Classic/Literary Fiction
The Great Gatsby is a novel that takes place in the early 1920's that entails Nick Carraway's life after moving to Minnesota to work as a salesman. He gets to know the notorious mystery of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, the rich host of the extravagant parties next door. He discovers Gatsby's unrequited love for Nick's beloved cousin, Daisy Buchanan and Gatsby's many other secrets. Gatsby's desire for Daisy leads to chaos and dangerous affairs between him and Daisy's husband, Tom Buchanan, who frequently cheats on her. The message that you cannot repeat the past is conveyed throughout the novel as Gatsby makes rash decisions that he ultimately regrets.
The Great Gatsby is probably one of the best novels I have ever read. It makes the reader sympathize with the characters, yet wonder who is to blame. The ending was absolutely shocking and I recommend that readers read the book before watching the movie Gatsby so that they can have their own opinions about the characters without being influenced by the way the story is told in the movie. While in the book, F. Scott Fitzgerald pointed the blame toward Tom Buchanan, in the movie, it was primarily Daisy's fault. Getting to understand the different perspectives written in this novel helps the audience develop empathy towards the characters to understand them and their motives better. The time period and setting helps establish theme and mood but also makes the story so much more interesting as it adds mystery and intrigue. The roaring 20's scenery adds to the theme of love, passion, and wealth.
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