Under the Red White and Blue: Patriotism, Disenchantment and the Stubborn Myth of the Great Gatsby

In his book "Under the Red, White, and Blue," renowned critic Greil Marcus explores the legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," examining how it has been understood, portrayed, distorted, misused, and kept alive over the past century. Marcus argues that Fitzgerald's story is a parable of the American Dream as a con game, a virus infecting artists of all sorts, and has become a key to American culture and life. He traces the influence of "The Great Gatsby" on works by writers such as Philip Roth and Raymond Chandler, as well as its echoes in the work of performers from Jelly Roll Morton to Lana Del Rey, and its rewriting by dramatists and filmmakers from the 1920s to the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

Renowned critic Greil Marcus delves into the captivating legacy of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. In his book, "Under the Red, White, and Blue," Marcus offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of the American Dream, its allure, and the various ways it has been understood, portrayed, distorted, misused, and preserved throughout history.

Marcus begins by tracing the origins of The Great Gatsby, examining how it emerged in 1925 and its initial reception. He explores how Fitzgerald's story has become a cornerstone of American culture and society, resonating with artists, writers, performers, and filmmakers across generations. Marcus demonstrates how Fitzgerald's portrayal of the American Dream as a deceptive mirage has influenced the works of subsequent writers, such as Philip Roth and Raymond Chandler, as well as the music of artists like Jelly Roll Morton and Lana Del Rey.

Furthermore, Marcus delves into the ways in which The Great Gatsby has been reinterpreted and reimagined by dramatists and filmmakers over the years. He discusses the various adaptations of the novel, including John Collinss 2006 novel "Gatz" and Baz Luhrmanns critically reviled (but now celebrated) 2013 movie version. Marcus analyzes these adaptations, highlighting their contributions to the ongoing interpretation and retelling of Fitzgerald's iconic story.

Throughout his book, Marcus employs a rich and analytical approach, drawing on a wide range of sources and perspectives to shed light on the enduring significance of The Great Gatsby. He offers insightful commentary on the novel's themes, characters, and symbolism, providing a deeper understanding of its cultural and historical relevance.

"Under the Red, White, and Blue" is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, culture, and the enduring power of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece. It is a testament to Marcus's exceptional literary scholarship and his ability to engage readers with his profound insights into the complexities of the American Dream.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 120 x 190 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300261394