Terrible book report on "The Great Gatsby" based on perusing Cliffs Notes for 5 minutes / Wendell Bubbler

"Great Gatsby" is a book unequaled in its various themes, symbols, and motifs. Of course before these can be effectively analyzed it's important to convey some basic aspects of the main characters. Nick's character is very important because he provides the reader's view into the story itself. He's the most identifiable of the main characters and is the most likable. And if there's one thing we've learned about classic tales such as "Great Gatsby" it's that likable characters are key. The other primary character is Gatsby. He's very rich and throws lavish parties but at the same time remains quite mysterious. This mystery is a key part to the rest of the story. There's also a woman named Daisy who plays a crucial role.

One main motif of the book is parties. Much of the action takes place at decadent parties where are schemes are hatched and scandals are carried out. These parties also serve as symbols of the upper class because the people wear nice clothes and eat expensive food which obviously cost a lot of money. One could even say the the extravagance of the parties provides an ironic foreshadowing of the death Gatsby and Daisy. The foreshadowing is also a central theme of the story as it pops up in more than one occasion. For example, there's the green light at the beginning of the story that foreshadows the green light at the end.

In conclusion, I think it's the greed of the main characters of the book that ultimately lead to their demise. And while "Great Gatsby" took place in a time much different than today, I think there are still lessons to be learned regarding wealth not necessarily leading to happiness, and the kindness and wonder of strangers.

A definite must read.