If I had to describe The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald in one word, I would say its plain sad. My sympathies lie with Gatsby and his fate’s unfairness surpasses the word “tragedy”.

Published in 1952, The Great Gatsby is about the Jazz Age of America focused on a group of people living in the Long Islands. The Great American Novel focuses on the mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, following the move of the narrator, Nick Carraway, to Long Islands. The extravagant parties and the gentleman hidden behind the lavish manner draws in the narrator as well as the reader. Finally receiving an invite over to his mysterious neighbor’s party, Nick meets Gatsby and is starstruck. Soon Gatsby’s ulterior motive is unfurled and Nick is thrown in the middle of a messy affair. The longing for Daisy that had survived for so long in Gatsby, fuels up in her participation but the non-commitment of Daisy towards him, infuriates Gatsby. Driven by the madness of passion, Gatsby is shown to be slowly losing his calm demeanor. Blinded by his love for Daisy, he gives up all his wealth but in the end, Daisy chooses her husband, Tom Buchanan, over an elopement with Gatsby. Shouldering a burden that was by no means his and waiting for Daisy to return his call, Gatsby’s end shows the futility of the American Dream.

Truly a classic that has transcended time, Gatsby’s life and especially his lonely, pathetic end, touches soul. The ultimate tale of sacrifice for love in modern age, I give the novel of Fitzgerald that is a masterpiece of American literature, a 5 out of 5.