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Overrated Great Gatsby

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F Scott Fitzgerald was first criticised by many after his release of “The Great Gatsby”, however despite these critics calling the book “forgettable” and “overrated” the book went on to sell millions of copies worldwide and is one of the most successful and greatest praised novels of all time. It is because of this praise and status that this review has been established to justify its true “greatness” and to see if it is worthy of being in the Top 100 Books of All Time list. Although this book’s worldwide success has proven to be a great accomplishment, it continues to gain popularity and is taught thoroughly worldwide as English syllabus in many high schools. “The Great Gatsby” is set in Long Island, New York and focuses on the main protagonist …show more content…

Gatsby’s background shows that he was once a poor yet humble boy who dreamed of success, before being stationed at an army base near Daisy in Kentucky leading up to his deployment overseas for World War I. Daisy, with similar circumstances than that of Jay; is eventually won over. Daisy promises him that she will wait for his return, however eventually after several months of Gatsby’s deployment, her commitment fades and she marries the rich Tom Buchanan of Chicago. Through Nick’s reintroduction of Daisy to Gatsby his efforts on winning her back through the use of his Jazz Age type lifestyle and parties. The use of mystery in Gatsby’s sudden and exploding immense fortune leaves the readers questioning at the beginning of the book and hooked for greater details. Jay Gatsby’s desire to win Daisy back influences major events within this novel that change the fate of characters forever. Themes evident throughout this novel include love, heartbreak, betrayal, deceit, change, violence and envy. These themes are apparent and appear throughout the book in both subtle and direct ways. Fitzgerald’s novel proved to have magical storytelling and extravagant use of themes relevant to everyone in society. His use of language also emphasised the era through Gatsby’s comical, self depreciating however fitting word choices such as “Old sport” which seems to be one of his favourite to use. Nick’s use of language incorporate metaphors and imagery to better enhance his character. This is also evident as Tom uses language and tones that are both brutish and discriminatory. Similar novels to that of “The Great Gatsby” include “Absalom, Absalom!” by William Faulkner, Jazz by Toni Morison , and The Gods of Newport by John Jakes, as they hold similar properties and themes. Faulkner’s novel holds similar themes such as ambition and wealth whilst dealing with the similar significance of the past,

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