City News

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby”, the esteemed author explores the complicated social nuances of the 1920’s through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, who is visiting his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom, in West Egg, Long Island. He takes particular interest in a neighboring homeowner, Jay Gatsby, who continually throws large and lavish parties on his expansive property. However, his wealth and stature may not be all it seems to be on the outside. When you take a closer look at him and the society in which he dwells, the poise, properness, and wealth washes away. Affairs, jealousy and murder fill the scene with the colors of the regretful reality of 1920s society.

“The Great Gatsby” is based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s own life, a sorrowful tale of how him an his wife Zelda failed to make ends meet. The characters are hence based on him. Jay Gatsby who came into his wealth through objectively questionable means is looked down upon by the rest of his peers in West Egg because he is what they call “New Money”, meaning he has obtained his wealth through his own hard work and intelligence. This was the case with F. Scott Fitzgerald. Gatsby’s forbidden love and former lover Daisy Gatsby is of “Old Money” meaning she has gained her wealth ancestrally. Following their story given the dynamics of their relationship, and the evident wedge between their relationship - Daisy’s husband Tom -  the book follows the story of the interpersonal connections of the characters as well as the way they are affected by the societal constructs of the time. 

 “The Great Gatsby”, although set in a very different time, is timeless. Although the characters experience very different social difficulties their experience draws parallels to our current social divides, status, and experiences. Through the train of thought of the narrator, the reader is able to associate with the complex emotions each character is dealing with in each complicated situation, regardless of the societal differences of the time. With extremely detailed character descriptions and wonderful imagery, the reader is transported into the world of the 1920s. 

     I personally am a person who does not enjoy historical fiction and historical literature for the sole reason that I am not able to connect with the situation or the characters due to the sheer incomparability of the different time periods that we live in. However with “The Great Gatsby”, Fitzgerald is able to not only draw a beautiful picture of how society was like back then, but also uses most of the novel to illustrate the innateness of basic human emotions and interactions which will never get old. No matter what time we live in or what language we use or what societal barriers are present, the complexity yet simplicity of human emotion will always be something that stays relatable. It is for this reason that I recommend this to readers who are just exploring the genre of historical fiction, for it provides a great transition into harder literature and is wildly entertaining and interesting. So go and dive into the world of the 1920s, I hope to see you there!