School Year: 2023-2024

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Name: Abigail Alfonso

Section: Zircon
Teacher: Ms. Dae

MY BOOK REPORT

CHARACTERS:

Jay Gatsby: Jay Gatsby is a mysterious and intriguing figure in the novel. He has
risen from humble beginnings to become a wealthy man, though his means of
acquiring wealth are questionable. Despite his extravagant lifestyle and lavish
parties, Gatsby remains a lonely and isolated individual, driven by his intense love
for Daisy Buchanan. He embodies the American Dream, but his pursuit of wealth
and status ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby is a complex character, oscillating
between hope and despair, innocence and corruption, making him one of the most
compelling figures in American literature.
Daisy Buchanan: The embodiment of riches, elegance, and social standing. She's
Gatsby's idea of perfection, the object of his deep longing. Yet, Daisy's a deeply
flawed woman. Trapped in a loveless marriage with Tom Buchanan. Despite initially
drawn to Gatsby, Daisy chooses to stay with Tom in the end. Picking security and
status over true love. Her inability to face desires and retreating into luxury make
Daisy tragic. Symbolic of moral decline and emptiness among Jazz Age elite.
Tom Buchanan: Tom Buchanan was Daisy's husband. He showed traits of old
money people. Tom was arrogant, selfish, and unethical. His wealth and privilege led
to bad behavior. Tom cheated on Daisy without feeling guilty. He dated Myrtle
Wilson openly. Tom was a symbol of corruption in the upper class. His wealth and
power let him control others. While looking down on Gatsby's new money, Tom was
just as immoral, maybe worse.
Nick Carraway: Nick Carraway serves as the novel's narrator, his voice guiding us
through the story. He watches the wealthy elite closely, at first drawn to their
glamorous and exciting lifestyle. But as time passes, Nick becomes disillusioned by
their moral failings and shallow ways. He is thoughtful, questioning ideas of right and
wrong, identity, and whether the American Dream really exists. Amid the confusion
of the Jazz Age, Nick's voice stands out, reasonable and ethical, contrasting with the
other characters' chaos.
Jordan Baker: Jordan Baker is a professional golfer, cool and cynical. She is a
friend of the Buchanans. Jordan and Nick Carraway get involved romantically. Their
bond is built on shared dislike for the fakeness of East Coast society's ways. Jordan
symbolizes moral ambiguity, amorality in the novel's world. She moves through a
reality where looks matter most, nothing seems as it truly is.
Myrtle Wilson: Myrtle is Tom Buchanan's mistress, a working-class woman trapped
in a loveless marriage with her husband George. She represents the desire for social
mobility and the allure of wealth and status, ultimately meeting a tragic end at the
hands of Daisy Buchanan. Myrtle's death serves as a catalyst for the novel's climax,
exposing the underlying tensions and resentments simmering beneath the surface of
East Coast society.
George Wilson: George Wilson is Myrtle's husband. He runs a garage in the valley
of ashes. George is a troubled and defeated man. He is devastated when he learns
of Myrtle's affair with Tom Buchanan. George becomes consumed by grief and anger
after Myrtle's death. His misguided attempt to seek revenge against Gatsby
ultimately leads to tragedy. This underscores the destructive impact of jealousy and
obsession.

SETTING:
The Great Gatsby is set in the fictional towns of East Egg and West Egg on Long
Island, New York, during the summer of 1922. The contrast between the extravagant
mansions of East Egg and the newly wealthy residents of West Egg highlights the
disparity between old and new money. The novel also explores the gritty underbelly
of New York City and the desolate valley of ashes, reflecting the moral decay and
disillusionment of the era.

PLOT:

Exposition:
Nick Carraway moves to West Egg and becomes neighbors with the mysterious Jay
Gatsby. He reconnects with his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom, and
becomes embroiled in their lives.
Rising Action:
Gatsby attempts to woo Daisy back, despite her marriage to Tom. The tension
between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy escalates, leading to confrontations and
revelations about their past.

Climax:
The climax happens when Gatsby's dream of reuniting with Daisy collapses. Tom
exposes Gatsby's criminal activities and Daisy chooses to remain with Tom, leading
to Gatsby's demise.

Falling Action:
Gatsby's downfall is further compounded by his murder at the hands of George
Wilson, who believes Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death. Nick struggles to
come to terms with the moral corruption surrounding him.

Resolution:
Nick reflects on the tragedy of Gatsby's life and the emptiness of the wealthy elite.
He returns to the Midwest, disillusioned by the shallow values of East Coast society.

THEME:

The American Dream:

The novel explores the illusion of the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and
status. Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy and the trappings of wealth ultimately
lead to his downfall, highlighting the emptiness of materialism.

The Corruption of the American Dream:

Fitzgerald critiques the moral decay and corruption underlying the American Dream.
The characters' pursuit of wealth and pleasure leads to moral bankruptcy and
disillusionment.
The Illusion of Love:
Gatsby's romantic idealization of Daisy blinds him to her flaws and the reality of their
relationship. Their love is ultimately shallow and unattainable, reflecting the
superficiality of the society they inhabit.

Class and Social Sorting:

The novel explores the divide between old and new money, and the ways in which
social class shapes identity and opportunities. Despite his wealth, Gatsby is unable
to overcome the barriers of class and status that separate him from Daisy and the
old money elite.

MORAL LESSON:

The Danger of Obsession:

Gatsby's obsession with Daisy leads to his downfall, highlighting the destructive
consequences of fixating on an idealized vision or unattainable goal. The novel
warns against the dangers of allowing obsession to consume one's life, urging
readers to maintain perspective and balance in their pursuits.

The Fragility of Human Relationships:

Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald reveals the moral decay and corruption that often
follow wealth and privilege. Tom Buchanan's abusive conduct and Gatsby's unlawful
endeavors emphasize the dangers of unchecked power and privilege. "The Great
Gatsby" serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany wealth
and status, urging readers to resist the temptation of corruption and exploitation.

The Corruption of Wealth and Power:

Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald reveals the moral decay and corruption that often
follow wealth and privilege. Tom Buchanan's abusive conduct and Gatsby's unlawful
endeavors emphasize the dangers of unchecked power and privilege. "The Great
Gatsby" serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that accompany wealth
and status, urging readers to resist the temptation of corruption and exploitation.
RECOMMEND TO:

Fans of the Dramatics:

"The Great Gatsby" is a perfect recommendation for fans of the dramatic. Its
storyline is replete with intrigue, passion, and high-stakes emotions, making it a
compelling read for those who enjoy dramatic narratives. The novel is filled with
intricate relationships, forbidden love, and tragic twists, all set against the backdrop
of the opulent Jazz Age. From the extravagant parties of Jay Gatsby to the
clandestine affairs and societal scandals, "The Great Gatsby" delivers a captivating
drama that will keep fans of the genre on the edge of their seats. Additionally, the
novel's cinematic adaptations further enhance its dramatic allure, making it a must-
read for anyone seeking an engrossing and emotionally charged literary experience.

History Buffs:
"The Great Gatsby" is a captivating read for history enthusiasts interested in the
vibrant Roaring Twenties. F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel vividly captures the
social dynamics, cultural shifts, and economic prosperity of this transformative era in
American history. Through the lens of characters like Jay Gatsby and Daisy
Buchanan, readers gain a nuanced understanding of the opulence, extravagance,
and moral complexity of the Jazz Age elite. The novel's exploration of themes such
as the pursuit of the American Dream, the impact of Prohibition, and the class divide
provides valuable historical context for understanding the 1920s. Additionally, "The
Great Gatsby" offers a thoughtful portrayal of post-World War I America, reflecting
the tensions and contradictions of a society on the cusp of significant change. For
history enthusiasts, delving into this literary masterpiece offers a deeper appreciation
for the cultural milieu and societal norms of the Roaring Twenties.