Sophia Caneira ’29

by Sophia Caneira ’29 on February 12, 2026

April 2025 marked the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The novel, which is still a must-read in high schools, has been adapted into a handful of movies, a Broadway musical, and, more recently, a ballet. Fitzgerald’s most famous work is often remembered for its vivid imagery, poignant dialogue, convoluted characters, and captivating story. 100 years later, it is still considered one of the greatest literary works ever written. 

The Great Gatsby follows Nick Carraway, an unreliable narrator who recounts a summer spent on Long Island. During his time in the nouveau-riche West Egg, he meets the mysterious figure Jay Gatsby, who seems more like an idea than a real man. Gatsby is famous for the vibrant parties he holds at his mansion, yet he rarely appears among the throngs of uninvited guests who spread rumors about their host and his hidden past. Nick eventually learns of Gatsby’s obsession with his lost love, Daisy, who is now married to the arrogant Tom Buchanan and lives across the bay in the untouchable old-money East Egg. As the events of the story unfold, Nick begins to realize the true natures of those around him. Ultimately, he finds that Gatsby is the only genuine man among a whole host of shallow, careless people. 

At face value, Gatsby’s world in 1922 seems far out of reach, but his story continues to be immensely accessible in the modern day. The Great Gatsby confronts the idea of social mobility, and comments on the American Dream, questioning its validity. Does it exist? Can it really be achieved? Is there something more important? The tragic romance of Gatsby and Daisy remains an element modern audiences can empathize with. 

Fitzgerald’s style of writing is itself something worth exploring. One of his greatest strengths is his constant use of subtle symbolism—from the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, to the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, to even the distinct colors of clothing. Every word is intentional with Fitzgerald. 

There is something undeniably enchanting about Gatsby’s world; the extravagant culture of the Roaring ’20s, the reunited lovers, and the mystery surrounding the persona of Gatsby. Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film rendition captured the pomp and circumstance readers imagine. Every shot, every costume, every set piece is glamorous—almost to the point of overstimulation in a few cases. And who better to play the romantic icon than Leonardo DiCaprio? 

In its simplest form, The Great Gatsby is a story of hope. Gatsby lived on hope. He died with hope. Perhaps this answers why Gatsby is so beloved, and why the story still holds up today. Hope is something we’ve all encountered. It’s one of those universal human experiences—one that even Gatsby shares. Everyone has their own green light, their own source of hope, blinking through the darkness. It’s easy to put ourselves in Gatsby’s shoes, as readers love to do. His dream is so pure. Innocent, in a way. His preoccupation with the past is a trait many people can relate to. 

“Can’t repeat the past?” Gatsby tells Nick. “Why, of course you can.” 

The Great Gatsby is terribly sad, and in revisiting Luhrmann’s film, every scene carries the weight of tragedy. But there is something real within that; something very human. There’s a beautiful truth in Gatsby, one that continues to attract new generations of readers. 

Every hopeless romantic loves Gatsby. But it’s ironic, isn’t it? Gatsby wasn’t a hopeless romantic at all. In fact, he was quite the opposite: he was hopeful.