What makes the Great Gatsby so great by Afsha

What makes the Great Gatsby so great by Afsha - July 2013 Scholarship Essay

Symbolism was a major way in which F. Scott Fitzgerald successfully crafted his master piece of a book, The Great Gatsby. He used a variety of ways to express themes and ideas prevalent in the book. Using the green light, the Valley of Ashes, Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes and colors, Fitzgerald explores major life questions that were relevant in the 20s and that are still relevant today. That’s what makes The Great Gatsby so great because we all have that American Dream; whether it’s wealth, fame, success, love, or some other thing, we just want to achieve our goal and be happy. The Great Gatsby is the best book that I have read for school because it relates to everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or any other social standing.
Growing up in an Indian family and being born in America has caused me to be confused about my identity. I led a sort of double life: English and secular education at school, Hindi and religious education at home.  I became embarrassed by my parents (and still am a little to this day) and found that my values differed from parents and from my peers. I was too radical for my parents, but too conservative for my peers. I felt like an outsider, a misfit, an outcast. I just craved for a “normal” life.
Looking back those experiences made me the person that I am today. When we had to read The Great Gatsby this past year, I was skeptical at first; I thought it would be boring and irrelevant (despite the hype surrounding it) like most school books are. Boy was I wrong! Even though Jay Gatsby and I are total opposites, his story speaks to me. Gatsby’s struggles remind me to be realistic and let go of the past, wealth doesn’t necessarily mean happiness and that the American Dream is true to its word- anyone, with the right mind-set, can achieve their dreams; which unfortunately Gatsby didn’t really get to do.
Everyone can take something away from The Great Gatsby because we all have that something which drives our whole existence. It’s one of those timeless books. The Great Gatsby gives hope to misfits and to the people who were considered “un-American” in the 20s and still are today by certain people, including me. The “American” Dream is the Global Dream and that theme is what makes The Great Gatsby great.