Some weeks ago, I took a deep breath and decided to read some of these classical books everybody might have heard about it. I wondered which one among the million good books that have been written would be the right choice, and finally made my mind: The Great Gatsby. I know, I know... the movie has just gone out a few months ago, but who cares? Most famous books had a movie after it and that doesn't mean we shall stop reading.
However, I approached to the closest library (as January is a ones of those times of the year where I shouldn't ask my parents to buy me to many things, and you know, libràries can also be pretty awesome - and so interesting) and requestes where the English books where (oh deep breath here again, was I really reading it in English?). It really was an important decision for me: I can (almost) perfectly understand spoken English and the majority of texts, but reading an ENGLISH book in ENGLISH when ENGLISH is not my mother tongue... well, who doesn't love a little challenge?
However, I approached to the closest library (as January is a ones of those times of the year where I shouldn't ask my parents to buy me to many things, and you know, libràries can also be pretty awesome - and so interesting) and requestes where the English books where (oh deep breath here again, was I really reading it in English?). It really was an important decision for me: I can (almost) perfectly understand spoken English and the majority of texts, but reading an ENGLISH book in ENGLISH when ENGLISH is not my mother tongue... well, who doesn't love a little challenge?
I shall admit it took me an insane lot of time to go through it -and not without some trouble- for how relatively short this book is, but I was very proud of myself, really was.
Now, it all came to the final question: had I understood it? I thought I did, then I looked up for reviews online and it seemed I didn't got almost any of the symbolism and morals behind it. But hey, at least I know what the story was about! After reading a little more about it, here is the tiny shy attempt of list of what I was able to take out and learn from Jay Gatsby's novel:
Now, it all came to the final question: had I understood it? I thought I did, then I looked up for reviews online and it seemed I didn't got almost any of the symbolism and morals behind it. But hey, at least I know what the story was about! After reading a little more about it, here is the tiny shy attempt of list of what I was able to take out and learn from Jay Gatsby's novel:
| 1- The author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a famous American writer who is considered to be part in the 'Lost Generation'. He wrote most of his books, where you can include the so known ones of 'This Side of Paradise' and 'Tender is the Night', during the Jazz Age, a time of great big parties and hard laws on the Prohibition in the United States (20's - early 30's). 2- More often than not I stumbled upon the question: was Gatsby a great man? That is what the title states, but how can we really trust it? Everything he ever wanted is love, and that is what he is decided to get... and that is a pretty honorable cause, but until which point does the end justify the means? 3- Do we really get to know Gatsby? What is true and what is not? He is a character surrounded of mystery and secrets and we never really discover what did actually happened and what was just rumors. 4- Another great theme on the book is nostalgia, the attempt to recreate the ideologic past. Gastby endeavoured to take back its glory love days with her mistress, but something doesn't seem to end up working properly. Maybe is just time, who has always mixed up everything, 5- One of things that had me the most shocked is how at the end he takes the fall and fault for her (you know who I am taking about if your read the book - or I hope so - and if you haven't, well read it!). Did he ever expected all the tragical consequences? What were the reasons for that action? Love, maybe? And about her... did she knew it? Has she ever felt guilty? Oh, dear force of destiny... 6- And of course, the book is filled up with many more debatable topics such as the American Dream, racism, power and money, and revenge. |
And just if you were wondering, yes! I will recommend it to all of you, it really is a great book to learn and think about so many tòpics, and discover a little more about past societies. Besides, of course, being a truly enjoyable night lecture!
What do you think: was Gastby a great man? Or I just didn't understood the book, at all? What is the real truth behind everything? Did you enjoyed the book? Or haven't you read it? Let me know in the comments!
Sincerely,
Vera
Vera