Table of Contents
Introduction
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its portrayal of the American Dream, opulence, and the darker aspects of human nature. Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, this novel offers profound life lessons that remain relevant today. In this essay, we will explore ten essential life lessons drawn from the pages of “The Great Gatsby,” examining the characters, their choices, and the consequences of their actions. These lessons serve as poignant reminders of the complexities of life, love, and ambition.
10 Life Lessons From The Great Gatsby
“The Great Gatsby, authored by F. Scott Fitzgerald, stands as a timeless tale from the vibrant era of the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby’s narrative, centered around his pursuit of societal recognition and a passionate romance, remains a classic for its exceptional writing and a memorable cast of characters that continue to resonate with readers and viewers long after the story’s conclusion. This enduring impact on people, even nearly a century since the novel’s publication, underscores its enduring significance.”
The story of “The Great Gatsby” has been adapted four times, with two of these adaptations gaining significant fame. One is the 1974 version featuring Robert Redford as Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy, and the other is a more contemporary rendition directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan.
Regardless of which adaptation one may choose to watch, the narrative imparts enduring life lessons that remain relevant across generations. Here are ten essential takeaways from “The Great Gatsby.”
Don’t Fall For Your Vices
In the story, the characters frequently engage in drinking and drug use as a key element of the parties they attend. This behavior carries a deeper message about succumbing to one’s temptations, which can involve seeking validation and a sense of belonging. Nick becomes consumed by this party lifestyle to the point where he loses himself, but eventually, he awakens from this self-destructive pattern and decides to quit. Meanwhile, many other characters are so obsessed with the idea of fitting in that their physical appearance and social status become their own vices.
Search For True Connections
Despite Gatsby’s extravagant and highly sought-after parties, his life ultimately ended in solitude, save for his sole companion, Nick. This highlights the futility of living a life surrounded by people who, when it truly counts, do not genuinely care for you.
The majority of Gatsby’s guests were oblivious to his true identity, and they were indifferent as long as the champagne flowed freely and the dance floor remained open. This conveys a clear lesson about the importance of seeking the companionship of those who genuinely value and care about you. Even though it was short-lived, Gatsby managed to find one true friend in Nick.
Your Past Doesn’t Define You
Gatsby made a conscious decision not to let his past hinder his future. Although he faced some setbacks along the way, he serves as an illustration of a character who seized control of his life. By recounting his journey and the transformation he underwent, he imparted valuable lessons to Nick Carraway. One of the key takeaways from his story is that individuals have the power to determine their own path and shape their own identity.
OTT Certificates and Censor E-Certificate boosts viewability of your short films. With Shortfundly get your film’s E-Certificates and release your creations now. Click here to get them now.
Passion Can Be a Dangerous Thing
Daisy and Gatsby’s enduring love story has captured the hearts of many throughout generations. However, it also serves as a tragic reminder of how their passion ultimately led to their downfall. Gatsby centered his entire existence around a single moment in the past and the intense love he once felt, to the point where it consumed him entirely.
This narrative serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked passion and its potential to transform into a harmful fixation. Jay Gatsby becomes consumed by his obsession with the past, famously proclaiming, “Is it possible to relive the past? Certainly!”
Live Life For Yourself
One of Gatsby’s significant shortcomings is that he spent his entire life preoccupied with how others viewed him. While he did have aspirations, they were fundamentally intertwined with the desire for external validation and love from Daisy. If he had lived a life true to himself, he probably would have experienced greater happiness and likely would not have faced the isolated and desolate ending that he did.
Don’t Take Assumptions As Facts
This story delves extensively into the impact of people’s assumptions about those around them. These assumptions give rise to numerous complexities, strained relationships, and even tragic consequences. The characters consistently make judgments about each other, resulting in conflicts and distorted perceptions of reality. At its core, this story imparts a profound lesson: it cautions against allowing preconceived notions to obscure one’s ability to perceive the truth of a situation and the true nature of individuals involved.
Be Enough on Your Own
A timeless lesson conveyed in this narrative is the importance of self-fulfillment and contentment, independent of external factors. The incessant craving for validation from others or material possessions is detrimental, and this message remains relevant even after nearly a century since the story’s inception. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of others’ approval throughout his lifetime could have been alleviated had he embraced the notion that he was complete and worthy in and of himself.
Don’t Judge The People Around You
This story is filled with instances of judgment, whether it’s related to family wealth, social standing, or relationships. Right from the beginning, Nick shares the wisdom his father imparted to him: “Whenever you have the urge to criticize someone, remember that not everyone in the world has had the same privileges as you.”
Daisy initially appears to be superficial and disconnected from her surroundings. However, she later expresses the idea that her daughter should be blissfully ignorant, saying, “I wish for her to be naive. That’s the most desirable quality for a girl in this world, to be an enchanting and innocent young lady.” This serves as a reminder that forming judgments based on appearances or social status can be misleading and doesn’t provide an accurate reflection of a person’s true self.
Money Can’t Buy Everything
Jay Gatsby invested considerable time and resources in hosting extravagant parties to captivate Daisy’s attention. Yet, despite his immense wealth, which was categorized as “new money,” he failed to earn genuine respect or friendship from his social circle.
The moral of Jay’s story is clear: wealth cannot purchase authentic relationships or happiness, challenging the traditional notion of the American dream.
The American Dream Is Not Real
The central message conveyed by the novel is that the notion of the American dream is merely an illusion that doesn’t pertain to everyone. The story was penned during an era when this dream served as a significant source of inspiration for many, but despite a few individuals achieving success, a majority did not.
The American dream enjoyed immense popularity during that period and endured for several decades. Fitzgerald illustrates the fragility of this ideal and exposes the inherent unfairness of the world, demonstrating that, regrettably, there are instances where virtuous individuals do not attain their desired happy endings.
Conclusion
As we close the book on the lessons from “The Great Gatsby,” we are reminded of the enduring relevance of Fitzgerald’s masterwork. This novel holds a mirror to society’s pursuit of the American Dream and the often elusive nature of happiness. Through the characters of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway, we’ve gleaned insights into the consequences of obsession, the fragility of dreams, and the illusion of wealth and status. “The Great Gatsby” reminds us that the pursuit of happiness is not a straightforward journey. It’s fraught with moral dilemmas, broken dreams, and the inexorable passage of time. The lessons learned from this literary masterpiece compel us to reflect on our own lives, choices, and values. Ultimately, as we navigate the twists and turns of our own narratives, we must strive to find the balance between ambition and integrity, love and self-interest, and the pursuit of dreams and the acceptance of reality. In the end, these timeless lessons from “The Great Gatsby” serve as a beacon, guiding us towards a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.
Note:
*Shortfundly is hiring for multiple roles in Chennai. Start referring your known connections to these openings*. Check it out – https://lnkd.in/erZm6rzh
About Shortfundly
Shortfundly is an OTT marketplace platform available to share the best short films and web series through global multi-platform network. Their editorial platform enables global audience to easily discover, watch, and share unique contents anywhere on their desktop, connected TV and mobile devices.
If you are planning to release and earn on an OTT platform, learn how to distribute your short film via Shortfundly.
For publishing an advertorial article about your digital news/product launch/ short film/web series/album song on our website, drop an email at [email protected]
Hey Cinephiles! We welcome guest blogging on our platform. Do share your article with us.
Check out our Shortfundly YouTube channel for other interesting podcasts & interviews with filmmakers.
To watch unlimited premium short films & web series, Download the Shortfundly mobile application now available on Google Play Store and Apple App store.
