logo
pagesback-cover
353
Reddit meter
all mentions

The Great Gatsby

180 pages, 2004

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description
With the latest edition of this cherished classic, you'll revisit the world of the Jazz Age as you've never seen it before. A new introduction by National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward introduces her favorite version of The Great Gatsby—and she's not alone. Author and Fitzgerald scholar James L. W. West III has updated the text with an editor's note on the composition and text, a personal foreword by Fitzgerald's granddaughter Eleanor Lanahan, and more. Whether you're revisiting Gatsby or discovering him for the first time, this edition makes that "romance of the open road" (New York Times) come alive in new ways.
The Illusion of the American Dream

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby explores the idea that the American Dream is often an illusion. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, spends his life chasing wealth and status to win the love of Daisy Buchanan. However, despite his riches, he never truly achieves his dream. This book encourages us to look into the reality behind our dreams and aspirations.

The Destructive Power of Obsession

The Great Gatsby shows us how obsession can lead to destruction. Gatsby's obsession with Daisy consumes his life, leading to tragic consequences. It's a reminder to keep our obsessions in check and not let them control our lives.

The Hollow Pursuit of Wealth

Fitzgerald makes it clear that wealth and materialism often lead to emptiness and dissatisfaction. The characters in the book, despite their wealth, are unhappy and unfulfilled. This book encourages us to find happiness in things that truly matter, not just material possessions.

The Impact of the Past on the Present

The Great Gatsby explores the theme of the past's influence on the present. Gatsby is unable to move on from his past and it ultimately leads to his downfall. This book encourages us to learn from our past but not let it dictate our present or future.

The Importance of Authenticity

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald shows us the importance of being true to ourselves. Gatsby's life is a facade, built on lies and deceit. His lack of authenticity leads to his loneliness and ultimately his demise. This book encourages us to be authentic and true to ourselves.

Quotes 5

The Great Gatsby is a novel that, superficially, seems like the tragic tale of an unfulfilled romance; but it is actually much more. It is a symbolic commentary on the American Dream and the unattainable nature of it.

Haruki MurakamiHaruki Murakami - Japanese Novelist

The Great Gatsby is a timeless classic that has captured the decadence, naivety, and cynicism of the American Dream. It is a book that will forever hold a place in American literature.

Hunter S. ThompsonHunter S. Thompson - Journalist, Author

Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the pursuit of an elusive dream, and the power of love.

J.D. SalingerJ.D. Salinger - American Writer

The Great Gatsby is a novel of profound depth, portraying the human condition in all its complexity. It is a masterpiece of American literature.

Ernest HemingwayErnest Hemingway - Literary Icon

The Great Gatsby is a work of art, a perfect portrayal of the jazz age, and a timeless commentary on the human condition.

T.S. EliotT.S. Eliot - Poet, Playwright
Haruki MurakamiHunter S. ThompsonJ.D. SalingerErnest HemingwayT.S. Eliot

Recommendations

12
Ev Williams

Ev Williams

entrepreneurtechnologyventure capitalist
Bill Gates

Bill Gates

entrepreneurinvestortechnologyventure capitalist
authorDaniel Pink

Daniel Pink

media personalityauthor
Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson

educatormedia personalityscientistauthor
Sophie Bakalar

Sophie Bakalar

entrepreneurtechnologyventure capitalist
Anna Cheng

Anna Cheng

entrepreneurmarketer