Keyword Guide · book-summary
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel remains a cornerstone of American literature, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the elusive American Dream. Set during the Roaring Twenties, the story follows Nick Carraway as he enters the extravagant and often tragic world of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby.
The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a Yale graduate who moves to West Egg on Long Island to work in the bond business. Unlike the established 'old money' of East Egg, West Egg is home to the 'new money' crowd. Nick soon visits his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her wealthy, arrogant husband Tom. Through them, he is introduced to Jordan Baker and learns about the various tensions within their social circle, including Tom’s affair with Myrtle Wilson.
Nick’s neighbor is the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby, known for hosting massive, decadent parties that he never seems to attend himself. Eventually, Gatsby reveals to Nick that he has spent years building his fortune solely to win back Daisy, with whom he had a romance years prior. Gatsby’s obsession is symbolized by the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, representing his hopes and the unattainable nature of the past.
The tension reaches a breaking point during a trip to New York City. In a sweltering hotel room, Gatsby demands that Daisy admit she never loved Tom. Daisy is unable to do so, and Tom exposes Gatsby’s questionable business dealings. On the drive back, Gatsby’s car—driven by Daisy—strikes and kills Myrtle Wilson. Through a series of misunderstandings and Tom's manipulation, Myrtle’s husband George believes Gatsby was the driver and the one having the affair.
The novel concludes with George Wilson murdering Gatsby and then taking his own life. Despite Gatsby’s vast social circle, Nick is one of the few people to attend the funeral. Nick becomes disillusioned with the emptiness and moral decay of the wealthy elite. He reflects on how Gatsby was 'believing in the green light' and how people are often unable to escape their pasts, no matter how hard they try to move forward.
The green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future, specifically his desire to reunite with Daisy and reclaim the past. It also serves as a broader symbol for the American Dream.
Nick claims to be objective and 'inclined to reserve all judgments,' but his personal biases and growing affection for Gatsby suggest he may be an unreliable narrator whose perspective colors the reader's view.
Fitzgerald illustrates that despite Gatsby's hard work and massive wealth, he is still rejected by the 'old money' class. The story suggests that the American Dream is often an illusion based on materialism rather than true fulfillment.
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