A growing trend in literature, on screen, and on stage has moved to produce more flawed human protagonists. Paragons of virtue who are brave, capable, and who always do the right thing. Instead of these inspirational heroes, many works feature a complementary archetype: the anti hero.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the ideals of a society obsessed with wealth and status. Set in the 1920s during prohibition, the story is narrated by a young man named Nick Carraway. Nick meets Jay Gatsby, who is young, handsome, rich, and appears to have it all. However, he yearns for the one thing that will always be out of his reach, the love of Daisy Buchanan.
A Frayer Model is a specific type of graphic organizer. Most people are familiar with using this type of organizer for learning vocabulary words, but it can be used for more than that. Learn more about how to use the Frayer Model with Storyboard That!
A hero is defined as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Learn more about the different types of heroes with Storyboard That!
Archetype examples are found in the world around us every day: in our speech, our beliefs, media, sports, video games, psychology, art, and even our dreams. Archetypes are universal; that is, they occur across all cultures, religions, and parts of history.
Jay Gatsby as an Anti-hero - Frayer Model. Use Frayer Model graphic organizers in any subject to help students master the lesson!
Storyboard Text
DEFINITIONS
Hopefully, if I keep throwing these lavish parties, Daisy will notice me.
CHARACTERISTICS
Oh, Daisy. If you only knew that all I've ever wanted was you... I did all this just to get your attention.
Antihero: a central character in a story, movie, or drama who lacks conventional heroic attributes such as idealism, moral goodness, and altruism.
EXAMPLES
ANTIHERO
Jay Gatsby is an example of an antihero because he represents the hope of the American Dream, but becomes rich through dishonest means.
NON-EXAMPLES
Daisy is leaving you ol' sport.
She's not going anywhere with a two-timing drug dealer like you Gatsby.
Nick, don't go... Relax, have a drink and some fun.
Gatsby pursues Daisy even though she is married. He lies and tells her that he made his millions through pharmacies. However, it is later revealed that his pharmacies are a cover up for illegal liquor stores during prohibition.
Nick is the opposite of Gatsby. He is earnest and doesn't believe in liars, or cheats. Although, he doesn't stop others from being dishonest, he will disassociate himself from these people.