MODERNISM AND IDENTI TY CRISIS: A CRITICAL STUDY OF FITZGERALD FICTION

Abstract

The present research intends to investigate the novel “The Great Gatsby” by American Modernist Fitzgerald, specifically, with the viewpoint of identity crisis in modern literature. Modernism as a literary movement is conceded very contradictory movement, such as, in this era the critics raise question about everything and neglect the things that have not any material gain.  Henceforth, some critics might classify “The Great Gatsby” as a love story, yet, there could be a doubt that, whether Gatsby was in love or not. Hence, the man obsessed with wealth and social standing, Gatsby had little space in his mind, let alone his heart, for anything else. The paper focuses on issues of wealth and social standing as presented in The Great Gatsby. Identity crisis faced Gatsby is pointed out. The question of love between Daisy and Gatsby is discussed. Even though Gatsby had struggle with false identity, he was goal-oriented and hope-oriented, an idealist. Moreover, the study adopts the qualitative method to analyze the text of “The Great Gatsby” and descriptive approach for analysis. Yet, the comments of the study is supported by the theory of identity by Bhabha (1994) and some suitable citations of contemporary scholars as well.