The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is an early 20th-century novel that examines themes of the American Dream, love, and social class through the eyes of Nick Carraway. The story unfolds as Nick reflects on his experiences with his enigmatic neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and the opulent yet hollow world of 1920s wealth and excess.

The novel begins with Nick recounting advice from his father about reserving judgment, a perspective that shapes his narrative. After moving to West Egg, Nick becomes acquainted with his wealthy cousin Daisy Buchanan and her domineering husband, Tom, while observing Gatsby’s mysterious persona. One evening, Nick catches sight of Gatsby standing alone, reaching toward a distant green light across the bay—an emblem of his unfulfilled aspirations. This opening introduces the novel’s key themes and characters, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of ambition, love, and the disillusionment lurking beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age.