Scan barcode
vivizinha's review against another edition
5.0
This book was extraordinary. I loved the way of narration, it was dynamic and at the same time so poetic. I loved all the hidden aspects and the social critics that Scott left on the book, it was amazing, a very wise book and a delightful read.
ryan_m's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
dchumphrey213's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hannah_trang's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It is humbling to reread a book forced upon me in high school only realize how much more I should have appreciated it in the first place. This cult classic truly is beautiful and tragic to its core. This read has inspired me to take on more classic books in hopes to find that romantic and creative writing that Fitzgerald injected into this book.
Would recommend to everybody, and inspired to read by Haley’s stash of required 11th grade reading list. I hope she also re-reads it in 6 years and learns to appreciate it.
Finished on March 28th, 2024. 9/10.
grvhppr's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby* is a masterful exploration of the American Dream, ambition, and the moral decay of society. Written with remarkable prose and depth, it remains as relevant today as it was in the 1920s.
The American Dream: A Flawed Ideal
At the heart of the novel is Jay Gatsby, a character whose life embodies the pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby’s rise from a poor boy in the Midwest to a wealthy man in West Egg epitomizes the hope and ambition central to the American Dream. However, Fitzgerald critiques this ideal, revealing its inherent flaws. As Gatsby's relentless pursuit of wealth and status to win Daisy Buchanan’s love shows, the dream is often unattainable for those not born into privilege.Gatsby's tragic end, mistaken for Myrtle’s death, underscores the harsh reality that the dream often leads to disillusionment and destruction for those who chase it.
Fitzgerald’s own struggles with society and wealth reflect in Gatsby’s story. Much like Gatsby, Fitzgerald yearned for acceptance and success, driven by his desire to marry Zelda, who initially rejected him for not being wealthy enough. This personal parallel adds a layer of authenticity to the novel’s critique.
Characters and Moral Ambiguity
The characters in The Great Gatsby are richly drawn, each reflecting different aspects of society and the American Dream. Daisy Buchanan, much like Zelda, symbolizes the elusive ideal. Her decisions, rooted in a desire for comfort and security, illustrate the societal pressures of the time. "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."
Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, provides a moral lens through which we view the story. His journey from admiration to disillusionment reflects the reader’s own experience.Nick’s decision to arrange Gatsby’s funeral, despite knowing Gatsby’s corruption, and his ultimate return to the Midwest highlight his internal conflict and desire for moral clarity.
Contemporary Relevance
In 2024, the themes of The Great Gatsby resonate strongly. The upcoming election and societal divide reflect the novel’s exploration of the American Dream's failures. The public’s continued hope for the dream’s realization, despite its evident flaws, mirrors Gatsby’s own tragic pursuit.
As a Native American, I relate deeply to the novel's critique of the American Dream. Since the first contact in the 1400s, my people have known that this dream often excludes those it promises to uplift. The novel underscores this by highlighting the systemic inequalities and moral decay within society.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is not just a tale of love and ambition but a profound commentary on the American Dream and societal values. Fitzgerald’s eloquent writing and the novel’s rich themes make it a timeless classic. "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
For those seeking to understand the complexities of ambition, success, and morality, The Great Gatsby offers a poignant and critical lens. It challenges us to reconsider what true success means and the cost of pursuing a dream that may ultimately be an illusion.
The American Dream: A Flawed Ideal
At the heart of the novel is Jay Gatsby, a character whose life embodies the pursuit of the American Dream. Gatsby’s rise from a poor boy in the Midwest to a wealthy man in West Egg epitomizes the hope and ambition central to the American Dream. However, Fitzgerald critiques this ideal, revealing its inherent flaws. As Gatsby's relentless pursuit of wealth and status to win Daisy Buchanan’s love shows, the dream is often unattainable for those not born into privilege.
Fitzgerald’s own struggles with society and wealth reflect in Gatsby’s story. Much like Gatsby, Fitzgerald yearned for acceptance and success, driven by his desire to marry Zelda, who initially rejected him for not being wealthy enough. This personal parallel adds a layer of authenticity to the novel’s critique.
Characters and Moral Ambiguity
The characters in The Great Gatsby are richly drawn, each reflecting different aspects of society and the American Dream. Daisy Buchanan, much like Zelda, symbolizes the elusive ideal. Her decisions, rooted in a desire for comfort and security, illustrate the societal pressures of the time. "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."
Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, provides a moral lens through which we view the story. His journey from admiration to disillusionment reflects the reader’s own experience.
Contemporary Relevance
In 2024, the themes of The Great Gatsby resonate strongly. The upcoming election and societal divide reflect the novel’s exploration of the American Dream's failures. The public’s continued hope for the dream’s realization, despite its evident flaws, mirrors Gatsby’s own tragic pursuit.
As a Native American, I relate deeply to the novel's critique of the American Dream. Since the first contact in the 1400s, my people have known that this dream often excludes those it promises to uplift. The novel underscores this by highlighting the systemic inequalities and moral decay within society.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is not just a tale of love and ambition but a profound commentary on the American Dream and societal values. Fitzgerald’s eloquent writing and the novel’s rich themes make it a timeless classic. "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
For those seeking to understand the complexities of ambition, success, and morality, The Great Gatsby offers a poignant and critical lens. It challenges us to reconsider what true success means and the cost of pursuing a dream that may ultimately be an illusion.
bhumiiikaaa's review against another edition
3.0
different but interesting
it didn't seem to have an end, yet felt it was finished
it didn't seem to have an end, yet felt it was finished
mmajer's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book really quickly. I was totally immersed in it which I am surprised since I sometimes have a tough time getting into older books. I never read this in school growing up, while I know many did, but I decided to pick it up once I saw there was a new movie coming out.
I really enjoyed the book, but for me it was lacking some character depth and development. I wanted to know so much more about Gatsby. It was such a short book that I think it could have been made a little longer to include this. Maybe the film will do this?
I really enjoyed the book, but for me it was lacking some character depth and development. I wanted to know so much more about Gatsby. It was such a short book that I think it could have been made a little longer to include this. Maybe the film will do this?
50paaa's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lilly_lovebooksbroadway's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Kinda sad, I really liked the writing:)