The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

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First Impressions: Fitzgerald’s most famous novel, The Great Gatsby, was first published in 1925 (85 years ago!). The first time I tried to read this book (when I was 12) I could not get through it. Later I learn’t in a Modernism class that this was because its structure attempts to diverge from the classic structure of a novel. However, once I learnt the literary ways of the 1920’s, the book became a depiction of everything I thought the roaring twenties to be.  Not only did it define an iconic time in history, it was well written and is constantly assigned in school classrooms around the world. This book is short, and its structure is as tight as a short story: a definite recommend to read!

Short Plot Summary: This novel captures the disillusion of post-war America and the moral failure of a society obsessed with wealth and status. It chronicles Gatsby’s tragic pursuit of the American Dream, chronicalling the tale of reality vs. illusion.

Something to think about:
-         F in F. Scott Fitzgerald stands for Francis (born September 24, 1896). Francis was a name taken from his relative, Francis Scott Key, who wrote, “Star Spangled Banner.”
-         Fitzgerald’s life is closely paralleled to Gatsby’s.  He achieves the American dream, becomes engrossed in parties and decadence, marries a beautiful woman who ruins him, and dies an early death (heart attack at the age of 44).

Adaptations:
Movies
-  The Great Gatsby (1926), directed by Herbert Brenon (have not seen this one yet, anyone have advice of where to watch, let me know!)
- The Great Gatsby (1949), directed by Elliott Nugent (have not seen this one
either, if anyone has advice of where to watch, let me know!)
- The Great Gatsby (1974), directed by Jack Clayton (stays true to plot and
Narrative; definite recommended watch if you loved the book).
- The Great Gatsby (2000), directed by Robert Markowitz (made for TV).

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