This essay example of the Great Gatsby book review presents the notions of money and poverty, covering how these aspects affect individuals in society. Basically, the themes of money and despair educated Nick Carraway to pursue a quality life rather than wealth that encouraged him to move to West Egg. In this case, the failure to do so led to a dead end like Gatsby, who got shot by George Wilson. The plot and themes show that everyone wants money, but it clouds judgment, leading to despair when Gatsby dies and showing how everyone is hopeless to run faster like the boat.
The Plot Review on the Great Gatsby Book
The Great Gatsby book review addressed the plights of Nick Carraway, a young man who moved to West Egg to sell bonds before meeting the main character. As an ambitious youth seeking to join the bond business, Nick moved from the Midwest to West Egg (Fitzgerald, 2004, p. 5). At West Egg, Gatsby and Nick became friends while the latter met Tom Buchanan, a womanizer. In this case, Nick dated Jordan Baker and Daisy, whom Gatsby loved, married Tom. Moroever, interactions among characters present different scenarios that make the book successful.
The Author and Characters
Admittedly, the Great Gatsby book was authored by F. Scott Fitzgerald, who worked on ten characters. In this case, Fitzgerald depicted the world from wealthy and poor people’s perspectives. For example, the characters in the book are Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Myrtle Wilson. As for others in this Great Gatsby book review, they include Mr. Gatz, George Wilson, Meyer Wolfsheim, and Trimalchio by considering the themes of money and despair.
The Concepts in the Great Gatsby Review Book
Notably, the concepts revealed in the book include money and despair. Fitzgerald (2004) showed that Jay embodied what Nick would want to become because he worked hard to free himself from poverty (p. 139). In this case, he admired Jay, but the positivity was shortlived when Jay got shot. Basically, he reflects on Jay’s murder by Wilson and accepted that everyone is desperate to succeed, and “tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther” (Fitzergerald, 2004, p. 193). Humans resemble Jay, who overworks despite low probabilities of success. Hence, money caused despair in the book.
Money and Despair
Money is a significant theme in the Great Gatsby review book, although its constant pursuit leads to despair. For example, the book began with a dream when Nick moved to West Egg to join the bond business. The desire to become well-off led him to become friends with his neighbor, Gatsby, who grew in a poor background before increasing his wealth. However, Jay came out as a hopeless romantic who pursued Daisy despite her minimal interest. The outcome was despair, the central tenet that Nick and Jay’s characteristics and interactions exposed.
Review of Contrasting Traits Between Nick and Jay
Nick:
- represented poverty;
- depicted the American Dream;
- was an intelligent person, and he quickly made friends in a new neighborhood;
- learned despair from Gatsby’s fast life.
Jay:
- was a wealthy neighbor;
- manifested the American Dream of building wealth;
- was a hopeless romantic who did not get over Daisy;
- got reduced to an observer rather than a participant in his parties;
- depicted despair.
Summing Up on the Great Gatsby Book Review
In conclusion, this essay example on the Great Gatsby book review revealed the theme of money that Nick chased, although it showed Jay as unable to make social connections as he only moved with unclear goals. Basically, the issues of money and despair show the need to embrace humanistic elements like building social relationships. As opposed to Jay, Nick is a focused person who analyzes different situations thoroughly. In turn, Jay thought that being wealthy granted him a pass in life, and, later, he got murdered.
Reference
Fitzgerald, F. S. (2004). The Great Gatsby. New York, NY: Charles Scribner.