In the dead of night, a yellow car speeds down the road, its headlights cutting through the darkness.
Suddenly, a woman appears in its path. However, the car doesn’t stop. Consequently, there’s a loud crash, and the woman falls. Silence follows.
Then, the car drives away, leaving behind a scene of chaos and mystery. Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald
Introduction:
“Great Gatsby” is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American author. The book was published in 1925 and is set in the United States. Specifically, it tells the story of a mysterious millionaire named Jay Gatsby and his love for a beautiful woman named Daisy Buchanan. Moreover, the novel is famous for portraying the American Dream and the excesses of the Jazz Age.
Major Characters in Great Gatsby:
Jay Gatsby: A wealthy and mysterious man who throws extravagant parties in hopes of seeing his lost love, Daisy.
Nick Carraway: The story’s narrator, who becomes friends with Gatsby.
Daisy Buchanan: A beautiful and shallow woman, married to Tom Buchanan, but loved by Gatsby.
Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s wealthy and arrogant husband.
Jordan Baker: A professional golfer and Daisy’s friend, who becomes romantically involved with Nick.
Myrtle Wilson: Tom’s mistress, who is unhappily married to George Wilson.
George Wilson: Myrtle’s poor and desperate husband.
Summary of the Novel: Great Gatsby
“The Great Gatsby” begins with Nick Carraway moving to Long Island. He rents a small house next to the mansion of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man who throws lavish parties every weekend. Meanwhile, Nick’s cousin, Daisy, lives nearby with her husband, Tom Buchanan. Tom is rich and unfaithful to Daisy, having an affair with a woman named Myrtle Wilson.
Subsequently, Nick becomes friends with Gatsby and learns that Gatsby is in love with Daisy. They had a romantic relationship before the war, but Daisy married Tom while Gatsby was away. Gatsby hopes that his wealth and parties will bring Daisy back to him.
Eventually, Gatsby asks Nick to arrange a meeting with Daisy. They meet at Nick’s house, and their love rekindles. Consequently, Daisy begins to spend more time with Gatsby, but she is afraid to leave Tom. Tensions rise, and Tom confronts Gatsby. He reveals that Gatsby’s fortune comes from illegal activities. Daisy, frightened and confused, chooses to stay with Tom.
Later that night, as Gatsby and Daisy drive back from the city, they hit and killed Myrtle Wilson. Gatsby takes the blame to protect Daisy. As a result, George Wilson, Myrtle’s husband, believes Gatsby killed her on purpose. He goes to Gatsby’s mansion and shoots him before killing himself.
Afterward, Nick organizes Gatsby’s funeral, but none of Gatsby’s party guests attend. Only a few people, including Gatsby’s father, show up. In the end, Nick realizes the emptiness of the wealthy lifestyle and returns to the Midwest, disillusioned with the people and the world he experienced.
Themes of the Novel Great Gatsby:
The American Dream:
Firstly, the novel explores the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work. Gatsby, for example, rises from a poor background to immense wealth. However, the story also shows the corruption and emptiness that can come with it. Despite his riches, Gatsby is not truly happy. He seeks fulfillment in love and social status, which he cannot fully attain. Therefore, the novel suggests that the American Dream can be both inspiring and deeply flawed.
Love and Desire:
Moreover, Gatsby’s love for Daisy drives the plot of the novel. His feelings for her are powerful and all-consuming. However, this love is also destructive. Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy leads him to make dangerous decisions and ultimately leads to his downfall. Consequently, the novel highlights how love and desire can be both beautiful and damaging.
Class and Society:
Furthermore, the novel examines the differences between old money and new money. Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent old money; they come from established, wealthy families. On the other hand, Gatsby represents new money; he has recently acquired his wealth through questionable means. These differences affect their relationships and social status. For instance, Tom looks down on Gatsby and sees him as inferior. This tension between classes underscores much of the conflict in the story.
Identity and Self-Invention:
Additionally, Gatsby creates a new identity for himself to escape his past and win Daisy’s love. He changes his name and makes up stories about his background. This theme of self-invention shows how people can shape their identities to fit their desires. However, it also highlights deception. Gatsby’s new identity is built on lies, and these lies eventually unravel, leading to his tragic end. Therefore, the novel portrays both the power and the danger of reinventing oneself.
Major Character Analysis: Great Gatsby
Jay Gatsby:
Firstly, Gatsby is a symbol of the American Dream. He comes from a poor background but becomes rich through illegal means. Despite his wealth, he is lonely and longs for the past. His love for Daisy is pure. However, his methods to win her back are flawed.
Nick Carraway:
Moreover, Nick is an honest and moral person. He observes the world around him, and judges the characters for their actions. He is both fascinated and repelled by Gatsby’s world. By the end, Nick becomes disillusioned with the East Coast’s lifestyle.
Daisy Buchanan:
Additionally, Daisy represents beauty and charm. However, she also symbolizes superficiality and carelessness. She loves Gatsby but is not strong enough to leave her comfortable life with Tom. Her actions lead to tragic consequences.
Tom Buchanan:
Furthermore, Tom is arrogant and racist. He represents the old money class. This class looks down on those who are newly rich. Tom is unfaithful to Daisy and treats others poorly. His behavior shows the darker side of wealth and privilege.
Jordan Baker:
Finally, Jordan is a symbol of the modern woman of the 1920s. She is independent and ambitious. However, she is also dishonest. Her relationship with Nick highlights the novel’s themes of integrity and deception.
Critical View of Great Gatsby:
“The Great Gatsby” is often praised for its beautiful writing. It also has deep themes. Critics like how Fitzgerald captures the spirit of the Jazz Age. They also appreciate the complex idea of the American Dream.
Moreover, the novel’s characters are well-developed. Each one represents different parts of society.
However, some people criticize the book for its portrayal of women. They argue that Daisy and Jordan are not fully developed characters.
Despite this, “The Great Gatsby” is still a timeless classic. It is celebrated for its look into human nature and the American experience.
Conclusion:
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a story about love, wealth, and the American Dream. It tells the sad life of Jay Gatsby. The novel shows that money cannot buy true happiness. It also shows how powerful love can be. This book is important in American literature. It teaches us about dreams, who we are, and what we want.