Key Theme: The decline of the American Dream in the 1920s.
Setting: Summer of 1922, Long Island and New York City.
Main Characters
Nick Carraway: The narrator, who is from Minnesota and is a Yale graduate. Moves to New York to learn about the bond business.
Jay Gatsby: Wealthy and mysterious, known for his lavish parties. He is deeply in love with Daisy Buchanan.
Daisy Buchanan: Nick's cousin, married to Tom Buchanan. She is the object of Gatsby's affection.
Tom Buchanan: Daisy's wealthy and aggressive husband, having an affair with Myrtle Wilson.
Jordan Baker: A professional golfer and Daisy's friend. She becomes romantically involved with Nick.
Myrtle Wilson: Tom's mistress, married to George Wilson.
George Wilson: Myrtle's husband, owns a garage.
Plot Summary
Chapter 1
Narrator's Background: Nick Carraway moves to West Egg and becomes neighbors with Jay Gatsby.
Nick's Outlook: Influenced by his father's advice to reserve judgments.
Introduction to Gatsby: Nick sees Gatsby staring out across the water.
Chapter 2
Valley of Ashes: A desolate area symbolizing moral decay.
Introduction to Myrtle and George Wilson.
Tom's affair: Tom's aggressive behavior towards Myrtle.
Chapter 3
Gatsby's Party: Nick attends one of Gatsby's extravagant parties.
Rumors about Gatsby: Various speculations about Gatsby's past.
Nick meets Gatsby: Surprised by Gatsby’s youth and demeanor.
Chapter 4
Gatsby's Background: Gatsby and Nick go to New York; Gatsby reveals parts of his past.
Plot to meet Daisy: Gatsby’s request for Nick to set up a meeting with Daisy.
Chapter 5
Reunion with Daisy: Intense awkwardness and emotion when Daisy and Gatsby meet.
Tour of Gatsby's Mansion: Gatsby shows Daisy his wealth.
Chapter 6
Gatsby's True Story: Gatsby's transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby.
Relationship Strains: Tensions between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy.
Chapter 7
Conflict: Tensions culminate in New York; Tom confronts Gatsby.
Car Accident: Myrtle is killed by a car driven by Daisy, but Gatsby takes the blame.
Chapter 8
Gatsby's Vigil: Gatsby waits outside Daisy's house to ensure her safety.
Gatsby’s Past: More on Gatsby's history and his deep love for Daisy.
Chapter 9
Gatsby’s Death: Gatsby is killed by George Wilson, who then kills himself.
Funeral: Few attend Gatsby's funeral, highlighting his isolation.
Conclusion: Nick reflects on the events and returns to the Midwest.
Themes
The American Dream: Critiques the idea that wealth and material success equate to fulfillment and happiness.
Social Class: The divide between the newly rich (West Egg) and the old aristocracy (East Egg).
Love and Obsession: Gatsby's idealization of Daisy and his relentless pursuit of her.
Moral Decay: Exemplified by the lavish and careless lifestyles of the rich.
Symbols
The Green Light: Represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future.
The Valley of Ashes: Symbolizes moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg: Represents the eyes of God, watching over the corruption.
Quotes
Gatsby’s belief in the green light symbolizes the unattainable American Dream.
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” – Final reflection on the inevitable passage of time and the impossibility of recapturing the past.
Critical Analysis
Fitzgerald’s Critique: The novel is a critique of the American Dream’s corruption and the moral void behind the glittering facade of the Jazz Age.
Narrative Style: The narrative is seen through Nick’s observations, creating a sense of authenticity and personal bias.
Conclusion
Legacy: "The Great Gatsby" is considered a fundamental critique of the American Dream, exploring themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of happiness.
Relevance: Continues to resonate with readers for its exploration of aspirations and the American identity.