The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Summary

The Great Gatsby follows Nick Carraway’s observations of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire obsessed with reuniting with Daisy Buchanan, his former lover. Set in 1920s New York, the novel explores themes of wealth, obsession, and the elusive American Dream through Gatsby’s lavish parties, Daisy’s troubled marriage, and a tragic chain of events driven by deception and unattainable ideals.

This classic appeals to readers interested in American literature, the Jazz Age, and critiques of societal excess. High school and college students, fans of symbolic storytelling, and those exploring themes of love, class, and moral decay will find it compelling.

Yes. Despite its initial commercial failure, it’s now hailed as a masterpiece for its lyrical prose, rich symbolism, and enduring commentary on ambition and identity. It remains a cornerstone of modern literature and a frequent subject of academic analysis.

The green light at Daisy’s dock represents Gatsby’s unattainable dreams: his idealized love for Daisy and the pursuit of wealth and status. It also embodies the broader illusion of the American Dream, highlighting the disconnect between aspiration and reality.

The novel portrays the American Dream as corrupted by greed and superficiality. Gatsby’s rise from poverty to riches through illegal means—and his ultimate downfall—illustrates how materialism and obsession undermine genuine happiness and moral integrity.

Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy and his refusal to accept her loyalty to Tom Buchanan lead to his demise. His idealism, self-reinvention, and vulnerability to betrayal epitomize the tragic clash between dreams and reality.

The divide between “old money” (Tom and Daisy Buchanan) and “new money” (Gatsby) drives the plot. Their interactions expose the emptiness of wealth, the fragility of social mobility, and the moral carelessness of the elite.

The billboard’s fading eyes symbolize the loss of moral and spiritual guidance in 1920s America. They serve as a silent judge of the characters’ actions, particularly George Wilson’s misguided quest for justice.

Gatsby is murdered by George Wilson, who wrongly believes Gatsby killed his wife, Myrtle. Nick Carraway organizes a sparsely attended funeral, while the Buchanans evade consequences, underscoring themes of moral negligence and the futility of Gatsby’s dreams.

Critics argue the female characters are underdeveloped and the novel romanticizes wealth. Others highlight its bleak view of human nature and the American Dream, though these elements are now seen as strengths of its social critique.

Fitzgerald drew parallels between Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy and his own pursuit of Zelda Sayre. The novel’s exploration of wealth and disillusionment mirrors his experiences with fame and financial instability.

Its themes—wealth inequality, the allure of reinvention, and the cost of obsession—resonate in modern discussions about social media, economic disparity, and identity. The novel’s critique of superficial success remains timeless.