The Great Gatsby: Classics for all: Public Domain works of art

by Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is definitely one of the finest and most relevant works of literary art that came to light during the twentieth century. It's a must read for every english speaker, native or not. This edition seeks not to earn any profit for the work of one of the greatest american writers of the past century, but to make it known to as much people as it can be.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2022

Reviews

[Damita Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald has long been hailed as one of the greatest American novels, yet when I read it, I couldn't quite understand the hype surrounding it. The story, centered around Jay Gatsby's unrelenting pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan and the world of 1920s opulence and disillusionment, seemed less like a masterpiece and more like a confusing, almost trivial narrative about unattainable dreams and lost time.

Nick Carraway, the narrator, comes off as more passive than insightful, and while Gatsby is an intriguing character, the mystery around him feels more hollow than profound. The story’s sense of hopelessness was clear, but the symbolism behind the green light, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and the parties never seemed as deep as they were made out to be. The prose is beautiful, but I often felt like it was trying too hard to be profound without truly diving into anything meaningful.

As for why the book finds itself on banned lists, it’s puzzling. The Great Gatsby contains elements that challenge societal norms: extramarital affairs, alcohol consumption during Prohibition, and a blatant disregard for moral integrity, especially from characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan. However, it's hard to see these as grounds for banning the book in today’s world, given that they’re presented as part of the characters’ flaws rather than endorsements of that behavior. Perhaps it was its portrayal of decadence and moral ambiguity that caused some controversy in the past, but in a modern context, it seems almost tame compared to other works that deal with similar themes.

In the end, while I respect that The Great Gatsby is often considered a cornerstone of American literature, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it’s more revered for its reputation and historical significance than for the substance of its story. The book feels like it's meant to be more than it is—shrouded in mystery, beauty, and cultural importance, but lacking the deeper emotional connection or clarity that would make it truly unforgettable.