What Role Does the Book “The Rise of the Coloured Empires” Play in The Great Gatsby?
Published in 1925 by Charles Scribner’s Sons, The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It narrates the story of self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman he once fell in love with.
The Great Gatsby was not a commercial success when it was originally released, but it is today regarded as a masterpiece of American fiction and is commonly referred to as the Great American Novel.
Synopsis of the story
The Great Gatsby is narrated from the perspective of Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner and Yale University alumnus who relocates to New York City to pursue a career in bonds following World War I. Two years later, he relates the events of the summer he spent in the East piecing together his narrative from a succession of flashbacks that aren’t necessarily presented in chronological sequence.
Answer:
The Great Gatsby is much more beyond its sad and romantic storyline. It addresses an extensive collection of societal concerns that have bothered people for many years. One of the most significant problems at the time is the discussion of racial and socioeconomic inequalities.
Tom Buchanan is the first to bring up the matter of racism. He refers to Goddard, the author of “The Rise of the Colored Empires.” He points out that shifts in the racial makeup of society pose a risk. Therefore, there is a risk for white Americans. Tom brings up the book during the discussion. He says that the suppression of the white race by other countries has been demonstrated.
Understanding the character of Tom Buchanan requires reading “The Rise of the Colored Empires.” He serves as the story’s main villain. The reunion of Gatsby and Daisy is later threatened by him in a major way.
Tom Buchanan comes across as a selfish and self-centered individual. His attitude toward other people is largely naive. It is essential to the thesis that Tom endorses “The Rise of the Colored Empires.” It makes his white nationalist opinions clear to the audience. This episode helped to shape people’s opinions of him.
Reflecting the profound divide are the racial concerns in The Great Gatsby. It was a painful period for American society in the early 20th century. At that time, the KKK had thousands of members and had grown to its highest point. Minority communities suffered disasters as a result of the actions of white nationalists. Still, many people valued them. The antagonist is portrayed by the author as endorsing these ideas.
As a result, there are two meanings to the reference to “The Rise of the Colored Empires.” On the one hand, it depicts the character of Tom Buchanan, the play’s primary antagonist. It influences the way others feel about him. However, it draws attention to the problems of racism and international injustice. It connects the play to the current societal issue that is so urgently needed. The author’s method is also clear to the reader.
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