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Great Gatsby (Everyman)
I'm really not sure what the definition of an "American Classic" is, but I know good literature when I read it, and Gatsby is just that. It's not the most action-packed, event-filled book ever written, but it's an incredible study of human behavior and chocked to the brim with excellent mood, symbolism, and atmosphere. It's the type of book a person can really sink their teeth into. The plot and meaning isn't just laid out for you, but nor does it take a rocket scientist to find. Fitzgerald writes in an excellent style that is both intelligent and enjoyable, an oft rare combination that few authors have truly mastered.
Great Gatsby (Everyman)
It is superficial to dismiss the Great Gatsby as a 'period piece', a perfect description of the roaring twenties - but holding little value to the modern reader. Yet, the Great Gatsby is harbor to themes and concepts that transcend its setting, and still can be meaningful to a reader today. The Great Gatsby analyzes the destructive impacts of society and wealth on people - certainly, society today has not changed so much that is no longer damages the psyches of people would get dragged beneath its current. And today, we must still be believe in the potential for life and dreams - like Gatsby, a poor boy turned rich because he believed in the orgastic future.
Great Gatsby (Everyman)
This novel is an extremly remarkable book that has so much to do with devotion and trying to attain a goal that any cheesy romance reader should love it. Gatsby believed in the green light, and he knew that one day he would have Daisy, and the symbolism precribing to this is wonderful! However, it is not mush that you can read without thinking, otherwise it would be a cheesy romance novel. If you are involved with the novel you are reading, it will come to you with a bang, the true meaning leaving a smile on your face. Great job by one of the greatest American novelists of all time!
Great Gatsby (Everyman)
This was a pretty good book about the sad and corrupt people of the 1920s. Don't be bullied by William T. Vogt's review, though, read it for yourself and form your own opinion. It is easy not to have any sympathy for the characters because of faults such as greed, brutality, and arrogance. But it is important that you look beyond those characteristics when reading. You must remember this is the 1920s, you must take into consideration the background of each character and their motivations (every scene is important), then you will understand them more and perhaps gain a bit of sympathy if not like for the character. Even the Great Gatsby has his faults (don't be fooled by the title). When reading the story, a question that you should try to answer is if this is truly a love story or the story of two people who think their in love (consider motivation and character). Another question to ask is why this is titled the Great Gatsby. Overall, this is an excellent commentary on 1920s life through the eyes of Fitzgerald.
Great Gatsby (Everyman)
There's something about the American literary critic that seems to equate short and lowbrow with good. At least that's the feeling you get in school when forced to read novels like this one and by authors like Steinbeck and Hemingway. The interesting prose and slathered-thick symbolism livened up this tale of a man who is DETERMINED to have everything. The reason I didn't care about his struggle is because this nouveau riche tycoon just wants the standard stuff: acceptance, $$$ and girls. I guess the moral of the story is that being shallow and possessive can lead to tragic consequences, but duh!, you're already supposed to know that.
Great Gatsby (Everyman)
I read this book in high school. That was only three yearsago. I am not rich, not a social climber, but my sympathy for Gatsbyis utter and unbreakable. He is perhaps the most American hero in all of American literature--both a triumph of diligence and ingenuity and a tragedy of naivete and unrequitable striving. Make no mistake, "The Great Gatsby" is a classic. I don't mind if other readers don't like it, but I wish they would read the book with a little more empathy.