The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Timeless Tale of Love, Ambition, and the American Dream

Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of American literature. The novel, which Fitzgerald himself described as a reflection of the "Jazz Age," captures the essence of an era marked by excess, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through its vivid characters and poignant storytelling, The Great Gatsby remains a timeless exploration of love, wealth, and the human condition.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Story and Its Themes

Set in 1922, the novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy neighbors in Long Island. The story revolves around Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire known for his extravagant parties, and his obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan, Nick’s cousin. The novel opens with a piece of advice from Nick’s father, which sets the tone for the narrative:

“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.”

This advice serves as a lens through which Nick observes the world around him, particularly the enigmatic figure of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a man shrouded in mystery—no one truly knows who he is, where he came from, or how he amassed his fortune. Yet, his lavish parties attract hordes of guests who gossip about him relentlessly. Some speculate he inherited his wealth, while others accuse him of bootlegging or even murder. Despite the fascination he inspires, Gatsby is quickly forgotten once the parties end, much like the fleeting nature of the American Dream itself.

“Every Friday five crates of oranges and lemons arrived from a fruiterer in New York—every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulpless halves. There was a machine in the kitchen which could extract the juice of two hundred oranges in half an hour if a little button was pressed two hundred times by a butler’s thumb.”

This passage highlights the theme of excess and waste, mirroring the rapid consumption and disposal of goods in American society. Just as the oranges and lemons are used and discarded, Gatsby himself becomes a commodity, consumed and forgotten by those who once flocked to his parties.

The Characters: Tom and Daisy Buchanan

From the movie The Great Gatsby (2013)

The novel’s other central characters, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, embody the moral decay and superficiality of the wealthy elite. Tom, a wealthy and arrogant man, flaunts his mistress openly and espouses racist views, as seen in this chilling exchange:

“Well, these books are all scientific,” insisted Tom, glancing at her impatiently. “This fellow has worked out the whole thing. It’s up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things.”

“We’ve got to beat them down,” whispered Daisy, winking ferociously toward the fervent sun.”

Daisy, on the other hand, is a complex character who reflects the limited roles available to women in the 1920s. In a moment of vulnerability, she reveals her despair at the birth of her daughter, expressing a wish that she grow up to be a "beautiful little fool":

“It’ll show you how I’ve gotten to feel about—things. Well, she was less than an hour old and Tom was God knows where. I woke up out of the ether with an utterly abandoned feeling, and asked the nurse right away if it was a boy or a girl. She told me it was a girl, and so I turned my head away and wept. ‘All right,’ I said, ‘I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.’”

This poignant moment underscores the societal pressures faced by women, who were often expected to conform to narrow, submissive roles.

Gatsby and Nick: An Unlikely Friendship

From the movie The Great Gatsby (2013)

Gatsby’s story is revealed through Nick’s eyes, and their friendship begins in an unusual way. Despite being neighbors, Nick doesn’t recognize Gatsby when he first meets him at one of his infamous parties:

“Much better.” I turned again to my new acquaintance. “This is an unusual party for me. I haven’t even seen the host. I live over there—” I waved my hand at the invisible hedge in the distance, “and this man Gatsby sent over his chauffeur with an invitation.” 

For a moment he looked at me as if he failed to understand. 

“I’m Gatsby,” he said suddenly. 

“What!” I exclaimed. “Oh, I beg your pardon.” 

“I thought you knew, old sport. I’m afraid I’m not a very good host.” 

He smiled understandingly—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced—or seemed to face—the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey. Precisely at that point it vanished—and I was looking at an elegant young roughneck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. Some time before he introduced himself I’d got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care.”

This encounter marks the beginning of Nick’s fascination with Gatsby, a man whose charm and enigmatic smile seem to promise eternal reassurance. Gatsby’s ability to make others feel understood and valued is one of his most compelling traits, yet it also underscores his loneliness and isolation.

The Illusion of Love and the American Dream

At its core, The Great Gatsby is a story about the pursuit of love and the American Dream. Gatsby’s wealth and extravagant lifestyle are all part of his grand plan to win back Daisy, the woman he has loved for years. However, his dream is built on an illusion, as Daisy is ultimately unable to reciprocate his devotion. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of his dream is both admirable and tragic, as it blinds him to the reality of Daisy’s character and the world around him.

“I could see nothing sinister about him. I wondered if the fact that he was not drinking helped to set him off from his guests, for it seemed to me that he grew more correct as the fraternal hilarity increased. When the Jazz History of the World was over, girls were putting their heads on men’s shoulders in a puppyish, convivial way, girls were swooning backward playfully into men’s arms, even into groups, knowing that some one would arrest their falls—but no one swooned backward on Gatsby, and no French bob touched Gatsby’s shoulder, and no singing quartets were formed with Gatsby’s head for one link.”

This passage highlights the superficiality of the relationships at Gatsby’s parties, where connections are fleeting and devoid of genuine emotion. Gatsby, however, remains apart from this world, his focus solely on Daisy.

Gatsby’s Ambition and Discipline

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gatsby’s character is his unwavering discipline and ambition. From a young age, he meticulously planned his path to success, as evidenced by the schedule he wrote in the back of a book:

“He opened it at the back cover and turned it around for me to see. On the last fly-leaf was printed the word SCHEDULE, and the date September 12, 1906. And underneath:

• Rise from bed 6.00 A. M.
• Dumbbell exercise and wall-scaling 6.15—6.30
• Study electricity, etc 7.15—8.15
• Work 8.30—4.30 P. M.
• Baseball and sports 4.30—5.00
• Practice elocution, poise and how to attain it 5.00—6.00
• Study needed inventions 7.00—9.00

GENERAL RESOLVES

• No wasting time at Shatters or [a name, indecipherable]
• No more smoking or chewing
• Bath every other day
• Read one improving book or magazine per week
• Save $5.00 [crossed out] $3.00 per week
• Be better to parents”

This schedule reveals Gatsby’s determination to better himself and achieve his goals. While he succeeds in amassing wealth and status, his ultimate goal—winning Daisy’s love—remains out of reach. His tragic flaw lies in his inability to see that Daisy, like the American Dream itself, is an unattainable ideal.

Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece

Nearly a century after its publication, The Great Gatsby continues to resonate with readers around the world. Fitzgerald’s exploration of themes such as love, wealth, and the pursuit of the American Dream remains as relevant today as it was in the 1920s. Gatsby’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the emptiness of materialism. At the same time, his discipline and ambition offer valuable lessons for modern readers, particularly young people striving to achieve their goals.

In the end, The Great Gatsby is more than just a novel—it’s a profound commentary on the human condition and the complexities of the American experience. Fitzgerald’s masterful storytelling and rich character development make this book a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the timeless quest for meaning in life.

About the Book:

• Title: The Great Gatsby
• Author: Francis Scott Fitzgerald
• First Published: 1925
• Publisher: Charles Scribner’s Sons
• Number of Pages: 180

This review captures the essence of The Great Gatsby, offering insights into its characters, themes, and enduring relevance. Whether you’re a first-time reader or revisiting this classic, Fitzgerald’s masterpiece is sure to leave a lasting impression.

See also: George Orwell’s 1984: Dystopian Masterpiece (Book Review)