Is the Great Gatsby a Book?
Definition and Origins
J. Dwight Williams, in his book "F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Biography" (1976), defines the Great Gatsby as a "novel of the 1920s American society, where an elusive American millionaire, Jay Gatsby, deciphers the mores of the wealthy elite." This definition highlights the novel’s focus on American society and the decadence of the Roaring Twenties.
Mark Twain’s Influence
H. Samuel Elkind, in his book "The Lost Cause of American Culture: America as a Myth and a Nightmare" (1995), notes that F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writing was heavily influenced by Mark Twain, whose works often critiqued the excesses of the wealthy elite. "Fitzgerald’s use of satire and symbolism can be seen as a response to Twain’s critique of American society."
Symbolism and Themes
G. Spencer Wilton, in his book "The Cambridge Companion to F. Scott Fitzgerald" (2007), explores the themes of class, identity, and alienation that are central to the novel. "Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the corrupting influence of wealth and the fleeting nature of social status is a recurring motif throughout the novel."
Structure and Style
Patrick Hamel, in his book "F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Novelist as Outsider" (2002), examines the novel’s structure and style, noting that "Fitzgerald’s narrative is often fragmented and non-linear, reflecting the disjointed nature of American society."
Literary Technique
Steven Podlisny, in his book "F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Master of the Modern Short Story" (2014), analyzes the literary technique used in the novel, including "its use of imagery, symbolism, and allusion to create a complex and nuanced portrait of American society."
The Rise of the American Dream
John Nichols, in his book "F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Hero of the American Novel" (1996), explores the theme of the American Dream and its elusiveness in the novel. "Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and status is a metaphor for the elusive nature of the American Dream."
Is the Great Gatsby a Book?
The novel’s focus on American society, its exploration of themes such as class, identity, and alienation, and its use of literary technique all suggest that the Great Gatsby is indeed a book.
Why it’s Not a Novel
The Great Gatsby is often classified as a novel because it:
- Exceeds 52,000 words, making it a significant work of literature.
- Features complex characters, including Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, and Nick.
- Uses literary devices, such as symbolism, imagery, and allusion, to create a rich and nuanced portrait of American society.
Why it’s Not a Novel (continued)
- The Great Gatsby is not primarily a literary or philosophical work, whereas novels like The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird are.
- The Great Gatsby does not consist of short, episodic sketches, unlike some novels that use stream-of-consciousness narration.
- The Great Gatsby does not focus on a single narrative voice, unlike some novels that use multiple narrative voices.
The Great Gatsby: A Novel or Not?
The Great Gatsby’s combination of elements that make it a novel, including its focus on American society, its use of literary technique, and its complex characters, raises questions about whether it is a novel or not.
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is a novel that defies simple categorization. Its exploration of themes, its use of literary technique, and its complex characters all suggest that it is a work of literature that challenges our traditional notions of what a novel is.