The Great Gatsby is not a story about Jay Gatsby. It is a story about the green light, the American dream. “It is the story that if you work hard enough, you can succeed” (Donahue, “Five reasons ‘Gatsby’ is the great American novel”). Jay Gatsby was once James Gatz, a poor boy of unsuccessful farmers. The United States was founded upon aspiring immigrants who wished to one day enjoy rich livelihoods. Even in …show more content…
Scott-Fitzgerald’s composition sets for an enjoyable leisure. “The wildest parties and bad behavior among the rich and famous today have nothing… depicted in the Great Gatsby” (Donahue, “Five reasons ‘Gatsby’ is the great American novel”). Fitzgerald’s language is pristine. It could be argued he “makes phrases complicated.” Not only is it pleasurable to marvel at, but the the time and viewpoint at which this story is being narrated is to be accounted for. Nick Carraway is of high wealth and life, and it reflects in the language. The style only serves to further naturalize the setting and aid readers to cherish the novel. It is the 1920s, after all. “But his eyes [Dr. T.J. Eckleburg]... brood on over the solemn dumping ground” (Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby 23). There is a reason why Fitzgerald emphasizes detail on seemingly small events and objects. As it is later revealed, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are the eyes of god. Prior to the reveal, the matter frequented and characters are intimidated by the billboard. The “eyes” were a factor in Gatsby’s death, as Mr. Wilson, in his crazed state, believed them to be the “eyes of