The book “The Great Gatsby” and college students going on spring break trips share some fun similarities even though they are separated by nearly a century. Both involve fun parties, a desire for escapism, and a search for being fulfilled. In TGG, Jay Gatsby throws these extravagant parties at his mansion trying to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. College students go on spring break trips to escape the dullness of their daily lives and experience new and exciting adventures. Both Gatsby and the college students are searching for something more than their ordinary everyday lives offer. Gatsby’s parties are filled with alcohol and jazz music, college students’ spring break trips often have beach parties, poolside lounging, and wild nights out. Both Gatsby and college students use this as a way to let go and forget about their troubles, or homework. But under the surface, both Gatsby and college students are dealing with deeper issues of identity, purpose, and pursuing happiness. On the other side, there are also some differences between the two. Gatsby’s parties are somewhat exclusive and attended by high society, while college students spring break trips are usually more inclusive and open to all. Gatsby’s parties are more formal and have more structure, while college students spring break trips are usually more spontaneous. In conclusion, both TGG and college students spring break trips offer a small look into the human desire for that connection, excitement, and a sense of belonging. While specific details can be different, the basic themes are classic.
This is a fun comparison between the two! Having just come back from spring break, I saw a lot of similarities between the fun and pursuit of pleasure within the two events and enjoy your commentary on the hidden meaning within the events. Maybe people are trying to fill a hole with their endless pursuits of pleasure? Great job!
I really enjoyed this blog post because I have never compared Gatsby’s parties to modern parties. Spring break is a good example because we are trying to escape our reality of coming back to school like Gatsby is trying to escape the old realities of his life. They are also similar in terms of class because like Gatsby’s exclusive parties, some spring break activities such as a trip to Florida with other students can be minimized to those who participate in Greek life.
I agree!! I like how you talked about the class in the Great Gatsby and how only certain people in a certain class are invited to Gatsbys parties!! It is very similar to how on spring break some things like activities and parties could be exclusive to only those in Greek life! I also think there is a good comparison between the social classes in Gatsby and how it can also be considered as a different social class between a student who is in a frat/sorority versus a student who isn’t.