The Great Gatsby by F. Scott
Fitzgerald is one of my favorite books that I have read in awhile. In the first chapter I found it to be
slightly hard to understand with its overly sophisticated sentences, but once
each character was clarified and dialogue was included I was drawn in. The way that Fitzgerald worded some of
Nick’s narrations was beautiful, and there are definitely a plethora of quotes
that will stick with me from the book. The descriptions of Jay Gatsby’s lavish Saturday night
parties helped me to realize the gaudy display of wealth that the rich people
of the 1920’s had, even though in Gatsby’s case it was to get Daisy to notice
him. However once it is apparent
that Gatsby is involved in dishonest works, it shows that the American Dream
both in previous years and even now has been corrupted by the love for
money. I think that the way
Fitzgerald displayed the consequences of greed and Gatsby’s desire to recreate
the past was perfectly displayed in Gatsby’s death. Although his death surprised me, I realized it was necessary
to effectively get Fitzgerald’s point across about the unlikeliness in
achieving success while running after happiness. The ending paragraphs as Nick is on the beach describing how
Gatsby lost his life in his pursuit of past love is one of my favorite endings
to any book that I have ever read.
Fitzgerald definitely had a way with words to add emphasis and passion
to his writing that helped me to understand the characters and the major themes
he wanted to portray.
I totally agree with your confusion directed toward the beginning of the novel, the character discription is somewhat confusing but further into the plot, the descriptions level out and are easier to understand. I also agree with how elegantly Fitzgerald described Gatsby's extravagant, luxurious parties. The imagery created by his sophistocated diction was incredible. Gatsby's death was shocking, and at first I thought that he did not get shot, but after re-reading the passage, it became clear to me that he was murdered; therefore, creating a feeling of sorrow for Gatsby. I feel sorry for Gatsby because he was a generous, munificent man, even though he was involved in dishonest works, he was gracious and loving. Great blog Alyssa!
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