Let me start by saying that The Great Gatsby was another example, for me, of a book that takes on a whole new meaning the second time it is read. When I read GG the first time, I followed blindly through the pages catching bits and pieces here and there about Fitzgerald was trying to tell me. Granted, I was a freshman: not yet had I gone through the life changing circumstances that led me to better understand the book. (In other words, APUSH and a class with Mr. Moore.) Thus, the second go around was much more satisfying.
In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I absolutely loved Nick's sarcastic sense of humor throughout the book. I found myself laughing out loud through almost every chapter. It was almost made better by the fact that he seemed so serious! I loved that I could imagine his tone of voice for myself instead of through an actor's perception. Another part of the book that was funny were the parties that he attended. I felt like I was watching reality tv. The people were ridiculous! Those were mostly where having background on the 1920's was useful. I knew that this type of thing was completely new to people, so they didn't really have set rules on anything; they just did what they wanted.
As for the main man, I couldn't help but feel bad for him. He had no real friends, no family nearby, and the girl he lived his life for didn't actually love him all that much. It's almost like the story was saying that money and popularity doesn't give you everything. Crazy!! and a little cliched, but there could definitely be warnings in there. His relationship with Nick was something I could never really quite comprehend. It definitely can't be described in a single word.
By the time I got to this book, marking the text was becoming non-existent. It was becoming more and more that I just wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next. But, I did notice that Fitzgerald used a multitude of sentence styles.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely do it again in the future!
"His relationship with Nick was something I could never really quite comprehend. It definitely can't be described in a single word." I agree. Each time I read it I can't figure out if Nick really likes Gatsby or not. I know what he says, but I can't decide.
ReplyDeleteI really like Fitzgerald. I think this one gets better with each reading too. I actually like Tender is the Night best--try it in your spare time!
I also forgot to say that it seemed like Nick's whole encounter in New York is a dream. Only a short time after arriving he gets caught up in the Gatsby thing and his whole journey ends with a couple of untimely murders. Then he just went back to his old life. It sounds likes crazy story to tell people at dinner parties.
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