F. Scott Fitzgerald writing the Great Gatsby is one of the most important figures in the American literature. Appealing to the spirit of the lavish and disillusioned Jazz age, the novel tells the story of a young millionaire Jay Gatsby and his love to the beautiful and materialistic Daisy Buchanan published in 1925. However, this novel has not been without controversy right from the time it was first published, to date. This review roundup, therefore, relives the critical appraisal of the text by focusing on the positive and negative comments that accompanied the novel.
Acclaim for** The Great Gatsby**
A Masterful Portrayal of the American Dream: Indeed, it can be said that the subject of the American Dream is one of the major themes that is highlighted in the positive criticism of Fitzgerald by critics. Some critics have argued that the novel is a masterpiece of analyzing the glamour and the void of the matters concerning wealth and class. The gagging essentialism is entrenched in the idea that the characters’ obsession with self-gratification results in their downfall and thus underscores the emptiness at the core of the American Dream.
- Social Commentary: The novel is also cherished for its satirical view of society by the reviewers. The author depicts the themes of degeneration of morality as well as the rift in the society of the Roaring Twenties throughout the novel. It also condemns the life of the elite and their shallowness and makes people doubt the nature of the society that has been depicted.
- Beautifully Crafted Prose: Other aspects that contribute to the positive reception fall under technical aspects, with Fitzgerald’s choice of writing, characterized by optimism and melodious descriptions, receiving high commendation. Experts in particular appreciate the imagery, symbolism, and metaphors used when writing the literary piece for improving the reading experience. The prose suits the themes of the novel well and enhances the narration with the help of language.
- Enduring Characters: Despite this, the characters in The Great Gatsby are very memorable and are developed and multi-dimensional. Jay Gatsby, whose main idea is the love for a woman – Daisy, and Nick Carraway – the protagonist-narrator who is embedded in the thick of two realms – are still interesting to readers. It is for this reason that the viewers can find characters of drama to be rather tragic, but also easily relate to them.
Criticisms of** The Great Gatsby**
Yet despite the high praise, there are those who have a somewhat different view on the novel. Which is The Great Gatsby. Here are some of the critiques the novel has faced: Here are some of the critiques the novel has faced:
- A Story of the Elite: Some critics argue that the novel’s focus on the wealthy elite limits its relatability. They argue that the themes portrayed are personalities’ problems or goals and do not concern everyday people.
- Lack of Character Depth: While some of the viewers appreciate the depth of the characters and the fact that the show is not trying to formulate. A narrow stereotype for a woman, others believe that both main characters are lacking in development. Some readers may say that cant ness of major characters, especially the leading – Daisy Buchanan – is mainly driven by the desire for social position.
- Overly Romantic Plot: The major focus of the plot such as the love affair between Gatsby. And Daisy has been described as overemotional and quite cinematic. As for the critical remarks about Gatsby and his story. Some viewers consider his love for Daisy as toxic while others note that the plot is rather cliché.
- H.L. Mencken’s Critique: One of the published critics belongs to the well-known American literary critic H.L. Mencken. As for The Great Gatsby, Mencken just called it a glorified anecdote and a far inferior story to This Side of Paradise, Fitzgerald’s earlier work.” He found the story to be trivial and the characters unlikeable.
FAQs About** The Great Gatsby**
One question that may occur to anyone desiring to read The Great Gatsby?
The general theme can best be described as the great American Dream gone sour.
The significance of the green light at the end of the dock?
Symbolizes the object of an important search: the wish for an objectified and stable relationship with Gatsby. The green light symbolizes Gatsby’s desire for Daisy and the unreachable dream.
Why is Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby** classified as a classic? **
The general success still continues to this date because of themes that are unique and appealing. The storyline and the beautiful language used by the author.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is still under discussions and heated debates continue to be made about the book. However, there are more positive aspects of the novel than the negative ones. The Greater Gatsby captures listeners/reader’s attention and holds. It for its nobility of purpose to serve as the remarkable chronicle of the American Dream, social strata. And the tragedy of life that is Fitzgerald’s masterpiece worthy of its place in American literature. As for the first one, in what extent Gatsby deserves that people ‘cheer him’. I believe that all things considered The Great Gatsby is a novel that can leave us speechless. When we put down the book and think over what we had read.