Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Publisher: Scribner; Scribner Trade Paperback Edition. (September 30, 2004)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
Year of Publication: 1925, 2004
Date of Publication: April 10, 1925; September 30, 2004
Pages: 180
ISBN-10: 9780743273565
ISBN-13: 978-0743273565
Summary
Main Plot & Characters
The Great Gatsby takes place in 1920s Long Island, narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man intrigued by his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby.
Gatsby is known for his lavish parties, yet he is haunted by a longing for Daisy Buchanan, Nick’s cousin, whom he loved years ago.
Eventually, Gatsby’s dream of reuniting with Daisy leads him into her social circle, despite her being married to Tom Buchanan.
As the story unfolds, Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of the American Dream and his idealized vision of Daisy come into conflict with harsh realities.
This journey ultimately leads to tragedy, as Nick witnesses the disillusionment behind Gatsby’s world.
Key Themes
- The American Dream: Gatsby’s life embodies the American Dream, yet the novel questions its attainability. His pursuit of wealth and love ends in disillusionment.
- Class and Society: The novel explores the divide between “old money” and “new money.” It critiques the superficiality of the wealthy and the social boundaries they uphold.
- Love and Obsession: Gatsby’s idealization of Daisy borders on obsession. His unrealistic view of her drives much of his ambition and ultimate downfall.
- Identity and Illusion: Gatsby reinvents himself to achieve wealth and status. This duality raises questions about identity and the illusions people create for acceptance.
Writing Style
Fitzgerald’s writing is descriptive, capturing the glamour and moral decay of the time.
Impact of The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels, celebrated for its critique of the American Dream and the excesses of the 1920s.
Although it was not widely successful during Fitzgerald’s lifetime, the novel gained prominence after his death, eventually becoming a staple in American literature classes.
The novel’s themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning continue to resonate.
Today, The Great Gatsby stands as a timeless commentary on ambition, class, and the illusions people create, with frequent adaptations in film, theater, and other media.
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