The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel that follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man living on Long Island in the 1920s.
Gatsby, who was born James Gatz, is a self-made man who has achieved success through illegal means. He is known for throwing lavish parties at his mansion, which are attended by many of the elite members of society.
Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest, moves to Long Island and becomes Gatsby’s neighbor. He becomes entwined in Gatsby’s world and witnesses the unraveling of his life.
The story is narrated by Nick, who becomes fascinated by Gatsby’s lifestyle and his obsession with Daisy Buchanan, a woman from his past. Gatsby and Daisy had a relationship before he left to fight in World War I, but she married Tom Buchanan while he was gone.
Gatsby’s desire to win back Daisy’s affections leads to his downfall. His illegal activities are uncovered and he is murdered by Tom’s mistress, Myrtle Wilson’s husband, George.
The novel explores themes of love, obsession, and the corruption of the American Dream. Gatsby’s rise to wealth and success is shown to be fleeting and hollow, as he is unable to attain true happiness and fulfillment.
Nick, who initially admires Gatsby, becomes disillusioned by his actions and the emptiness of his lifestyle. He ultimately leaves Long Island, disillusioned by the decadence and corruption he has witnessed.
The Great Gatsby is a powerful commentary on the effects of the pursuit of wealth and success on the human soul. It serves as a warning against the dangers of sacrificing one’s morals for material gain.