Bee's Knees Dec. 1929 | Page 5

Is Gatsby A love story?

The Great Gatsby shows romance and drama during the roaring twenties. This novel can be described as a satire that comments on American ideals rather that embracing on American ideals. Love is not depicted as a passionate and supportive aspect on life like we expect it to. Instead, the novel proves to us the reality: love is not perfect. For example, on page 51, romance leads to sorrow and regret. Nick wonders why the red-haired lady in the chorus was singing with broken sobs and tears running down her face. He finds out that “she had a fight with a man who says he’s her husband.” (pg 51) From this passage, we can tell that romance does not always mean loving each other for eternity. In a society with American ideals, love doesn’t always last, and can actually hurt you.

This novel shows another aspect of American ideals: wealth. Wealth can dictate romance, such as in Tom and Myrtle’s scenario. Myrtle lives in the valley of ashes with her husband Mr. Wilson. Both Tom and Myrtle are already married, but Myrtle has a love affair with Tom because Tom is rich. She wants to become wealthy and live in the East Egg or in a luxurious apartment with Tom. The Great Gatsby does not particularly elaborate on a perfect relationship, where the couple loves each other unconditionally. This may be because the American society during this time had conditions that dictated love, such as wealth and family background.

By: Alice Wang

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