“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”
EVANESCENT GREEN
Overview
Set in the Roaring 20s or the Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most acclaimed novel, The Great Gatsby, follows the story of a mysterious gentleman, Gatsby, whose name became well-known for arranging and organizing grandiose parties. The novel was narrated from the view of Nick Carraway, who lived near Gatsby’s mansion. He is a key character that plays a significant part in unraveling the intention behind the amusing gatherings.
Main Theme
The American Dream
The novel’s excellent portrayal of The American Dream – the idea that anyone in America can attain recognition and stability through determination and honest work – was displayed brilliantly with the character of Jay Gatsby. On the contrary, Fitzgerald also conveyed how a genuine dream can be corrupted by achieving the same ambition.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Exquisite usage of symbolisms, concise prose and wordplay in a classic literary style, and an astonishing storyline are its main strengths. While its weaknesses lie in negative portrayals of the wealthy and the perception that as a man draws closer to the dream, the more corrupted he will be.
Insights
As a reader who just began introducing himself to classic literature, I found the novel a driving force. Unfortunately, when it comes to classics, there is a stereotype that often induces a feeling of fright that makes readers hesitant, diminishing their desire to even attempt the read. But The Great Gatsby did not just encourage my reading of those well-acclaimed novels but also aroused within me the desire to delve within the depths of them all.
After finishing the novel, the ending stunned me for quite a minute while pondering, ‘What?’ Though I truly admire the concept of determination from the story of Jay Gatsby, I did dislike his discontented delusion of recreating the past. Also, I appraise Fitzgerald’s world-building mostly because it is anchored with reality; he did portray the real setting of 1920s America in this novel.
Lastly, I have enormous respect for Fitzgerald’s usage of symbolism. From his characters to objects to posters to colors, even a catchphrase is attributed with a symbol. As a reader who centers my reading experiences with metaphors and symbolism, I can state that I was truly entertained. The only reason I did not grant a perfect five stars is because of the perception that as a man gets closer to his dream, the more corrupted, he will become.
Recommendation
The rate of my review claims that I will highly recommend the novel to every reader out there, especially those who delight with symbols and metaphors. Also, if you’re someone who’s starting to read classic novels, I suggest that you give The Great Gatsby a try. The plot is not cliché; the characters are exciting and varied, and the symbols, the representation, Man! You should watch out for these symbols; they’re almost everywhere, pivotal for the story’s development. So long, old sport!
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter–tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning– So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
Efram P. Cortes is a former university book club leader. He is passionate about reading and writing. Also, a member of Porch Reader Book Tambayan and The Page Turner – Philippines. You can read more of his book reviews posted on his awesome blog, Coffee, Book, and Me.
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