The Great Gatsby has a
real charm about it and is one of the kinds of books that you know you ought to
add to your book list. The mysterious title gives nothing away. Set in 1920s,
New York, the story opens with a young man discovering paths in a new life.
Nick Carraway
narrating the novel, immediately draws in the reader as he sets up a new life
in as a young trader. There is a sense of mystery from the start regarding his
new neighbourhood and in particular his neighbour, who throws lavish parties
every weekend. As the story progresses, the reader uncovers little by little of
the great unknown, yet you are kept hooked with surprises and plot twists until
the very end.
The novel is a
commentary on the Jazz Age; the post-war ambience and The American Dream are
presented through his characters. The quest for a new life, the preoccupation
of the classes and most importantly the hunger for money possess the characters
and cause their rise and fall. Scott Fitzgerald creates his characters so that
they come alive. The simple, yet
descriptive writing style means that the reader has an advantage. This is
through the layering of narrative perspective and use of pathetic fallacy. Tom
will make you want to earn millions, Daisy will make you want to love and
Gatsby will make you want to dream.
The beauty of this
novel for me is how accessible it is today. Although a classic, it is timeless
as the notions are all things readers will be able to identify with. The
disintegration of the American Dream and the decay of social and moral value
draw parallels on capitalism and consumerism of today’s world. One to read.
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