I first read The Great Gatsby when I was a junior in high school. I enjoyed it then. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read some books multiple times. But since I mainly teach British literature, I haven't had Fitzgerald shoved down my throat. I actually had only read Gatsby once until I decided to re-read it before the movie.
And I fell in love all over again. Fitzgerald does a wonderful job of depicting the Roaring 20's: the lavish parties, Prohibition, the carefree lifestyle. His novel is a comment on the society in which he was living.
I never truly identified with the characters in Gatsby until now. Maybe it's because I am the same age as the characters now, whereas ten years ago, I didn't have the life experience to compare to Fitzgerald's creations. Sadly I most relate to Nick, the narrator of Gatsby. He is an outside observer looking in at the "in crowd." Nick is not an omniscient narrator, but he is fairly objective. In fact, when the world, and possibly the audience, turns against Jay Gatsby, Nick stays by his side and continues to report the story of lost love.
Daisy, the object of Gatsby's
After re-reading The Great Gatsby, I can understand why students don't particularly enjoy the novel. Just like me as a junior, today's students have a difficult time relating to the world of the 1920's. But if they can just focus on the characters, they will enjoy Fitzgerald's social commentary.
I had the pleasure of watching the new film version of Gatsby. I wasn't feeling well when I saw it, but overall I did enjoy it. I felt as though the producers did a good job following the novel and bringing Fitzgerald's story to life. I do wish the ending would have followed the novel more. I feel more compassion of Jay Gatsby while reading the novel than viewing the film.
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