Review by jessdrafahl - The Great Gatsby

jessdrafahl 's review for:

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

4.75

reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

What is The Great Gatsby if not the great American classic? Fitzgerald encapsulates the idea of the American dream and the superficiality of the issues of the upper class in 1920's America beautifully in this novel from the perspective of the middle class. All of the characters, from the aggressive Tom Buchanan to the illustrious Jay Gatsby, populate the decadent world of East and West Egg, encompassing the lies, deceit, and frivolous relationships between the wealthy characters in the novel. Nothing makes me realize as much as this novel does that the problems that the first-class face are something facetious in nature, as real problems are often appropriated to fit into the lives of characters that have not once faced true oppression and any true struggle. Fitzgerald masterfully shows this arrogance by having the main character be of the middle class who can appropriately comment on the frivolous nature of the upper class characters. My only gripe with this novel, although perhaps contradictory to my own writing, is that the writing sometimes felt superfluous. If the writing were from the perspective from one of the more wealthy characters, I would find it more understandable. However, since it is from the perspective of Nick, I think it would have been more effective had the writing been more relaxed. Nonetheless, this is a great classic, and quite a quick read.

Content Warnings