A review by wade117
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

emotional reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Considered by many to be the greatest American novel of the 20th century, this book is a gilded mop handle. The writing is some of the most imagistic and compelling I have read. But what is gained in prose is lost in plot. The events of the book unfold slowly, padding for time like a Disney+ series. At times, lost in the mirage-like quality of the writing, I often had to re-read sections for clarity, asking myself if I am reading metaphor or is this actually happening in the story. 

 

Of course, this book is character-driven and as such, the characters are very well written. By the end of the short story, I feel as if I know them well. I love some. Others, I loath. Fitzgerald does not leave room for apathy and he does not favor rich or poor, man or woman. 

 

There are a variety of themes in the book but one I’d like to mention particularly is that of the American Dream, the idea that America offers a land where anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to work for them. As far as I can tell, analysis of this theme is presented one of two ways: either Fitzgerald is criticizing the American Dream from the beginning as a lie, or he is remarking that the once great and noble American Dream has been replaced by the selfish pursuit of wealth and status. Fitzgerald leaves enough room for the book to act as Rorschach test, allowing themes to be interpreted by the reader’s own biases. 

 

In summary, The Great Gatsby is the type of book whose imagistic writing and deep symbolism will delight the academic and bore the student.