The Great Gatsby

First published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1925, the novel, The Great Gatsby remains one of the most acclaimed works in history. Fitzgerald Scott authored it upon inspiration by his visit to the Long Island's North Shore where he attended numerous parties in luxurious villas. The setting of the book is in this island with a depiction of the jazz music culture of the 1920s. Using historical narration and imagination, Fitzgerald achieves a compelling storyline that includes the simplest details in the society in an amazing way.

The Great Gatsby is the story of Jay Gatsby who is a World War I veteran, an illegal business dealer, and millionaire as told by fellow veteran, Nick Carraway. At the time, Nick is a bond salesperson and happens to rent a house next to Gatsby's luxurious mansion. Gatsby's manor is the venue for lavish parties with all provisions. Nick visits his cousin Daisy Buchanan for a dinner in the company of her husband Tom who was with Nick in college. Nick gets to meet Jordan Baker with whom he gets romantic and learns about Myrtle Wilson, Tom's mistress. Later, Nick and Tom travel to the city where Tom and Myrtle fight over Daisy. In one of the parties thrown by Gatsby, both Daisy and Myrtle appear. It is revealed that Daisy and Gatsby had an affair sometime back and Gatsby spends on party after party with the hope that Daisy may reappear one day. Ultimately, Nick helps Gatsby by inviting Daisy for a dinner and keeping her unaware that Gatsby will be present.

A new twist of events creeps into the novel as this relationship is rekindled. Ultimately, Tom realizes and confronts Gatsby while they are in New York. He informs Daisy of Gatsby's criminal activities. While she prefers going with Tom, he is full of contempt and sends her away with Gatsby. She drives on their way back and hits Myrtle but Gatsby opts to take the blame. In revenge, George, Myrtle's husband shoots Gatsby and himself to death.

Fitzgerald exploits the use of themes of moral decadence, opposition to change in society, extravagance, and social commotion in ensuring he delivers the lifestyle of the 1920s Jazz Age. In its first year, the novel only sold 20, 000 copies and Fitzgerald died thinking he had failed in his writing career. However, the book later received recognition and was incorporated into educational curricular. To date, The Great Gatsby remains popular and has been adapted for films by different directors in 1926, 1949, 1974, 2000, 2002, and 2013 with most of them retaining the name "The Great Gatsby" except that of 2002 which is called the "G."

 

#