The Great Gatsby

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 2

24 WLAFT 04-20 張立昕

Class/Course: Western Literature and Appreciation of Film and Television

Assistant Professor: Gladys Chiang (江足滿)

Name: 張立昕

Student No: C11141117

Date: Apr, 20th.2024

Western Literature and Appreciation of Film and Television:

“The Great Gatsby”

When I finished reading "The Great Gatsby," I was deeply captivated by the plot and
themes of the novel. Firstly, I was impressed by F. Scott Fitzgerald's depiction of early
20th-century American society. The novel portrays themes such as social elitism, wealth,
and spiritual emptiness, as well as the underlying sense of futility and absurdity behind
these themes.

Nick Carraway, as the narrator and observer of the story, allowed me to gain a deeper
understanding of each character's psychological state and motivations. Jay Gatsby's love
story is imbued with tragedy, with his love for Daisy Buchanan and pursuit of the
American Dream at the core of the entire narrative.

Furthermore, I was struck by the language and descriptions in the novel. Fitzgerald's
writing is delicate and poetic, filled with metaphors and symbols that encouraged me to
constantly ponder the meaning behind each plot point and character.

In conclusion, I believe that "The Great Gatsby" is not just a story of love and tragedy but
also a profound portrayal of American society, wealth ideals, and the pursuit of
happiness. This novel prompts us to reflect on our own values regarding money, love,
and happiness, while also deepening my understanding of the literary value and
profound themes within the novel.
1. Complexity of Characterization: "The Great Gatsby" presents complex
characters, each with their own motives and inner struggles. For instance, Gatsby,
while outwardly a wealthy and charming socialite, is inwardly filled with a
longing for love and happiness, driving all his actions toward his idealized vision.
2. Critique of the American Dream: Through Gatsby's story, the novel critiques
the emptiness and absurdity of the American Dream. Despite Gatsby's material
success, his love is hollow, and the happiness he pursues is elusive. This reflects
the societal overemphasis on wealth and success during that era, and the
resulting feelings of emptiness and disillusionment.
3. Profound Portrayal of Human Nature: "The Great Gatsby" is not just a love
story but a profound portrayal of human nature. Each character has strengths
and flaws, complex emotions, and inner conflicts. This complexity makes the
story vivid and realistic, allowing readers to easily empathize.
4. Reflection of the Era: As a novel reflecting early 20th-century American society,
"The Great Gatsby" successfully depicts the social landscape and values of the
time. Through its portrayal of social scenes, wealth disparities, and moral
dilemmas, it provides insight into the cultural and social environment of that era.

Overall, this novel is not only a captivating love story but also a deep reflection on
human nature, society, and the zeitgeist. With its exquisite prose and poetic language, it
encourages readers to delve deeper into their own values and perspectives on life.

You might also like