It’s okay to admit some of you had to Sparknote this novel when you were required to read it way back in high school. If you never got a chance to fully read The Great Gatsby, Thanksgiving break or winter break is the perfect time to do so. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby and the story takes place in a small town in Long Island during the summer. The novel is filled with adventure, romance, suspense, and brings the reader back in time to the Jazz Age of the twenties. Many years later, this American classic novel was turned into a must-see movie. You probably have already heard your friends raving about the movie or book, which is definitely worth reading and seeing. If you’re still wondering why Gatsby is so great, here are only a few of the many reasons!
1. No matter how many times you read or watch The Great Gatsby, you always pick up on something different each time. It never seems to get old and is a wonderful book or movie to add to your collection!
2. Gatsby’s Parties – As Collegiettes we all love a great time out with our friends. The party scene in The Great Gatsby is full of over-the-top decorations, people, and music and you can’t help wanting to get up and start dancing and partying with the characters. You can even throw your own Gatsby-themed party with your friends, which will surely make some great memories.
3. The Romance – Jay Gatsby has to be in the list of the top ten most amazing and romantic men. He spends his life trying to make a name for himself so he can give Daisy Buchanan, the love of his life, the proper life he thinks she deserves. He even moves into a mansion across the lake from her house so he can be closer to her. The real reason he throws crazy parties every weekend is in hopes she will walk through his door and back into his heart.
4. Jay Gatsby – Gatsby is played in the 2013 film adaptation by Leonardo DiCaprio, and if you thought you fell in love with him in Titanic, think again, because he is even better in this movie! He really brings Gatsby to life and he sure isn’t hard on the eyes. Same goes for Robert Redford in the 1974 version.
5. The American Dream – This story is about the success of individuals and how Jay Gatsby went from rags to riches. Gatsby is constantly chasing a dream, which captures the American spirit. The novel shows that by working hard enough, you can ultimately succeed.
6. The 20’s – Who wouldn’t love this time in our history, which was filled with gangsters, celebrities, cars, sex, flappers, alcohol, the stock market, and a whole host of other cool stuff. It was a time in our history where our culture was constantly changing. Even the way people spoke to each other was so different from today, which made the movie even more entertaining.
7. The Cast – The Great Gatsby was filled with well-known and highly acclaimed actors and actresses. You wouldn’t have expected to see so many well-known actors in this film that worked so well together. They truly transformed into their characters from the novel and brought the characters to life.
8. The Music – This movie is filled with amazing remixes and songs that you will most likely want to download to your iTunes playlist.
9. The Clothes – The 20’s was filled with excellent style and was drastically different from the clothes we wear today. It was so great seeing all the clothing and accessories from such a different era in American history.
10. The Perfect Date Night – Need I say more? This movie makes the perfect date night with your boyfriend or a night with your besties!
Next time you’re debating on which movie to watch or book to read, keep The Great Gatsby in mind as your go-to novel and you will surely be satisfied, old sport!