a pivotal part of American literature, consistently provoking discussions over its themes. Recently, a high school English class has begun interpreting the novel through a lens that emphasizes racial dynamics alongside class issues, challenging traditional interpretations. Students argue that the narrative's depth goes beyond a mere love story and incorporates significant societal issues. Amidst contemporary debates surrounding education and representation, these students' perspectives reflect their experiences and the ongoing relevance of Gatsby's themes in today's socio-political landscape.
"You go along with the common discourse that it's all only about the white poor boy marrying the rich girl, trying to get her back - that's a surface reading," Carlyle said.
"I could not fathom how the Great American Novel would be about class and not race," Gabri said.
"Our generation has had a lot of interaction with ideas of race, class, and gender, and Gatsby continues to evoke dialogue and reinterpretation among us," Bentley student Theo Weiss said.
"Fitzgerald managed to tell a story that, despite its Prohibition-Era trappings, can still reflect current issues and capture the imagination - 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.'"
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