Critical Criticism Of The Great Gatsby

On April 10, 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby, a novel that would later become one of the best known pieces of classic literature in history. However, at the time of its publication, Gatsby was fairly unpopular ad the reviews were never consistent. As shocking as it may seem, I believe it is because Fitzgerald’s intelligence and creativity levels were way ahead of his time, which is evident when one pays close attention to the themes of the novel. Forgiveness, love, and memory of the past are just a few themes you will come across in this story. Aside from these, there is one other theme that is much more dominant and could possibly have been the cause of The Great Gatsby’s slight lack of initial success. It is the basis

The American dream can be described as an idea, a concept, and a way of life. It can even be described as a form of ignorance. According to SinišaSmiljanić, some people say it is the search for wealth, prosperity and a higher social status. Others feel it is basically having a good life- settling down and being able to provide for their family. All of these ideas can be accredited to the fundamental idea of the American dream. Robert L. Pearson sums up the American dream as the belief that anyone can reach their goals, no matter if they are political, monetary, or social. Most people, however, see the American dream as strictly materialistic. If you were, or are, one of those who feel this way you believe that if one does not own the fanciest clothes, the fastest cars, or the most extravagant house then they simply are not living the American dream. This materialistic aspect completely disregards happiness, family, and moral values. It is also the aspect that Fitzgerald seems to focus on the most with The Great Gatsby. In the novel, the main character, Jay Gatsby is most definitely living the American dream in the sense of materialism. He was never seen wearing less than the best of suits, and even seeing his shirts drove his love interest, Daisy to tears. “They’re such beautiful shirts…I’ve never seen such beautiful shirts” (Fitzgerald, p. 98). His mansion was described as looking like the World’s fair when he was throwing one of his thrilling parties. Although the only information Fitzgerald gives us about Gatsby’s car is that it was a Rolls Royce (pg. 35), that is enough to tell us he was not lacking in the “fastest cars” area. As for the fundamentally based ideas of the American dream, Jay Gatsby has only a few of them covered. He is certainly wealthy and prosperous. And if the fact that he can host a party, have the entire town attend, and repeat every weekend without ever showing his face does not scream “high social