“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

February 15, 2024 714 Views

F. Scott Fitzgerald is a familiar name to the public. He is not only a widely renowned author globally but also many of his works have been adapted into movies.

Among them, “The Great Gatsby” can be considered as Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, well-known worldwide.

“What Made Gatsby Great?”

From the title of the work, one can feel a sense of grandeur. With a title like “The Great Gatsby,” one might expect a novel depicting the saga of a “remarkable figure.” What exactly made Gatsby great?

The plot of the novel goes as follows:

The story revolves around a character named “James Gatz,” who uses the name “Jay Gatsby,” amassing wealth through dubious means to win the heart of “Daisy,” whom he believes to be his true love. However, through the eyes of the character Nick Carraway, we witness James Gatz’s downfall as he fails to overcome the barriers of class.

In their youth, Daisy briefly falls in love with Gatsby, but due to class differences, Gatsby leaves, and Daisy eventually marries a prominent figure named “Tom Buchanan.” Five years later, Gatsby, who has steadfastly maintained his pure heart and achieved wealth, buys a mansion across the bay from Daisy’s residence in East Egg. He hosts lavish parties every night, hoping to be reunited with Daisy, the woman he truly loves…

“Is Pure Love for One Person Great? Or is Mocking Such a Sentiment ‘Great’?”

In what aspect does the author evaluate Gatsby as “great”? Is it for depicting passionate, pure love for one person? Or is it for foolishly pursuing his love, breaking societal norms and conventions to fulfill his desires?

This is precisely why F. Scott Fitzgerald’s work, “The Great Gatsby,” is considered “great.” It eloquently portrays desires, leaving the judgment to the readers.

Depending on the reader and the timing of reading the work, different conclusions can be drawn. In this light, perhaps the “great” person is not Gatsby but rather the author himself, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

“The Unrealized Dream of Gatsby”

The novel concludes with a tragic ending. Gatsby comes tantalizingly close to attaining his love but ultimately dies, misunderstood and alone.

At his funeral, only three people attend: Gatsby’s father, Nick Carraway, the narrator who recounts Gatsby’s story, and a man who once briefly met Gatsby in his library.

Witnessing Gatsby’s glamorous yet empty life and his futile death prompts various reflections. It makes one contemplate the meaning, purpose, and essence of life.

Are we, who live our present lives, “great” individuals like Gatsby?

“The Great Gatsby”