As a part of the AP Language and Composition course, we read “The Great Gatsby”, and I am very glad we did. I have wanted to read this book for a while due to a desire to read the “classics”, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
While this is the only F. Scott Fitzgerald book I have ever read, I quickly realized his writing style is great. The detail in his writing and word choice helps paint a vivid picture of each setting, which aids in further understanding the book. This also helps in understanding the emotions present in each conversation and recognizing the characteristics of each person in the book. Furthermore, the character development is wonderful and reveals the hidden truths of the “American Dream” and how society helps shape and impact individuals, especially in the upper class at this time. Additionally, it assists in exploring the bigger picture of the “Roaring Twenties”. “Roaring Twenties” implies the time was full of greatness, and while that can be true for some, for others, it was a dark reality. We get this understanding from Gatsby and Tom and Daisy’s relationship. Gatsby goes on a relentless pursuit of love and wealth, resulting in a destructive emotional state. Materialism and trying to run to something that isn’t there ultimately results in his downfall, and exposes the fact that Dream isn’t all that it seems to be. Tom and Daisy’s toxic relationship is characterized by a superficial appearance. There is a deeply rooted unhappiness and disconnection between them. There is no stability because Tom feels the need to find something in other women, and Daisy has a hard time choosing between two people she loves. This book documents the facade of a historically inaccurate phrase in history.
After reading “The Great Gatsby”, it makes me want to read more of Fitzgerald’s works to see if they live up to how great this book was.
