F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby

Columbia Critical Guides

by Nicolas Tredell (Editor)

More critical writing exists on The Great Gatsby than on any other work of American fiction. This Columbia Critical Guide introduces and contextualizes the key critical debates surrounding Fitzgerald's novel. The extracts and essays included here reflect The Great Gatsby 's place as one of the first American novels to make significant use of modernist techniques and explore the influence of this "Lost Generation" work on later American writings. In considering secondary sources from the twenties to the present, this smart and sophisticated study guide offers readers an invaluable resource on this complex rendering of a moment in American history.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Literature, Adult, Essays, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[Anthony Lipmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

'They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they made...'

Published three years before The Great Crash, uppermost in the mind of any modern reader would be the parallel decadence of today's unaccountable overpaid bankers, hedge fund managers and chief executives with the 1920s boot-leggers of which Gatsby was one. Fitzgerald does not need to use satire or pamphleteering to hit the target - but just tells the story of one set of cheque-crossed lovers.

The early fastidiousness of Gatsby reminded me of one ex-Goldman Sachs banker to whose enormous house I had been invited in Hampstead, whom I witnessed insisting that his slovenly British builders, with dirtied jeans dropping below their buttocks, remove their shoes and wear slippers in his house before attending to the brickwork or plumbing.

The high gothic library described in the early pages 'probably transported from some ruin overseas',reminded me of Pierpont Morgan's Library in New York - an overpaid banker of a previous era.

Some people say we have, with the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, seen our crash, but literature tells us that there is much much worse to come.

Gatsby is one of the most compelling and satisfying books not because of the come-uppance of the subject but for the intricately woven construction, narrated by the ambition-less Nick, that plays out the Shakespearean tragedy of the lovers to its bitter end. Shakespearean for the important use to which minor characters, such as Wilson, Wolfshiem, Myrtle and the dog are put in service of the plot.

Todays' Gatsby has yet to be written.

[Saes Winchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished The Great Gatsby for a second time as an assignment in my literature course. Overall, this book is fantastic, but it is not enjoyable (it wasn’t supposed to be either). It’s impossible to like any character in the narrative, and it’s frustrating. But, a good book doesn’t need likable characters, and the readers frustration with them all has a purpose. Fitzgeralds prose is incredible. A beautiful glimpse into the Roaring Twenties and our false dreams of money, love, the past, and most importantly the American Dream.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written novel! Need I say more?

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous. An important book for all book lovers.

[Kyrie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this book is under and overrated at the same time. The storyline is unique and raw, a look into the socialite society of the 1920s and the "duties" that come with it. That being said, the tone in which it is written feels very envious to me. Even with all the tragedy seen, it seems he wants nothing more than to be a part of that social status and be close to Gatsby. Granted, it has been a very long time since I have read the book, and fully intend to read it again.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have always heard that this was a great classic, well I guess it is a classic to people who don't like happy endings. hmmm Not one I would read again, sorry to all of you great intellectuals.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good stuff. I know I'm not the first to say it but Fitzgerald is an awesome writer. He has a way of capturing moments that we're all familiar with in a perfect and amazing way. I loved the book.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much, it is a wonderful story waiting and ready to unfold as the reader deepens into the literature of the book. Very fun to read.

[Nancy McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic by F Scott Fitzgerald portrays the class distinctions of 1920s America telling the story of Jay Gatsby a man of humble origins who falls in love with a privileged wealthy girl in New York. He attempts to rekindle her love for him through illegal dealing in alcohol. He attempts to pass himself off as one of the wealthy elite. Story is told through first person narrator Nick Carruthers. Book ends when Daisy commits hit and run killing her own husband’s mistress, Myrtle. Myrtle’s husband then murders Gatsby whom he mistakenly believed had killed his wife.

[Linz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s well written, and undeniably a good story, but no one is particularly likeable (suppose that’s the point) and the story was really a lot more tragic than I’d been expecting, and I suppose I don’t really understand all the hype around it as it seems like what is hyped is exactly what Fitzgerald was warning people against but alas, isn’t that often the case.

Still, I can’t mark it less than four as it is well written and a powerful story for anyone who wants to take heed.

[Dwayne Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I'd call it great, but maybe, "The Pretty Good Gatsby, But Not So Good That I'd Want To Read It Again".

[T.C. Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my preferred classics.

[Stella Haugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, and amazing writing but tough to finish

[Scott Satterwhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. I re-read "Gatsby" for the 10th time the other day on the 100th anniversary. Despite becoming a centenarian last week, the book never gets old to me.

[Anna Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love this book for what the story has to say. However when you look into the history of the author and his wife is bad

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in high school and re-read it since I'm going to see the Pittsburgh Ballet version soon. This book is written from the viewpoint of Nick Carraway largely regarding his neighbor, Mr. Gatsby, and his cousin Daisy and her husband. I found this book to be more depressing than I remembered, particularly since I found it hard to feel much sympathy for the characters. I found myself identifying most with Nick, as he too appeared to have shifting loyalties along with a sense of discontent. I know this book is a classic, but I did not enjoy it much. It is a really good essay on why being shallow is a bad thing, however, and I think it captures the spirit of change in the era it was written very well.

[Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this which I was surprises by as I dis not enjoy the catcher in the rye so much which is in a similar vein. Also I know Chalmers wasn't to fond I'd this book and we normally agree on these things. I actually found it very endearing and very easy to read I judge a book in whether I leave it at times for days on end between breaks and with gatsby I found it so simple to read. There is no great complexity to the characters which I would normally look for and a very simple story line some would say boring but I found it a very relaxing read if that makes sense. Would I says read this book yes it's perfect after reading a complex tense or book that you struggled with as it's the perfect break before attempting your next George Martin book which you put your whole self on to.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books you read in high school but should read again every decade or so with older eyes. The last paragraphs are almost poetry and reminds the reader that life can be all at once beautiful and hopeful and desperate and desolate.

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…. And one fine morning—

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had read this book years ago, but my memory failed me. I realized that I had not read it, but am I glad I did just now. It's really a great book, and I was really moved by Gatsby's death.

I was inspired to read the book after reading about how Perkins worked with Fitgerald to shape the novel. What a great editor and what a great writer. If you want to read about his this relationship worked, read The Artful Edit by Susan Bell.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

there are many jewels to be discovered in this reading. When I first read it in high school I thought it was an ok read but when I read it again 10 years later the real story unfolded and nothing but life experience could have made the difference. There is great depth of charachter to be found within the pages and life issues to ponder. If you did not care for the book in high school or early college years I suggest you read it a gain...

[Ivar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I...don't quite see what all the fuzz is about... A mediocre book.
As Oscar Wilde said - "If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all."
I was forced to read this for my English class, and I think that pretty much says it all. Maybe if I would have read it some other time, because I wanted to, I would have seen it for the masterpiece it's supposed to be.

[Jose Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drumroll....

This is my all time favorite book.
It was the fact that my girlfriend Nancy, was in love with this book as much as I was that made me fall for her. The characters and the storyline Is just amazing, it's so full of hope and optimism. I ended up giving my copy to my girlfriend as a gift, it was filled with notes and drawings.

[umang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cursory read in high school was not memorable, so I was really surprised at how good this book is. The writing is beautiful, and the social critique is among the best I can remember. The characters are deeply flawed, but tragic and unforgettable. The closing line is one of my favorites of all time.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book even though I have a lot of problems with the characters. You really can see the American dream of higher classes and the ignorance of most. My absolute favorite part about this novel was Fitzgerald's writing. He is such a talented writer with the ability to put you in any scene.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to F. Scott Fitzgerald as a high school student. I was assigned "The Great Gatsby" in High School and it interested me enough to check out and read all of his other books in the library. Some of his other books were just OK but I still have a special place in my heart for The Great Gatsby. It seems like such a simple book on the surface but it really makes you think.

[Zhafira Fawnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is kind of sad, that the fact that before Gatsby died, he thought the phone call was from daisy. but, instead it was from his best friend..
I SHIP THEM.
I CALL FOR BROMANCE VIDEOS
SADDER THAN THE FAULT IN OUR STARS BECAUSE GATSBY DIED
IDK
I HAVE ISSUES
let me just bitch slap that bitch daisy
and anyways, this book was amazing
and i loved it to the end of life

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be read from every angel, and it has been. Whether it is queer theory or post-colonialism, literary critics from any level of skill can attack this work with gusto. Sometimes pink pants tell us something, but in this book, they tell us everything.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I had seen the movie a long time ago but never read the book. Some of what the book talks about the excess and carelessness of the super wealthy in the 1920's are still a part of our society today.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just in process... saw the play at the Guthrie Theater last season.

Finished it a while ago and loved the whole story. Darker than I thought it would be, but still relevant comment on society in general. We do kill for the fun of it, don't we!?

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

yuck! people being immoral with other immoral people taking stuff for granted and people get hit by cars and they go back to their old lives showing how people in the 20's lived in a guilded age blah blah blah... Sorry Layton, I know its one of your favorites, but i hate it!