11/28/2025

I usually don’t read much English literature, but I had seen the hype around The Great Gatsby, especially its themes, plot, and use in pop culture. I decided to pick up a copy, and I quickly understood why it is so hyped.

The story begins with Nick Carraway, a young man that just moved to Long Island, who narrates events in the most biased way possible. He follows his fathers words of “reserving judgement”, often remembering that others have different advantages. Although Nick comes from a wealthy, entitled society, he is often described as an outsider because of his observant and reflective nature. In a community full of lust and greed, Nick realizes the ugly, dark side of society. He explains his close-knit relationship with his second cousin once removed, Daisy, and her husband, Tom Buchanan. Tom hides an affair from Daisy, and Daisy is  unhappy in her marriage, but stays with him to uphold their familial social status and wealth.

Nick also befriends his odd yet charming neighbor, Jay Gatsby, who hosts lavish parties but remains mysterious. At these parties, people perceive Gatsby in completely different ways, some seeing him as foolish, others as kind. When Nick finally meets him, he realizes Gatsby is far different from a lavish host. His true desire is not the money or the parties, but finding a relationship with Daisy after a secret, complicated, past.

Tension begins to rise among the characters: Tom’s arrogance, Gatsby’s impossible dreams, and Daisy’s hopelessness collide, creating deep conflict and revealing the selfishness and unhappiness living behind their entitled lives. The book ends in tragedy, where Nick and readers learn that no matter how big or impossible your dream is, there will always be bigger consequences from them.

This was such a unique read as it hid many symbols and metaphors, leaving a lasting impression about the impressions we have of others, love, and ambition.

Happy Reading!