Blog #5
I found F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby to be a remarkable representation of the ostentatious behavior generated by the “Roaring 20’s”. Although I had heard vague details of the story, the character Jay Gatsby immediately intrigued me. His lavish displays of wealth yet mysterious background made him an incredibly complex character that drew me into the story. The characterizations of the main characters in the novel present a diverse and fascinating level of detail to the story, where love triangles, quests for power, and pain are all interwoven to provide a vivid plot. Some important details of the story were unbelievable, for instance, the main character Gatsby was said to be penniless, even though he had just been discharged as a major in the military. High-ranking officers are usually able to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Leaving these details aside, the overall plot provided an extensive critique of American values for wealth and status. Overall, I found The Great Gatsby to be an outstanding piece of literature that captivated me throughout the entire plot, unlike most other stories I have read this last year.
I also viewed The Great Gatsby as commentary on American values for wealth and status. I don't think he is saying either are wrong, but rather that the philosophy where wealth and status create happiness is wrong. All of the main characters live lavishly, yet they are also constantly occupied with malice or sorrow. It's often assumed that wealth will obliterate the problems in one's life, but Fitzgerald disagrees and shows an unromanticized portrayal of those who already have it. He pulls back the curtains and shows that what Americans value is overrated at best.
ReplyDelete