Gossip, opulent wealth, affairs, incredible determination and one sole purpose, one dream. This would be just a few words that describe the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, of Fitzgerald’s best known literary work, The Great Gatsby.
Set in the 1920s America, a time of prosperity in the United States, it takes us on a journey with our protagonist, Jay Gatsby where we learn, throughout the novel the motives that underlie his actions: the heart of Daisy Buchanan.
This novel is filled with life lessons that we can apply into our daily life and various symbolisms with deeper meanings, so for this month’s edition of the “Book of the Month,” I would like to look at the top 3 things we can take away from this iconic novel.
1. Money can’t buy you love and fulfilment
Gatsby is best-known for his lavish and extravagant parties that he throws at his manor and they quite literally showcase the extent Gatsby would go, to find and impress the love of his life, Daisy. He would throw these parties in the hope that one day she will come to one of them. He lives his life in complete luxury in an attempt to find fulfilment. He considers his money his power but what that money can’t get him is Daisy. No matter how much he tried to become this rich persona to impress Daisy, he still doesn’t end up with her. In fact, the only friend that Gatsby has is Nick, who is the only person who comes to his funeral.
2. Try to see the best in people
In the opening of the book, Nick shares with us the fact that he is “inclined to reserve all judgments”. He later says that this habit has made him more curious and able to understand and get a better insight into the people around him. This is something we can take away from the novel and apply it to our life. Less judging and more curiosity. We have to develop the mindset of approaching diversity with curiosity.
3. Listen to the wiser people around you
The Great Gatsby begins with one of my favourite quotes in the novel “In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my head ever since. “Said by the one and only Nick Carraway, we learn that sometimes the best thing we can do is listen to the more experienced. At times, their advice may seem out of place, or you may not fully understand it, but there will be a moment when it hits you and realize that what they were saying is true. Those are some really special moments. So, one thing we can learn is that when we are given advice. From someone who may be wiser than us or who can provide you with a different perspective, listen and hold on to it.
The Great Gatsby is, in my opinion, a true masterpiece. It is a story of hope, perseverance, a dream and a tragic end.
By Cristina Serban
hARTS writer
hARTS magazine 