The Great Gatsby

 This week, I had the chance to re-read the Great Gatsby by F.Scott.Fitzgerald, and if I am going to be completely honest, I don't love the book. It is narrated by Nick Carraway and details the life of Jay Gatsby. To provide a better understanding of the book here is a bit more backstory.  

Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchannan loved each other, but like many other great love stories, find themselves separated from one other. Gatsby was not of the same social class as Daisy's and was far lower along the wealth ladder. So, in an entirely reasonable manner, Gatsby makes it his life mission to accumulate enough wealth so that he is in a position to be with Daisy (whom he has known for a month ). A whole five years later (through their mutual acquaintance of our narrator), Daisy and Gatsby meet. However, everything has changed- Daisy is married (enter Tom) and has a child. From this alone, you may infer who is more invested. 

The entire story takes place in three areas, the West Egg (Where the nouveau riche lives), the East Egg (old money), and finally, The Valley of the Ashes, which acts as a bridge between both worlds. The conflict between Tom and Gatsby serves as a symbol of the constant dispute between the upper and working class. Classism and elitism are big recurring themes throughout the book. The theme of the American Dream is a central pillar of the book. The idea is that no matter who you are as long as you work hard- you can achieve what you desire. 

The catch is, that this doesn't seem to be true (according to Fitzgerald at least). Gatsby works his way up from the bottom, and finally accumulates more money and wealth than he can use, but even so, he isn't accepted in the circle he so wishes to be included in. In the end, Gatsby doesn't get the girl and meets an entirely unfortunate demise. 

I love a happy ending, so this wasn't for me but...I think the book was quite thought-provoking. It did a fantastic job highlighting our culture's obsession with wealth and materialism. The lavish, grand parties thrown by Gatsby and constant little showings of wealth sprinkled throughout the book all serve as a testament to this. The life these characters live is idealized and should serve as the dream. However, on closer inspection, every character is flawed and poses the question:

Does all the money and wealth (which we so idolize) make us happy?