Ah, The Great Gatsby. Who (in the US, at least) hasn’t heard of this book? Many of us have to read this at least once during our time in US public school. I had to read it THREE times for three different high school English classes. Considered a critical piece of classic literature, I don’t know many people who have read it who didn’t like it. For me, having to analyze the same book three times for the same things (symbolism, theme, etc.) sort of took away the charm of the book. So, more than six years out of high school (OUCH, that hurt to say), I decided to reread it.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was published in 1925, during the Jazz Age in the United States. It takes place in a wealthy area of New York during the Roaring 20s (also known as the Jazz Age). Our narrator, Nick Carraway, moves there for work and becomes entangled in the life of Jay Gatsby – a millionaire with a mysterious past that takes an interest in Nick. Through the book, we are introduced to the lives of multiple characters of varying levels of wealth and morality, all through Nick’s eyes.
One of the things that surprised me upon rereading this book as an adult was the level of tragedy involved, and I’m not just talking about the ending (although, the ending is VERY tragic).
Throughout the book, the reader is shown over and over again the unhappiness that almost every major character carries with them. Daisy is unhappy in her marriage and in the fact that her husband is cheating on her. Tom is unhappy in his settled-down life; early on, Nick comments that Tom is always chasing his glory days as a high school star athlete. Myrtle is unhappy with her social status and clearly desires a more luxurious life. Gatsby is unhappy, holding on desperately to a love lost. These are such normal emotions, and many people go through these feelings of discontent, regardless of wealth or social status, which is precisely why I feel that this is such a tragic story.
As I stated at the beginning, The Great Gatsby is considered a critical piece of classic literature, and for good reason. It is a truly enjoyable must-read for everyone.
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