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Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Classic Fiction
Category: School Dayz Needed Rereads | |
〰First Line〰
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In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me
some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since."Whenever
you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that
all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."
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Synopsis: (From Amazon.com)
Set on Long Island during the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby
is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s enduring exploration of wealth, desire, and
the disillusionment of the American Dream. Narrated by Nick Carraway,
the novel unveils the tragic pursuit of lost love by the mysterious
millionaire Jay Gatsby, set against the backdrop of Jazz Age excess and
East Coast elite society.
Recognized as a cornerstone
of American literature and regional commentary, this classic novel
captures the social divides, moral decay, and cultural shifts of
post–World War I America. With its richly drawn characters and lyrical
prose, The Great Gatsby
remains a powerful critique of class, identity, and ambition in 1920s
America — making it essential reading for fans of literary fiction,
American classics, and modern literary criticism.
〰First Thoughts〰
I know that some literature leaves a lasting impression on some and not others. I also know that as children, some of us loathed required literature that our not-fully-developed frontal lobes convinced us was outdated, irrelevant drivel. In other words, our goofy selves would rather read Sweet Valley High novels and Tiger Beat magazine than books by old (or dead) people.
As an adult who just turned 53, I see how stupid that sounds. The older I get and the more books I read, the more I understand the value of good stories from the perspective of another class, culture, or epoch. However, my 15- (or 16--I don't quite remember) year old eyes read the book for Dr. Rhodes' English class at Jacksonville High School and took a test on it that I assume I passed since I didn't have to take the class again, but I do not remember a word of the story, its plot, or its characters. It's not age, since I remember other literary works from my primary, secondary, and post-secondary education (all the way from
Curious George to
The Tregedie of Macbeth. No, for some reason, this story didn't make an impression on me. Hopefully rereading the novel will my way of rectifying the situation. If I like it well enough, I may watch the movie adaptation later.
〰Last Thoughts〰
Book completed 6/7/25
Rating: ✮✮✮ stars
Conclusion (NOTE: Contains spoilers): I gave the book three stars because of how it was written, not for the story itself. Even after going through this tome, I still do not remember reading it in high school. The nature of the story itself may be why I completely blocked it from my memory.
Though articulately presented, the story arc got on my nerves. I read this as part of my "Summer of Virtuous Literature" explained
here. According to the reading guide, Fitzgerald's volume is a case study in temperance (or that lack thereof). While that's true, this is also a story about a group of people who didn't learn anything:
- Gatsby: His lust for wealth and a woman he wanted (though she was married) gave him the false notion that he could buy and control any and everyone. His hiding the truth to protect his "property" cost him his life. He learned nothing.
- Daisy: Her unwillingness to acknowledge or confront any negative situation cost (unbeknownst to her) the life of her husband's mistress. At the end of the story she continues on in blissful ignorance and maintains the facade of her fairy-tale life. She learned nothing. Side note: If anyone can explain why she was crying over Gatsby's shirt collection, I'd appreciate it.
- Tom: This man is an arrogant, abusive, racist control freak (those were the nicest words I could use that were fit to write). With his secret lover now safely dead, he and Daisy just ride into the sunset. He learned nothing.
- Nick: He opens the story with a bit of self-righteousness on his part. The first line (see above) isn't advice from his father to be empathetic; it's permission to look down on those to whom he feels superior. Even in all his supposed pity for Gatsby, he's judging him, plus he's the on who helps Gatsby hook up with Daisy knowing she's married. He learned nothing.
- George: The dim-witted henpecked husband of Myrtle (Tom's mistress). He figures out that she's cheating on him, but doesn't not know with whom. After the accident (Myrtle is struck and killed by a vehicle), he murders Gatsby assuming that because it was his car, he was driving it. His knowing only half-truths and making impulsive decisions cost him everything. He learned nothing.
- Myrtle: She is George's cheating wife whose indiscretions cost her life. She learned nothing.
Even with all of that, I understand why this book is considered a classic. The genre is an open window into the attitude of the time. However, the assumption that the story is a slam on the rich opulence of the Jazz Age is ludicrous. Take away the money and this same story can (and does) happen now. It doesn't take money to be whoreish, greedy, and controlling. The riches simply amplified character defects that already existed.
So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?
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