grvhppr's reviews
583 reviews

Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.

Honestly, kinda bored on a second read after knowing the story already. Probably too plot focused for me to reread, but I do love the world and characters themselves. Would highly recommend other dive into this series you haven’t already.

I also think I’m shifting away from fantasy as a whole and more into classics, horror, and lit fic.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Go to review page

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.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced